Beer to Alleviate Allergies?

Web Mistress Carol Kirshner sent me this article, with the comment, "This is indeed good news!"

It seems that Sapporo Breweries Ltd., and Sapporo Beverages Co., Ltd. have proven that Sapporo beer is effective in mitigating hay fever symptoms. They are saying that hop flavonol glycoside extracted from the beer prevents the actions of histamine, an allergy-inducing substance.

Sapporo Group conducted a clinical trial of 20 patients with hay fever symptoms and found that 60% them noted less sneezing and 55% noted less runny nose with significant improvements on their symptom-medication scores.

According to the report, Sapporo has filed a patent application based on the effect of beer on hay fever symptoms. Going forward, the Group will explore the affect of beer on atopy and allergy symptoms related to house dust.

None of this is a far-fetched as it may sound. Hops have been used in Europe since the Middle Ages for their medicinal properties. We usually think of hops as a sedative, but one of my old herbals also talks about their value in allergic conditions.

A new study, also form Japan, showed that allergic mice don't sneeze or rub their noses as much when given hops.

Comments

[Nat]

Beer for allergies, who would have guessed? Thanks for the great info!

[Richard Petty]

Indeed!

Whoever said that everything that's good for you has to taste disgusting??

Another good reason to raise an occasional glass or beer!

All the best,

RP