No abstract

Allergic rhinitis affects millions of people and can significantly lower an individual’s quality of life. The most common treatment for allergic rhinitis lies in over-the-counter medications. However, most over-the-counter antihistamines are either sedating, interfere with an individual’s life, and make them more prone to accidents or are non-sedating, but less researched. An increasing distrust of pharmaceuticals alongside the development of tolerance and even eventual withdrawal to treatment has made it necessary to evaluate other avenues of allergy treatment, including herbal medications. An analysis of 9 clinical trials on three herbs, butterbur, astragalus membranaceus, and tinospora cordifolia, determined that the butterbur’s efficacy is the most well-established. Meanwhile, astragalus membranaceus features the most potential for success in treating allergies, but confidence within its clinical trials is also the lowest. These herbs are generally more cost effective and incur fewer side effects than current antihistamines, but more research is necessary to ensure the safety of their consumption.