Optimising the management of allergic rhinitis: an Australian perspective.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most prevalent medical conditions. It has significant effects on quality of life and can have considerable socioeconomic effects. The traditional classification of perennial and seasonal rhinitis does not distinguish between provoking factors, nor does it indicate the most appropriate treatment.

The Chinese herbal formulation biminne in management of perennial allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week clinical trial.

Background: Herbal therapies have been widely used in allergic rhinitis (AR), but none have been shown to be effective in controlled scientific clinical trials.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the effects of the Chinese herbal formulation Biminne in patients with moderate to severe perennial AR.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 58 patients were randomized to receive either Biminne capsules (n = 26) or placebo (n = 32) in doses of five capsules twice a day for 12 weeks.