New research shows that Pycnogenol (an extract of the French maritime pine tree) may offer natural relief of allergies. Often marketed as a supplement for heart and circulatory health, Pycnogenol appears to ease symptoms of hay fever.
For their study, researchers recruited 60 adults with birch pollen allergies. Throughout allergy season, participants took either 50 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo twice daily. Study results showed that those in Pycnogenol group had less severe allergy symptoms (compared to those who took the placebo). Pycnogenol may be most effective when taken starting five weeks prior to allergy season, according to the study's authors.
Previous research suggests that a number of other natural remedies (including omega-3 fatty acids, nettle, and quercetin) may also help fight hay fever symptoms.
