Sneeze No More: Hay Fever Help with Homeopathy

Spring has arrived in New Zealand, the days are getting longer, we are spending more time outdoors, surrounded by triggers such as pollen and freshly mowed grass which can cause one’s hay fever to be heightened. When our bodies are working well, our immune system protects us from the bacteria, viruses, and toxins that enter our bodies. With hay fever, something goes amiss and our body’s natural defenses overreact to harmless substances such as pollen’s, grasses, and animal dander.

This allergic response results in a cluster of symptoms that make life miserable such as sneezing, stuffy or running nose, itching, headaches, asthma, watery eyes, postnasal drip, and fogginess.

While hay fever may seem to be about surface symptoms only, it is really a deep-seated complaint. Therefore, hay fever is a chronic condition, and treatment should be done through a qualified homeopath. Commonly prescribed sprays and tablets that suppress hay fever symptoms may bring temporary relief but don’t get to the root of the problem. They are also associated with side effects and so are probably the least helpful option for long-term improvement.

In this article, you’ll see a list of remedies commonly used by homeopaths to treat hay-fever, along with when they should be chosen, will help you decide which one may help you.

Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s innate ability to self heal. The goal of treatment is to strengthen rather than weaken this ability so that full healing is more likely. Homeopathy does this through potentized remedies that closely match the symptoms of the person’s disease.

Treating hay fever with homeopathy

Treating yourself with homeopathy during an acute phase of hay fever is easy as long as you know which remedy matches your symptoms. Relief with the correct remedy is usually rapid – sometimes within minutes – and all remedies are considered safe for use during pregnancy and with babies through to the elderly when taken according to instructions from a qualified homeopath.

Do be aware that self-treatment does have its limits. While the remedies and potencies in-home use kits help to provide symptomatic relief they are unlikely to get deep enough to correct a predisposition to chronic hay fever. A course of treatment by a qualified homeopath is highly recommended especially in achieving the desired result. The bonus is that other health problems should also improve along with your hay fever during this deeper treatment.

To relieve acute hay fever symptoms yourself, look through the remedies listed below to see which one matches your symptoms. Instructions on how to dose, and how often should be discussed through your homeopath. If there is no improvement by 3-4 doses, stop taking the remedy reassess your symptoms and choose a different remedy that matches your symptoms more closely – no harm will be done.

Should you find it difficult to sort through your symptoms, an appointment can be made with a qualified homeopath who will assess your symptoms in full and make a constitutional prescription to help you get on top of the problem once and for all.

Common homeopathic remedies for hay fever

Allium cepa (All-c.)

This remedy, prepared from the red onion, treats the symptom of streaming eyes and nose that is worse in warm and stuffy rooms. (People who need All-c may even crave and feel better for eating onions.) Their nasal discharge burns while tears from the eyes are bland – the opposite to Euphrasia’s symptoms. Sneezing can be intense and frequent and eyes are sensitive to the light.

Arsenicum album (Ars.)

This is one of the best remedies for hay fever. Burning or itching in the nose, eyes, or throat is a strong indication. The discharges from both eyes and nose will be burning (but check to make sure that Allium cepa or Euphrasia are not better indicated – Euphrasia has the opposite symptoms). An improvement of the symptoms in the open air, although sensitive to light, is usually an indication for this remedy.

Euphrasia (Euphr.)

A classic remedy for hay fever where, again, there is lots of sneezing with streaming eyes and nose. If the water from the eyes burns the cheeks and the discharge from the nose is not too bad, this remedy is needed. (Allium cepa has the opposite symptoms). The remedy is indicated if the symptoms improve in the open-air – obviously away from pollen. Sensitivity to light may be apparent in both Euphrasia and Allium cepa.

Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m.)

Initially, there is streaming, bland discharge from both the eyes and nose with lots of sneezing. Later, there is a nasal discharge that is thick and clear like the white of an egg with loss of taste and smell. This is not one of the main remedies for hay fever but it can bring great relief to the type who gets easily burned, feel generally miserable, uncomfortable, blotchy, and irritated in the sun.

Nux vomica (Nux-v.)

This is one of the best remedies for when there is lots of sneezing, streaming from the eyes and nose, and an irritable, nasty mood. (If they are sweet-tempered, it is unlikely to help.) The symptoms are worse in dry air and relieved when the atmosphere is damp.

Pulsatilla pratensis (Puls.)

The main indications for this remedy are a weepy, needy, state of mind, together with discharges that are thick, bland (not acrid), and green or yellow. Pulsatilla frequently has one side of the nose blocked or congested.

Sulphur (Sulph.)

Watery, burning nasal discharge, or a blocked nose, when outside. Frequent sneezing. Blocking of the nose on alternate sides. Burning pain in the eyes. Symptoms worsened by warmth and becoming warm in bed. Better for being in the open air. May be lazy, opinionated, and desire sweets, alcohol, and spicy food.

Less commonly used remedies for hay fever

Ambrosia artemisaefolia (Ambro.)

Intolerable itching and watering from eyes. Burning of eyes. Sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Nose and head feel stuffy. Nose bleeds.

Arum triphyllum (Arum-t .)

Irritation or itching in the nose leading to boring, picking, rubbing. May pick at lips and face. Throat, mouth, tongue, and palate may burn, making it difficult to eat or drink despite having a thirst. People who need Arum-t may experience concurrent hoarseness and peeling or chapping of the lips.

Histaminum ( Hist.)

Consider this remedy when either no other remedy seems accurate or if other remedies have been tried and haven’t worked.

Kali bichromicum ( Kali-bi.)

Consider this remedy when thick, stringy, green, or yellowish mucus from the nose or throat is present. There may also be a post-nasal or pain at the root of the nose relieved by hard pressure.

Sabadilla officinarum (Sabad.)

Hay fever with frequent, spasmodic sneezing that exhausts the person. Sneezing from tickling inside the nose, and sneezing that causes the eyes to water. Profuse, watery nasal discharge, and red and burning eyelid margins. Symptoms worse in the open air, better in a warm room. Dry mouth but little thirst.

Solidago ( Solid.)

Burning, stinging eyes. Paroxysms of sneezing with mucus discharge from the nose.One of the main remedies for people allergic to house dust mite.

Wyethia helenoides (Wye)

Tremendous itching of the upper palate of the mouth causing the person to make “clucking” noises in an effort to provide some relief. Itching of the nose and throat, along with a constant desire to swallow saliva to relieve the dryness may also be present.

Homeopathy offers support in restoring our body’s balance, health, and vitality. You must seek professional advice from a qualified registered homeopath or your GP to ensure you are receiving the best possible treatment for your chronic illness that you are experiencing.

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Adapted from Source:
Homeopathy Plus