Botanical Prevention and Treatment for Hay Fever Lisa Meserole, M.S., R.D., N.D., and Eric Yarnell, B.Sc. In a paradox of nature, sufferers of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) who are plagued by reactions to pollens from certain plants, can also be helped by plants. During certain seasons when the plants that affect them are in bloom, peo- ple with hay fever, suffering headaches, runny noses, itchy eyes, and fatigue, are generally miserable. Mainstream medical treatments generally act to suppress symptoms and are accompanied by numerous undesirable side effects and an almost guaranteed return of symptoms the next year. Medicinal herbs and herbal constituents often can offer effective, long-term relief and may also prevent future problems. Hay fever, one of the more common types of allergy, is caused by an allergic reaction to normally benign substances known as allergens. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the main culprits are pollens. In the United States, Ambrosia spp. (rag- weed), Betula spp. (birch tree), and grass pollens are the main causes of hay fever. Botanical medicines do not stand alone as alternative treatments for hay fever or asthma, but they can be used effectively with other important treatment modali- ties.1 Dosing of botanical medicines is very important. Because herbs are usually gentle in their effect, they must be taken consistently over time before significant results are achieved. A therapeutic trial with a medicinal tea for a hay fever suf- ferer might consist of drinking a cup three Lisa Meserole, M.S., R.D., N.D. Eric Yarnell, B.Sc. times daily for at least 2 weeks. Doses for children are always smaller than those for adults, based on their smaller body size and reduced ability to metabolize com- plex chemicals. Allergic reactions to spe- cific herbs in individuals can occur. Such herbs should always be taken under the supervision of a provider trained in botanical medicine. Calming the Immune System For self-treatment, a hay fever sufferer should focus on the use of fresh or dried herbs in various forms, including teas, syrups, and baths, rather than concentrat- ed formulations of herbs or herbal con- stituents. These concentrated products are more likely to cause undesirable side effects and should be dispensed under the guidance of a skilled practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician or a medical herbalist. Herbal treatment of hay fever seeks to calm the immune and central nervous sys- tems. This can be accomplished using sev- eral herbs in different forms. First, a bath could be formulated using Calendula offici- 83