ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of plas ter therapy for allergic rhinitis（AR） during three periods of greatest heat. MethodsTotally 260 c ases of AR were randomized into treatment group and control group

with 130 in each.The treatment group was given plaster therapy（a thick paste applie d topically） from the 1st day of the 1st

2nd and 3rd period of greatest heat

o nce to three times during each period

2 to 6 hours each time.The control group was given Xinqin Granules [(granules of asarum（Asari Herba） and scutellaria（S cutellariae Radix）]

1 package once

and three times daily.One treatment cour se lasted for 30 days.The short-term and long-term therapeutic effects in both groups were evaluated by changes in scores of signs and symptoms before treatment

one month after treatment and one year after treatment respectively. ResultsOn e month or one year later

the scores of signs and symptoms were significantly d ecreased in both groups（P<0.05）.One year later

the scores of signs and s ympto ms in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control gro up（P<0.05）.One month later

there was no significant difference in the to tal effective rate between groups（P>0.05）.One year later

the total effective rate of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group（P<0.05）. ConclusionPlaster therapy is effective for AR during three periods of greatest heat with good long-term therapeutic effect as well.