The season for sneezes, runny noses, itchy eyes and nasal congestion will soon be upon us. The cause? Hay fever, which, despite its name, is not caused by hay and does not cause a fever.
Known in medical circles as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever is most often treated with non-sedating drugs such as Zyrtec and Claritin, previously available by prescription only, but now for sale over-the-counter. Unfortunately, these drugs are often expensive and can cause drowsiness.
But European researchers have now discovered that the common herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) can effectively relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Whats more, butterbur works without the sedation and drowsiness often associated with over-the-counter drugs.
Dr. Andreas Schapowal, consultant in ear, nose and throat medicine at the Allergy Clinic in Landquart, Switzerland, took 125 patients with hay fever and divided them into two groups. Group A received Zyrtec and group B received butterbur. The Zyrtec was given once a day and the butterbur four times a day for two weeks, with neither group aware of which treatment it was receiving.
The results, published in the British Medical Journal, showed that both groups improved equally. However, the Zyrtec group complained about drowsiness and fatigue, while the butterbur group did not. Scientists concluded, "Butterbur should be considered for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis when the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided."
Other physicians express concerns with butterbur's potential for toxicity, although this study did not demonstrate serious side effects. However, be sure to choose a reliable brand and follow the instructions on the bottle.
