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High pollen levels likely to grip allergy sufferers this season
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Illinois and other Midwestern states could deal with above-average tree pollen this season, although grass and weed pollen is expected to be about average, according to AccuWeather’s annual report on spring allergies.Colin Hawkins | Getty Images
Springtime, with its rebirth of plants and trees, is a time of beauty except for those with seasonal allergies, who face what experts say could be weeks of wheezing, sniffling and watery eyes this year.
March and April are peak times for tree pollen in the state, and west-central Illinois is on the bubble between an above-average and well-above-average season, according to the annual spring allergy forecast by forecasters at AccuWeather.
St. John s wort
Overview
St. John s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub native to Europe. It gets its name from the fact that it often blooms on the birthday of the biblical John the Baptist.
The flowers and leaves of St. John s wort contain active ingredients such as hyperforin. St. John s wort is available as a supplement in teas, tablets, liquids and topical preparations.
People use St. John s wort to treat depression and menopausal symptoms.
Evidence
Research on St. John s wort use for specific conditions shows:
Depression. Several studies support the therapeutic benefit of St. John s wort in treating mild to moderate depression. In fact, some research has shown the supplement to be as effective as several prescription antidepressants. It s unclear whether it s beneficial in the treatment of severe depression. Because St. John s wort interacts with many medications, it might not be an appropriate choice, particularly if you take any prescription drugs.