Hayfever can respond quite well to herbal medicine, but each person and each person's allergies will be different, so we can only speak in generalities here. It may be that other underlying conditions would have to be dealt with and with hayfever, it is true to say, that the herbs one person responds well to, might be ineffective for another and vice versa, so you may have to try different alternatives, until you hit on the right combination of herbs for you.
In general terms hayfever is an over stimulation of the body's immune response and a herbal strategy will often include herbs that support the immune system for this reason. Stress may be a problem, exacerbating the reaction and so the the resultant symptoms, so herbal help for your nerves could also be part of your prescription. Also, because the symptoms are being expressed through the respiratory system, herbs to support the tissues of the upper and lower respiratory tract are likely be included. These particular parts of a herbal prescription would be chosen by your herbalist on the basis of your individual presentation of symptoms.
In terms of simple herbs to give symptomatic relief, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is one herb that is a good anticatarrhal and is used for hayfever and indeed in many herbal medicines for the respiratory tract, including those for sinusitis. It is a good support for watering eyes and is also anti-inflammatory and astringent, so it should cool down, reduce and help dry up those over-stimulated mucous membranes. Elderflower (Sambuccus niger) is another anticatarrhal, which is also good for helping symptoms of the common cold.
Medical herbalists, might use Baical Skulcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) to help with inflammation and as an anti-allergic, and to help with any infections of the upper respiratory tract, as they may use Golden rod (Solidago virgaurea) which you may know better as a herbaceous plant. Another much more familiar herb to use as an anti-allergic herb, would be Stinging Nettle leaf (Uritica dioica).
It may be advisable to look at your diet, sometimes excluding dairy foods may help (do this sensibly and make sure you substitute other foods that will supply you with the nutrients, such as calcium, that you get from milk).Also the same old story of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and a diet low in highly refined carbohydrates might not do your hayfever any harm. If you are not avoiding dairy altogether, taking natural (unsweetened) organic yoghurt daily may help, maybe add a little turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties (see 'turmeric' blog below). Alcohol and caffeine drinks should also be avoided. Try green tea instead - it has other health benefits - (see 'green tea' blog below)
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or any herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source. Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine