Natural help for hay fever

Dr Teelke Beck, what complementary medical approaches do you recommend for the treatment of hay fever?

There are various therapy options available for the treatment of hay fever. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture and herbal therapy in particular. European medicine primarily uses phytotherapy, i.e. treatment with herbal substances, while homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine also offer various preparations and treatment approaches to alleviate the symptoms.

How does acupuncture work for hay fever and what can patients expect from this treatment?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the defence system - also known as Wei Qi - is assigned to the functional circuit of the lungs. A weakened immune system is therefore considered a disorder of this system and is often favoured by external influences such as "wind". The energy balance can be regulated and the flow of Qi harmonised through the targeted placement of fine acupuncture needles at specific points. During the pollen season, treatment is primarily focussed on symptom relief: nasal secretions decrease and eye itching is also noticeably reduced. In addition, preventative acupuncture treatment is recommended in the winter months, before the pollen season begins. This can strengthen the immune system, significantly reducing or ideally eliminating symptoms in the acute phase.

Which herbal remedies are particularly effective against hay fever and is there scientific evidence for their effectiveness? Are there certain herbs or dietary supplements that are particularly effective?

Butterbur leaf extract has been shown to be particularly effective for hay fever; its effectiveness has also been investigated in scientific studies. In contrast to some conventional medications, this herbal alternative generally does not cause fatigue. Eye drops containing Euphrasia are also frequently used to relieve eye complaints. Angelica is also used in herbal medicine. In anthroposophic medicine, a combination of lemon and quince is also recommended, while in homeopathy, Allium cepa (kitchen onion), for example, can be used to support typical eye and nasal symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle also play an important role. What dietary recommendations do you give your patients to reduce inflammation and support the immune system?

There is no specific diet that directly eliminates hay fever symptoms. However, a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and a healthy lifestyle can support the immune system and have an indirect positive effect on symptoms. During periods of severe stress, it is advisable to avoid spicy foods and alcohol as much as possible. Vitamins - especially vitamin C - which can be consumed in greater quantities during this time also have a supportive effect. Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to the reduction of inflammatory processes and should be sufficiently integrated into the diet. In terms of micronutrients, zinc and selenium, for example, can have an anti-inflammatory effect and can be supplemented in a targeted manner during the acute phase. Simple measures are helpful to reduce the concentration of pollen in the home environment during the peak season: regular airing, washing your hands after spending time outdoors and changing your clothes.

How do these complementary medical interventions complement conventional therapies?

In conventional medicine, hyposensitisation (specific immunotherapy) plays an important role in the treatment of hay fever. In addition, medication is used to weaken the effect of histamine - a central trigger of the symptoms. However, these drugs can cause side effects, in particular considerable fatigue, which many patients find very stressful. Complementary medical measures can complement conventional medicine very well. For example, acupuncture is not only used to relieve symptoms, but can also have a preventative effect. Similar to hyposensitisation, it can help to reduce the intensity of symptoms and subjectively shorten the duration of the pollen season.