Researchers at the School of Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine say they have enhanced a traditional herbal formula to better alleviate symptoms for hay fever patients.

Hay fever, clinically termed allergic rhinitis, is a widespread allergic condition, which triggers frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and a runny nose.

Studies indicate approximately one-quarter of Hong Kong's population suffers from this allergy.

Lin Zhixiu, the school's director, said on Friday that the team have modified the traditional Chinese medicine formula "Yu-Ping-Feng" powder by incorporating additional herbs, including magnolia flowers and red reishi mushrooms.

He said that hay fever is closely linked to dysfunction in the lungs, spleen and kidneys.

He added that the original "Yu-Ping-Feng" powder is commonly used to tonify "qi", the vital energy flowing through the body, in the lungs and spleen, thereby boosting immunity.

The research team conducted a clinical study involving 58 allergic rhinitis patients between April 2022 and June 2023.

Results demonstrated that after eight weeks of treatment with the modified formula, nearly 40 percent of participants experienced significant improvements in both their symptoms and overall quality of life, the researchers said.

"Western drugs primarily work through antihistamine effect so that medicine can help stop sneezing and also runny nose," Lin said.

"In Chinese medicine, we primarily try to rebalance the body's functionality by regulating the body's immune system and consolidating the body's skin surface so we can really enhance the body's resistance so that in the future these sort of symptoms will be reduced for a long period of time."

Given its effectiveness, Lin believes this modified formula is worth promoting as a valuable alternative therapeutic option for allergic rhinitis patients.

"Chinese medicine practitioners can take reference with our trial result and also the composition of this formula in their daily practice," he said.

"They can modify this formula to some extent that can suit their own patients more appropriately.

"In terms of cost, I believe this herbal formula is not too costly because we primarily use the ordinary herbs into the formula. I think a lot of patients will be able to afford this formula."

Lin added that the powder variation is an effective and safe treatment option for those suffering from hay fever.