05/02/2026
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or pollinosis, is caused by seasonal pollen allergies.
Symptoms include excessive nasal mucus secretion (usually clear or white), itchy, watering eyes, sneezing, post-nasal drip and nasal obstruction.
While some herbs have specific benefits for treating hay fever, prevention is the better choice. For prevention, the use of immuneamphoterics, immunoregulatory herbs and herbs to stabilize mast cells and mucosal membrane tissue should be started 6-8 weeks before the usual onset of allergy season. The occasional use of nasal irrigation (Neti pot) can be helpful for clearing pollen from the sinuses and facilitating drainage of thick or sticky mucus. A study showed that overuse of Neti pot’s can interfere with healthy nasal flora and increase the risk of developing acute sinusitis.
Common herbs and supplements to help with allergic rhinitis (for oral use):
Bayberry root bark (Myrica cerifera)Can be used for patients with profuse nasal secretions that are clear or white. The tissue is atonic with post-nasal drip. This herb is very drying and should only be used in small amounts with less drying herbs.
Eyebright herb (Euphrasia spp.)The fresh tincture of Eyebright is useful for helping to dry up excessive sinus secretions, stabilize mast cells and inhibit histamine response. It is also of benefit for the red, itchy eyes caused by hayfever.
Horseradish root (Armoracia rusticana)This common condiment is also antibacterial and a pungent sinus dilator. It is useful for profuse white or clear nasal secretions.
Kudzu root/Ge Gen (Pueraria lobata)Acts as an antihistamine, helping to reduce excessive sinus secretions due to allergic rhinitis or colds.
Osha root (Ligusticum porteri)Is used for conditions with profuse nasal secretions, either clear or white in color, and post-nasal drip.
Quercetin is a flavonoid aglycone found in a wide variety of herbs and vegetables. Taken alone or with Bromelain, it can inhibit histamine release by stabilizing mast cells and preventing basophil degranulation as well as inhibiting inflammatory leukotrienes.
Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)Is used to reduce excessive sinus secretions, especially if the mucus is clear or white. It can be combined with Eyebright or Kudzu root.
Other herbs used to stabilize mast cells and inhibit allergic response include Amla, Rose Hips, Hawthorn, Goji Berry, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Green Tea and Schisandra berry.
This blog is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
