Are you looking for relief from hayfever and allergies?
Spring and Summer can be a very difficult time for hayfever and allergy sufferers. Symptoms include sneezing, itching, stuffy or runnning nose, headaches, asthma, watery eyes, post nasal drip and fogginess. While hayfever may seem to be about surface symptoms, it is a deep-seated complaint. And so conventional medicines may ease symptoms for a short time but they do not get to the root of the problem and are associated with side effects. Homeopathy offers a natural solution for allergy sufferers, helping allievate symptoms in the short and long term as well as boosting the immune response. Homeopathic treatment for hayfever takes a very much individualised approach. Homeopathy recognises that 2 individuals suffering from the same ailment can have different symptoms and so the remedies will be different. There is no one shoe fits all. The best way to treat hayfever is to treat the underlying cause which lead to the allergic reaction rather than simply treating the symptoms that appear. If the immune system can be strengthened then the body will no longer need to produce those annoying symptoms.
Homeopathic remedies can be prescribed during the hayfever season to treat the immediate symptoms and bring relief while the immune response is improving. You do not have to wait for hayfever season to begin to start treatment. It is preferable to start treatment before the season commences. However if symptoms have started, remedies can be prescribed as needed. Homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle to used. They can be taken by children and have no side effects. They can be taken alongside conventional medication.
Below is a sample of homeopathic remedies that are used to treat hayfever in the acute phase.
Allium Cepa
This remedyʼs symptoms are characterized by a strong burning sensation from the nose and eyes accompanied by a watery discharge. The eyes are sensitive to light, often red and irritated, while the nose can become red and sore from the burning, corrosive mucus. There can be violent sneezing, the voice can be hoarse and there can be a hacking cough. The kind of hay fever which can benefit from Allium Cepa often comes on worse in spring or August, is worse for being in a warm room and better off for cool air. One peculiarity of this remedy is that it particularly affects the left eye or nostril or may start off on the left side and spread to the right.
Sabadilla
This is a common hay fever remedy, which is most often indicated during the early spring or at harvest time. There can be persistent sneezing, transparent mucus and an itchy, stuffed up nose. The eyes can water in the open air, from sunlight or whilst sneezing. Symptoms are also worse for cold air and there is usually improvement from eating warm food and warm drinks or from keeping warm.
Euphrasia
This has a long history of use in herbalism for eye conditions so it is no surprise that the main homeopathic use is for conditions that seem to centre on the eyes. It is useful for very watery eyes, when the person may feel the need to wipe or rub them constantly. The eyelids (particularly lower) can swell up and there can be a thick, infected discharge from the eye itself. There can be the sensation of a foreign body (such as a grain of sand) in the eyes and they can become very gummed up and sore. The nasal and throat symptoms are less marked but include watery mucus, which is easily discharged. With Euphrasia the symptoms are worse for sunlight, at night-time, for windy weather and indoors, and better for the cool, open air. Euphrasia tincture can also be used as a local eyewash by diluting one drop in an eyebath of cooled sterile water. It is very soothing for sore eyes at any time – even if using a different remedy internally.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum is indicated in people who have frequent sneezing and a blocked nose accompanied with a watery discharge. Unlike Allium Cepa the symptoms are worse outside and better for staying in the house and keeping warm. There can be inflammation of the eyes with burning and swelling which is somewhat relieved by warm bathing. The right side is generally more affected than the left and there can be a marked worsening of symptoms during the night, particularly on lying down. Generally the person requiring Arsenicum may feel unduly restless or anxious during the attack and find it difficult to get warm – even in hot weather.
Arundo
Hay fever begins with burning and itching of the palate and conjunctiva. Annoying itching ofthe roof of the mouth and in the nostrils sometimes with pain at the root of the nose. Initially the nose can discharge clear mucus, which can then turn green and slimy with lots ofsneezing.
Ferrum Phos
This is a very useful remedy in the early stages of any inflammation. Taken when allergy symptoms start, it often slows or stops an episode. Symptoms include runny eyes with a burning or gritty feeling, facial flushing, watery nose and short, hard, tickling cough.
Natrum Muriaticum
The most characteristic symptom of Natrum Muriaticum is that discharges have the consistency of raw egg white. The catarrh is usually white or clear and watery and can be extremely profuse. There is often repeated violent sneezing – especially in the mornings, a loss of smell or taste, and itching in the nose. The eyes can be watery and the throat can be dry and sore. Hay fever responding to this remedy can often be accompanied by violent,pulsating headaches made much worse by the heat of the sun, or by increased emotionalsensitivity. The patient may prefer to be alone and feel quite touchy or tearful. In some cases cold sores can develop around the nose or lips. Symptoms are worse for heat or for lying down, and can improve for cold bathing, at the seashore, or in the open air.
Nux Vomica
One of the main themes in Nux Vomica is ʻirritabilityʼ which can be seen on the physical or emotional level. The person who needs this remedy may be cross or oversensitive, and have acute sensitivity to the slightest odour or particle of pollen. There can be a very stuffed up nose in alternating nostrils, intense itching of the ears, nose and eyes, and the unsatisfied urge to sneeze. The face can be very hot but the whole person is often rather chilly. Thethroat can feel rough and dry and, if the hay fever continues, the patient can experience queasiness. This is one remedy to think of particularly if there has been a bad reaction to antihistamine drugs that have produced a disordered liver or digestion. Symptoms are worse in the morning, for stimulants such as coffee or alcohol, for strong smells, for becomingangered. There can be improvement from a short sleep, for eating or a warm drink.
Pulsatilla
This remedy is normally more catarrhal with thick green catarrh produced from the eyes and nose. The catarrh can become obstructed and leads to sinusitis, nosebleeds or a loss of smell, although it is often more fluid in the open air. There is a sensation of burning and dryness in the eyes and the lids can become gummed up, with styes forming. Generally the person who will respond to Pulsatilla can be emotionally more sensitive, irritable or tearful, with changing moods. Physical and emotional states can also be very changeable from day to day. Symptoms are normally worse in the evenings, for the sun, and better for cold applications and cool, fresh air.
Sulphur
Like Pulsatilla, this remedy can have a lot of thick, offensive catarrh. There can be a general hot feeling and an aggravation of symptoms from becoming heated. The nose and eyes can become inflamed with heat and burning sensations. There can be oversensitivity to odors or changes in temperature. Classically this type of rhinitis can be accompanied by skin rash or by itching anywhere on the body. The throat can become swollen and the patient can be far more hungry than usual. Symptoms are worse for bathing, in the late morning, and better for motion or fresh air.
Wyethia
Intolerable itching felt on the roof of the mouth and behind the nose, sometimes extending into the throat and ears, strongly suggest the use of this remedy. Everything in the personʼs head feels dry and irritated, but the nose may still be runny.
If you have any queries or would like further informaion, please contact Jackie Lally Registered Homeopath here at the Saffron Clinic.
References:
- Hayfever remedies, Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy
Please note:
All information and opinions stated here are for information purposes only and are not intended as a subsitute for professional advice offered during a consultation.Please consult with your healthcare provider/Homeopath before following any treatment on this site especially if you have ongoing health issues.