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Friday 31 March 2017

Seasonal Allergies and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says


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March 2017
A woman outside prepares to sneeze.
©Thinkstock
Clinical Guidelines, Scientific Literature, Info for Patients: 

Natural Products

Saline Nasal Irrigation

There is some evidence to suggest that saline nasal irrigation may modestly improve some seasonal allergy symptoms.

What Does the Research Show?

Safety

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

There is some evidence that butterbur extract can decrease the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.

What Does the Research Show?

Safety

Honey

There is no convincing scientific evidence that honey relieves seasonal allergies.

What Does the Research Show?

Safety

Mind and Body Practices

Acupuncture

There are data from some randomized controlled trials that suggests that acupuncture may improve some symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as well as quality of life.

What Does the Research Show?

Safety

Other Approaches

Probiotics

There is some limited evidence that suggests that probiotics may improve some symptoms, as well as quality of life, in patients with allergic rhinitis, but overall the data on probiotics and allergic rhinitis is inconsistent and effects may vary from one probiotic formulation to another.

What Does the Research Show?

Safety

References

NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIHDHHSNCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on complementary health approaches, including scientific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded research, fact sheets for patients, and more.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is dedicated to exploring complementary health products and practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary health researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCIH's Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCIH Web site at nccih.nih.gov. NCCIH is 1 of 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health, the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States.

Copyright

Content is in the public domain and may be reprinted, except if marked as copyrighted (©). Please credit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health as the source. All copyrighted material is the property of its respective owners and may not be reprinted without their permission.