Allergy Season Herbs

[AcuDoc]

Spring Allergies are here. What are your favorite herbs/supps to combat allergies?

Mine are; Butterbur, Stinging Nettle (leaf, not the root) and strong organic peppermint tea (if there is sinus congestion). Here are some studies -

Re: Butterbur Extract May Be Effective for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Schapowal A. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. British Medical Journal. 2002;324:1-4.

One hundred thirty male and female patients (aged 18 years or older) with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis (at least two consecutive years) were screened for a randomized, double blind trial comparing the efficacy of a butterbur extract and cetirizine (a non-sedating antihistamine). One hundred twenty-five patients were randomized to take either one butterbur (Petasites hybridus) herb extract tablet (standardized to 8.0 mg of total petasin per tablet, ZE 339, Zeller AG, Switzerland)* four times per day or one 10 mg tablet of cetirizine in the evening. Blinding was achieved by having each patient take five tablets -- four containing either placebo or butterbur, and one containing either cetirizine or placebo -- depending on the treatment group. The main outcome measure was change of score from baseline of each item on the medical outcome health questionnaire (SF-36). The SF-36 questionnaire is a self-assessment tool with questions grouped hierarchically in eight categories with a total range of 0-100 per item. The questionnaire also includes one category with a five-point score for comparing current severity of the condition with that of the previous year. The secondary outcome measure was the physician's clinical global impression scale (CGI). The hypothesis was that butterbur was roughly equivalent to cetirizine at the end point, defined as within 10 percent of the SF-36 score or by one point in the CGI.

Improvements in both the SF-36 and CGI scores were similar in both groups. Analysis of the main outcome measures rejected the hypothesis of butterbur's being inferior to cetirizine, with none of the scores in the butterbur group more than 10 percent worse than in the cetirizine group. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for the two treatment groups. However, two-thirds of the adverse events for the cetirizine group were drowsiness and fatigue -- symptoms not reported in the butterbur group.

Comments/Opinions: Allergic rhinitis (sometimes called hay fever) can be either seasonal or perennial and is characterized by sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, throat itching and irritation, and watery eyes. The allergic response is typically caused by the deposition of an allergen (e.g., pollen) on the nasal membranes. Typical treatment is the symptomatic use of over-the-counter antihistamines (e.g., clorpheniramine, diphenhydramine) or the new generation of prescription antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin®, Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ) or desloratadine (Clarinex®, Schering Corporation). While usually safe, antihistamines may cause drowsiness (please note that the last two products mentioned above are not associated with drowsiness) and may also interact with alcohol and can sometimes lead to complaints of dryness in the nasal passages and throat. The availability of an over-the-counter nasal spray containing cromolyn sodium (NASALCROM™, Pharmacia, Peapack, NJ) has offered allergic rhinitis sufferers a non-sedating alternative that helps stabilize mast cells (the cells that release histamine in the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses) and can act as a preventive agent. Nasal steroids are another treatment option for allergic rhinitis sufferers.

Research-supported herbal alternatives for the management of allergic rhinitis are scarce. Small clinical trials have suggested that freeze-dried stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)1 and the Japanese Kampo medicine sho-seiryu-to -- a combination of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cassia bark (Cinnamomum aromaticum), schisandra (Schisandra sphenanthera), ephedra or ma huang (Ephedra sinica), ginger root (Zingiber officinale), pinellia (Pinellia ternata), and asiasarum root2 (Asiasarum is an outdated name for certain Asian species of Asarum. The two species used interchangeably (as Xi Xin) in Traditional Chinese Medicine for colds are Asarum heterotropoides) may hold promise for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, there have been no follow-up studies on these products.

Petasites hybridus is an herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.3 Although the name butterbur is used as the common name in this study, its standardized common name is purple butterbur and it is also commonly called sweet coltsfoot.4 A related plant, P. frigidus, is known commonly as Arctic butterbur and less commonly as Arctic sweet coltsfoot or western coltsfoot -- and should not be confused with coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara).

The leaves, rhizome, and roots of butterbur contain a mixture of eremophilan-type sesquiterpenes consisting primarily of petasin and isopetasin.3 Renowned German phytotherapy experts Rudolf Fritz Weiss, M.D., and Volker Fintelmann, M.D., suggested that petasin has both spasmolytic and analgesic actions.5 They wrote that this explains the historical use of the plant for whooping cough and bronchial asthma. Interestingly, the German Commission E has separate monographs for butterbur leaf and rhizome. The leaf is given a negative rating due to the assessment that other herbal drugs were more effective in relieving cough, such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or sundew (Drosera rotundifolia).6 Butterbur rhizome, on the other hand, receives a positive rating for the adjunctive treatment of acute spasmodic pain in the urinary tract.7

The dark cloud hanging over butterbur leaf and rhizome is the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).8 These potentially hepatotoxic and carcinogenic constituents have led to the demise of coltsfoot and comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) in herbal medicine as well. Drs. Weiss and Fintelmann suggest that this has been the primary explanation for the waning interest in the therapeutic use of butterbur.

The ZE 339 extract used in this trial is from the aerial parts of the herb and not the rhizome of the plant. Perhaps most important, the manufacturers remove PAs during the manufacturing process.9 While the butterbur product used in this trial is currently unavailable in the U.S., a product made from the rhizome and delivering 7.5 mg of total petasin per capsule is commercially available (Petadolex™, Weber and Weber, USA). Also a CO2 extract, the Petadolex product is also free of PAs. While this product has been studied for treating migraine,10,11 it has not been studied for treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Practice Implications: Although this trial lacks a placebo group for comparison, it suggests that butterbur extract may be as effective as the antihistamine cetirizine for the management of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. One advantage of the butterbur extract appears to be the absence of sedating side effects associated with many antihistamines. Placebo-controlled trials are needed as well as more safety information on the long-term use of butterbur extract.** Again, healthcare professionals should use caution to ensure that any butterbur extract recommended is free of PAs.
-Don Brown, ND

This article was first published in HerbalGram 2002;56:26-27.

[AcuDoc]

Overview

Stinging nettle is a perennial herb, found growing wild throughout the temperate zones of both hemispheres worldwide (Bombardelli and Morazzoni, 1997; Leung and Foster, 1996). The material of commerce comes mostly from wild plants collected in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, the former U.S.S.R., and the former Yugoslavia, though it is also cultivated somewhat (Bombardelli and Morazzoni, 1997; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The genus name Urtica comes from the Latin verb urere, meaning "to burn," because of its urticate (stinging) hairs. The species name dioica means "two houses" because the plant usually has either male or female flowers (Bombardelli and Morazzoni, 1997).

Herb and Leaf:

Stinging nettle herb has been used since ancient times. Greek physicians Dioscorides (first century C.E.) and Galen (ca. 130–200 C.E.) reported nettle leaf had diuretic and laxative action and was useful for asthma, pleurisy, and for the treatment of spleen-related illness. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (ca. 23–79 C.E.) reported hemostatic properties (Bombardelli and Morazzoni, 1997).

In traditional African medicine the herb is used as a snuff powder for nosebleeds, excessive menstruation, and to treat internal bleeding. It is applied on burns (List and Hˆrhammer, 1979). In India, the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia lists stinging nettle herb for uterine hemorrhage, cutaneous eruptions, infantile and psychogenic eczema, and nosebleed, at dosage 2–4 g herb or 3–4 ml fluidextract, always in combination with other herbs (Karnick, 1994). It is also taken in syrup or tincture form to treat urticaria (nettle rash) (Nadkarni, 1976). Stinging nettle is also widely used in North American aboriginal medicines. People of the Hesquiat, Sanpoil, Shuswap, and Tainarna nations use it as an antirheumatic drug (Moerman, 1998; Palmer, 1975; Smith, 1973; Turner and Efrat, 1982; Ray, 1933). It is also used as a gynecological aid by women of the Cowlitz, Cree, Kwakiutl, Lummi, Quinault, and Squaxin nations. It is taken as an aqueous infusion during childbirth to relax the muscles. The plant juice is taken by pregnant women who are overdue and the tips of the plant are chewed by women during labor (Gunther, 1973; Leighton, 1985; Moerman, 1998; Turner and Bell, 1973; Turner and Efrat, 1982).

In Germany, stinging nettle herb is licensed as a standard medicinal tea for diuretic action. It is also used as a component of prepared medicines intended for supportive treatment of rheumatic ailments and irrigation therapy in inflammatory conditions of the lower urinary tract (Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). Stinging nettle herb is used in German homeopathy in treatments for urticaria, herpes, eczema, hypersensitive reactions in the skin and joints, and burns (List and Hˆrhammer, 1979). In the United States, stinging nettle herb is used as a component in a wide range of dietary supplements. It is also used during and following birth and during lactation in traditional women's tonic formulas. It is prescribed by naturopathic physicians and licensed acupuncturists as a component in formulas used to treat hayfever and other allergies.

Modern clinical studies have investigated the use of stinging nettle herb to treat allergic rhinitis (Mittman, 1990), rheumatic complaints (Ramm and Hansen, 1995), acute arthritis (Chrubasik et al., 1997), and as a diuretic (Kirchhoff, 1983).

In a double-blind randomized study, 98 individuals with allergic rhinitis compared the effects of a freeze-dried stinging nettle herb powder (Eclectic Institute, U.S.A.) with placebo. Sixty-nine individuals completed the study. Assessment was based on daily symptom diaries and global response recorded at the follow-up visit after one week of therapy. The extract was rated higher than placebo in the global assessments. In the diary data, however, stinging nettle extract was rated only slightly better. The study reported that the extract produced positive, though limited results in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (Mittman, 1990).

In a multicenter study, 152 patients with degenerative, rheumatic diseases were given 1.54 g nettle herb dry extract (6.4–8.0:1) daily. Subjective improvement of symptoms was observed in 70% of the patients after three weeks (Ramm and Hansen, 1995). In another open randomized study, 40 patients with acute arthritis compared the effects of stewed stinging nettle herb combined with a sub-therapeutic dose of the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac against a standard dose of Diclofenac. Half of the patients took 50 g nettle and 50 mg Diclofenac and the other half took 200 mg Diclofenac. Thirty-seven patients completed the study. Assessment was based on the decrease in the elevated acute phase protein CRP (a protein elevated by inflammatory events and other pathological processes) and the clinical signs of acute arthritis: physical impairment, subjective pain, and pressure pain (patient assessment) and stiffness (physician assessment). All assessments were done on a verbal rating scale from 0 to 4. In both groups median scores improved by about 70% relative to the initial value. Only minor adverse effects occurred during treatment. The authors concluded that stinging nettle herb may enhance the NSAID antirheumatic effectiveness and that further investigations are needed in order to determine whether acute attacks of arthritis may respond to stewed stinging nettle herb on its own (Chrubasik et al, 1997).

In an open 14-day clinical study, 32 patients diagnosed with myocardial or chronic venous insufficiency were treated with 15 ml of nettle herb juice three times daily. A significant increase in the daily volume of urine was observed throughout the treatment, the volume in day two being 9.2% higher (p<0.0005) than the baseline amount in patients with myocardial insufficiency and 23.9% higher (p<0.05) in those with chronic venous insufficiency. Minor decreases in body weights (approximately 1%) and systolic blood pressure were also observed. Serum parameters were unaffected and the treatment was well tolerated apart from a tendency towards diarrhea. The treatment produced a distinct diuretic effect (Kirchhoff, 1983).

Pharmacopeial grade stinging nettle herb (leaf, flower, and stem) must be collected during the flowering period and contain not less than 18% water-soluble extractives, not more than 2% stem above 3 mm in diameter, and other quantitative standards. Botanical identity must be confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) as well as macrocopic and microscopic authentication (BHP, 1996). The German Pharmacopoeia and German Pharmaceutical Codex require similar standards though they do not have a water-soluble extractive requirement and the Codex requires not more than 10% stem fragments (DAB 10, 1994; DAC, 1986; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The ESCOP monograph requires that the material comply with the standards of the German Pharmacopoeia or the Swiss Pharmacopoeia (ESCOP, 1997).

[AcuDoc]

Peppermint leaf

Latin Name: Mentha x piperita
Pharmacopeial Name: Menthae piperitae folium

Overview

Peppermint is a perennial aromatic herb that is a natural hybrid of Mentha aquatica L. (water mint) and M. spicata L. (spearmint). It is found growing wild throughout Europe and North America along stream banks and in moist wastelands where it has escaped from cultivation. A number of varieties, strains, or chemotypes are cultivated, including "Mitcham" (rubescens form of the officinalis variety), "white" (palescens form of the officinalis variety), "black" (var. vulgaris), and also the rubescens form of the sylvestris variety (Briggs, 1993; Bruneton, 1995; Grieve, 1979; Leung and Foster, 1996; Trease and Evans, 1989; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The material of commerce is obtained entirely from cultivation in Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, northern Europe, and the United States (BHP, 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The United States is the leading producer of peppermint oil, especially in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Indiana (Bruneton, 1995; Leung and Foster, 1996; Tyler et al., 1988).

The genus name Mentha is from the Greek Mintha, the name of a mythical nymph who metamorphosed into this plant; its species name piperita is from the Latin piper, meaning pepper, alluding to its aromatic and pungent taste (Tyler et al., 1988). Mint leaves have been used in medicine for several thousand years, according to records from the Greek, Roman, and ancient Egyptian eras (Briggs, 1993; Evans, 1991). The origin of peppermint cultivation is disputed, though there is some evidence that it was cultivated in ancient Egypt. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (ca. 23–79 C.E.) wrote of its uses by the Greeks and Romans. Peppermint was first recognized as a distinct species by botanist John Ray in his Synopsis Stirpium Britannicorum (second edition, 1696), and his Historia Plantarum (1704). It became official in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721 (Briggs, 1993; Grieve, 1979; Tyler et al., 1988). Today, peppermint leaf and/or its oil are official in the national pharmacopeias of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Russia, and Switzerland, and the European Pharmacopoeia (BP, 1988; Bradley, 1992; DAB 10, 1991; AB, 1981; Ph.Eur.3, 1997; Ph.Fr.X, 1990; Ph.Helv.VII, 1987; Ph.Hg.VII, 1986; USSR X, 1973; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

In Germany, peppermint leaf is one of the most economically important individual herbs, demonstrated by the fact that in 1993 nearly four thousand tons were imported, and in 1994 almost five thousand tons. It is also one of Germany's own most important medicinal plant crops (Lange and Schippmann, 1997). It is licensed as a standard medicinal tea, is official in the German Pharmacopoeia, and approved in the Commission E monographs (leaf and oil). It is used as a monopreparation and also as a component of many cholagogue, bile-duct, gastrointestinal, and liver remedies, and some hypnotic/sedative drugs (BAnz, 1998; Bradley, 1992; Braun et al., 1997; DAB 10, 1991; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). In German pediatric medicine, peppermint leaf (67%) is combined with chamomile flower (33%) as an herbal tea to treat gastric upset in children. It is also used as a component of various "kidney and bladder" teas for children. Peppermint oil is used as a component of Inhalatio composita (45% eucalyptus oil, 45% pumilio pine oil, 10% peppermint oil) specifically indicated for coryza and nasal catarrh in children (Schilcher, 1997). In the United States, peppermint leaf is used singly and as a main component of a wide range of digestive, common cold, and decongestant dietary supplement and OTC drug products, in fluid and solid dosage forms. Peppermint leaf and peppermint oil are official in the U.S. National Formulary. Peppermint oil is used in the United States as a carminative in antacids, a counterirritant in topical analgesics, an antipruritic in sunburn creams, a decongestant in inhalants and lozenges, and as an antiseptic or flavoring agent in mouthwashes, gums, and toothpastes (Briggs, 1993; Leung and Foster, 1996; Tyler et al., 1988).

Most modern human studies have investigated peppermint oil rather than peppermint leaf as a treatment for stomachache (May et al., 1996), spastic colon syndrome (Somerville et al., 1984), postoperative nausea (Tate, 1997), relief of colonic muscle spasm during barium enema (Sparks et al., 1995), irritable bowel syndrome (Carling et al., 1989; Dew et al., 1984; Fern ndez, 1990; Koch, 1998; Lawson et al., 1988; Lech et al., 1988; Liu et al., 1997; Nash et al., 1986; Pittler and Ernst, 1998; Rees et al., 1979), prevention of abdominal distension in postoperative gynecological patients (Feng, 1997), and headaches (Gobel et al., 1994; Gobel et al., 1996). The use of peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome is based on preparations in enteric-coated capsules, causing a spasmolytic activity on smooth muscles of the gut. In animal tests, the probable mechanism of action has been shown to be the inhibition of smooth muscle contractions by blocking calcium influx into muscle cells (Forster et al., 1980; Giachetti et al., 1988).

In one double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial, Enteroplant®, consisting of peppermint oil (90 mg) and caraway oil (50 mg) in an enteric-coated capsule, was studied in 45 patients with non-ulcerous dyspepsia. After four weeks of treatment both the intensity of pain and the global clinical impression were significantly improved for the group treated with the peppermint/caraway combination compared with the placebo group (p=0.015 and 0.008, respectively) (May et al., 1996).

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study, the effectiveness of peppermint oil against Paracetamol® (acetaminophen) and placebo was studied for use of headaches. The liquid test preparation contained 10 g of peppermint oil and ethanol (90%) (LI 170, Lichtwer Pharma, Germany); the placebo was a 90% ethanol solution to which traces of peppermint oil were added for blinding purposes. The reference preparation contained 500 mg acetaminophen. The study included analyses of 164 headache attacks of 41 male and female patients between 16 and 45 years of age suffering from tension-type headaches in accordance with the International Headache Society classification. The authors concluded that a 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution efficiently alleviated tension-type headaches and that it was a well-tolerated and cost-effective alternative to conventional therapies (Gobel et al., 1996).

The approved modern therapeutic applications for peppermint are supportable based on its history of use in well established systems of traditional and conventional medicines, extensive phytochemical investigations, in vitro studies, in vivo pharmacological studies in animals, and human clinical studies.

Pharmacopeial grade peppermint leaf must be composed of the dried whole or cut leaf with not more than 5% stem fragments greater than 1 mm in diameter and not more than 10% leaves with brown spots caused by Puccinia menthae. The whole leaf must contain not less than 1.2% (ml/g) and the cut leaf must contain not less than 0.9% volatile oil. Botanical identity must be confirmed by macroscopic and microscopic examinations and organoleptic evaluation (Ph.Eur.3, 1997; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The ESCOP peppermint leaf monograph requires that the material comply with the European Pharmacopoeia (ESCOP, 1997).

European pharmacopeial grade peppermint oil is the volatile oil distilled with steam from the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant. Its relative density must be between 0.900 and 0.916, refractive index between 1.457 and 1.467, optical rotation between –10 and –30?, among other quantitative standards. Identity must be confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), organoleptic evaluation, and quantitative analysis of internal composition by gas chromatography. It must contain 1.0–5.0% limonene, 3.5–14.0% cineole, 14.0–32.0% menthone, 1.0–9.0% menthofuran, 1.5–10.0% isomenthone, 2.8–10.0% menthylacetate, 30.0–55.0% menthol, maximum 4.0% pulegone, and maximum 1.0% carvone (Ph.Eur.3, 1997). French pharmacopeial grade peppermint oil must contain not less than 44% menthol, from 4.5–10% esters calculated as menthyl acetate, and from 15–32% carbonyl compounds calculated as menthone. TLC is used for identification, quantification of compounds, and verification of the absence of visible bands corresponding to carvone, pulegone, and isomenthone (Bruneton, 1995; Ph.Fr.X, 1990).

Description

Peppermint leaf consists of the fresh or dried leaf of Mentha x piperita L. [Fam. Lamiaceae] and its preparations in effective dosage. The herb contains at least 1.2% (v/w) essential oil. Other ingredients are tannins characteristic of Lamiaceae.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Peppermint leaf contains luteolin, hesperidin, and rutin; caffeic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids, and related tannins; choline; a- and b-carotenes; gum; minerals; resin; a and g tocopherols; a-amyrin and squalene triterpenes; volatile oil (1.2–3%) composed mostly of monoterpenes—29–55% menthol, 10–40% menthone, 2–13% cineole, 1–11% pulegone, 1–10% menthyl acetate, 0–10% menthofuran, and 0.2–6% limonene (Bradley, 1992; Bruneton, 1995; Budavari, 1996; ESCOP, 1997; Leung and Foster, 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

The Commission E reported direct antispasmodic action on the smooth muscle of the digestive tract as well as choleretic and carminative activity.

Note: There is a separate monograph for peppermint oil.

The British Herbal Compendium reported carminative, spasmolytic, and choleretic activity (Bradley, 1992). In human pharmacological studies, peppermint leaf extracts had carminative action by causing a reduction in tonus of the esophageal sphincter, thus enabling release of entrapped air (Demling and Steger, 1969).

[KGarnett21]

Good post Doc.

[Mike83]

what about allergies to dust mites?

Do you know of any natural remedies?

[brumbartcheto]

Originally Posted by Mike83

what about allergies to dust mites?
Do you know of any natural remedies?

If you have an allergy towards dust mites, you will be better off taking care of the microorganisms, than taking medications. All remedies are only effective for short-term management. Also, just a few months ago an active ingredient commonly used in pharma for allergies toward dust mites turned out to be highly suspicious for being skin carcinoma provocative, and a few companies are desperately looking for an replacement of the ingredient in question, before another huge pharma scandal erupts in the media. So, just a heads up …

[Mike83]

thanks, ya i know the best way is to eliminate the mites.


I took the rug out of my room a few months ago.

I use to take allergy medicine and nose sprays for years since I was 6 years old.

I stopped all meds for a year or so now.

One of my nostrails is always blocked no matter what.

[brumbartcheto]

Originally Posted by Mike83

One of my nostrails is always blocked no matter what.

You have all my sympathy… I was used to live with somebody, who had severe allergy problems (not particularly towards dust mites, but the symptoms are similar), so I know … Unfortunately we live surrounded in filth … Humans loose about 5-10 grams of dead skin each week … A typical bed mattress may have contain anything from 100,000 to 10 million mites …

[IGGYCST]

still didn't get an answer on whats the diff between CEE and HYPER GROWTH CREATINE

[AcuDoc]

Originally Posted by Mike83

thanks, ya i know the best way is to eliminate the mites.


I took the rug out of my room a few months ago.

I use to take allergy medicine and nose sprays for years since I was 6 years old.

I stopped all meds for a year or so now.

One of my nostrails is always blocked no matter what.

There is a very good Chinese formula which an American company has made a version of which is great for opening swollen sinuses. It's called "fragrant passage" by Blue Poppy Herbs. Excellent formula, take 4-6 caps, 2-3x/day.