Hayfever / 1994

Botanical name: 
Achillea millefolium
Mentha x piperita
Ephedra sinica
Euphrasia
Sambucus nigra
Verbena officinalis
Problems: 
Hay fever

Date: Sat, 26 Mar 1994 00:13:29 GMT
Sender: "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion list" <HERB.TREARN.BITNET>
From: Christopher Hedley <christopher.GN.APC.ORG>
Subject: hayfever

> Is there an aid for the seasonal pollen deluge? I have a friend who's sinuses refuse to respond to the standard medications.

Eyebright (Euphrasia spp), especially for sore and runny eyes and itchy nose and lungs. Capsules work well and are easy to carry on trips to the countryside. Add Ephedra (E. sinica), Ma Huang, for bad cases, max dose 1:10 tinct. 2ml 3x day - less if weak heart or high BP. Add Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) for runny nose. I find a tea of these three 2:1:2 is the best general recipe.

Vervain (Verbena Off.) is excellent for asthma with tightness across upper chest, also for Liver support - needed for any allergy. Elderflower, Yarrow (Achillea mill.) and Peppermint, equal parts, taken 3 cups a day for two months *before* the season is the most gentle solution. It strenghtens the mucus membranes, so they are no longer so sensitive.

Add local honey.

From: Christopher Hedley <christopher.GN.APC.ORG>

> Is that yarrow flowers or leaves?

Use Yarrow herb - all the green part, picked in full flower.

The root is used for different things, try chewing it for a clue - quite an experience!

Christopher

From: Christopher Hedley <christopher.GN.APC.ORG>
Subject: eyebright

> Would eyebright have antihistamines in it? I can't take them.

Eyebright does *not* contain any anti-histamines. The action is partly due to tannins, with a particular appropriation to the upper respiratory tract. They dry and tone the membrane. There is also a more general anti-allergic action.

Christopher

Date: Sun, 24 Apr 1994 00:35:33 BST
Sender: "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion list"
From: Christopher Hedley
Subject: eyebright

Eyebright does *not* contain any anti-histamines. The action is partly due to tannins, with a particular appropriation to the upper respiratory tract. They dry and tone the membrane.

There is also a more general anti-allergic action.

Christopher