Hay Fever Hay fever is an allergic condition triggered by inhalant substances (frequently pollens) leading to sneezing and inflammation of the nose and conjunctiva of the eyes.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine—an effect which has been reported to help in some,1 2 but not all, studies.3 Some hay fever sufferers take 1,000-3,000 mg of vitamin C per day.
Quercetin, a bioflavonoid, works well with vitamin C as an antihistamine4 and may help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms. Together, they can be taken at the beginning of hay fever season to help hay fever sufferers through the season. Doctors of natural medicine often suggest 400 mg of quercetin two to three times per day. Other bioflavonoids that can be tried are hesperidin and rutin.
Ionized air may also play a role in allergies. Research suggests that some allergy-provoking substances, such as dust and pollen, have a positive electrical charge. Meanwhile, negative ions appear to counteract the allergenic effects of these positively charged ions on respiratory tissues.5
Negative ions generally lead to favorable effects and many individuals experience relief from their respiratory allergies. Other allergy sufferers report considerable relief, with a few allergy reactions resolving completely after negative ion therapy. The majority of allergy sufferers can reduce reliance on other treatments (nutritional, biochemical, or prescription), during negative ion therapy.
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Some individuals develop diarrhea after as little as a few thousand milligrams of vitamin C per day, while others are not bothered by ten times this amount. However, high levels of vitamin C can deplete the body of copper—an essential nutrient. It’s prudent to ensure adequate copper intake at higher intakes of vitamin C (copper is found in many multi-vitamin/mineral supplements).
No side effects are associated with the use of ionized air.
Herbs that may be helpful: Nettle leaf may reduce the symptoms of hay fever—including sneezing and itchy eyes.6 For help with hay fever symptoms, some people take 450 mg of nettle leaf capsules or tablets two to three times per day, or a 2-4 ml tincture, three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) Allergic reactions to nettle are rare. However, when contact is made with the skin, fresh nettles can cause a rash.
Checklist for Hay Fever References:
1. Holmes, HM, Alexander W: Hay fever and vitamin C. Science 1942:96:497.
2. Ruskin SL. High dose vitamin C in allergy. Am J Dig Dis 1945;12:281.
3. Fortner BR Jr, Danziger RE, Rabinowitz PS, Nelson HS. The effect of ascorbic acid on cutaneous and nasal response to histamine and allergen. J Aller Clin Immunol 1982;69:484-8.
4. Middleton E, Drzewicki G. Effect of ascorbic acid and flavonoids on human basophil release. J Allerg Clin Immunol Jan, 1992, p. 278.
5.Soyka F, Edmonds A. The Ion Effect. New York: Bantam, 1977.
6. Mittman P. Randomized double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica diocia in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Med 1990; 56:44-7.
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It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.