20/04/2024
Wondering how you are going to manage your hay fever this year? Homeopathy is a great natural approach that can make a difference to your symptoms immediately.
Resharing from the blog:
Twelve Remedies for Acute Hay Fever
It is spring here in the UK, and as the trees come into blossom those with allergies to tree pollens start to experience symptoms.
Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages. Some people also react to other environmental allergens including mould spores. Symptoms are many and varied, but typically include sneezing, sore and itching eyes, runny nose and sore throat. About one third of sufferers also experience wheezing or breathlessness, known as ‘hay asthma’ or ‘pollen asthma’.
Many of the symptoms of hay fever are similar to those of the common cold, but whereas colds are usually gone in a week or so, hay fever sufferers will often feel ‘wiped out’ for weeks on end. The body reacts to the allergens as if to an infection, and the mucus membranes of the nose and respiratory tract rapidly release various substances, including histamine. Histamine dilates local blood vessels, helping the immune system get to work clearing any irritation. However the overreaction means that it is more difficult for the body to break down the histamine, resulting in the persistent symptoms of hay fever.
Homeopathy is an effective natural treatment option for hay fever, with no potential side effects, and can be used safely for adults and children alike. A homeopathic remedy that ‘matches’ the unique way you experience hay fever works by powerfully engaging your body’s natural healing ability. A well chosen remedy will often make a rapid difference to your symptoms.
Homeopathic treatment works from the inside – rather than suppressing the symptoms, the aim is to reduce susceptibility and boost vitality. Hay fever is a deep-seated, chronic ailment (often re-occurring in each generation of the family), and professional care can produce good results: acute symptoms can be relieved rapidly, and a course of treatment can significantly reduce susceptibility to hay fever symptoms in subsequent years, as well as boosting your overall health.
Here are twelve of the most frequently prescribed remedies for the acute symptoms of hay fever, and one combination remedy. It is fine to self-treat during the hay fever season when symptoms are at their worst. Choose the remedy that most closely matches your symptoms, and take one dose, repeating periodically for up to 5 doses, and stop the dose when symptoms improve. Repeat again if symptoms return. If there is no improvement after 5 doses, reconsider your remedy choice, or seek professional help. Consider professional care to reduce your susceptibility to the condition: I offer a free 30 minute discovery call to discuss treatment options. Booking link in comments.
Allium cepa
Runny nose with a raw, burning sensation, often accompanied by much sneezing. There may also be watery eyes, with redness and sensitivity to light, and sometimes symptoms are worse in the left eye (but without burning - the opposite of Euphrasia). Symptoms tend to be worse in the evening and in a warm room, and Allium cepa often corresponds to hay fevers that come on in spring or late summer.
Ambrosius
This remedy has a focus on the eyes, with watering, smarting and burning, and intense itching of the eyelids. The nose and head feels stuffed up, and symptoms may be accompanied by wheezing.
Aralia racemosa
The hay fever symptoms of this remedy are attacks of sneezing, especially when exposed to cold air, with burning sensation in the nasal passages. There may be breathlessness or wheezing, accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest. Pollen asthma which is worse during the night. More often indicated in springtime hay fevers.
Arum triphyllum
This remedy has a characteristic irritation in the nose, to the point where the person cannot resist boring or picking with the fingers. There is a raw burning sensation and acrid nasal discharge. There may also be a scratchy sore throat, and sneezing which is worse at night.
Arundo mauritanica
Symptoms typically begin with burning and itching in the roof of the mouth and sometimes the eyes and nostrils. There may be pain at the root of the nose, with much sneezing and clear mucus.
Euphrasia
Hay fevers that mainly affect the eyes. The eyes water profusely, with burning and smarting. The eyelids will sometimes swell, and the eyes feel sore and gritty. If the nose is affected there is a runny nose (but without burning). Symptoms are worse for sunlight, but the person feels better in cool, open air. Euphrasia tincture (also known as Eyebright) can be used to make a lotion for bathing the eyes (two drops to one tablespoonful of cool boiled water). This is soothing for sore, itchy or puffy eyes.
Gelsemium
Also well known as a remedy for flu, Gelsemium will help in hay fever where there is sneezing (especially in the early morning) and a feeling of fullness at the root of the nose. Symptoms may be accompanied by a dull headache. The eyes are watery and sensitive to light, and eyelids feel heavy and swollen. The person typically feels exhausted and drowsy with the symptoms.
Pulsatilla
This remedy is very useful in hay fever which produces a great deal of catarrh, with thick yellow or green discharge from eyes and nose. The eyes are itching and burning. There may be a dry sore throat and sensation as if the throat is swollen, but they are not typically thirsty. Symptoms are better for fresh open air and cold applications, and usually worse in the evening.
Sabadilla
There is violent spasmodic sneezing, and an itching runny nose with a copious watery discharge. Margins of eyelids are red and sore, and the eyes water in open air and sunlight.
Symptoms are characteristically better for warmth - the person feels better for keeping warm, and from warm food or drinks.
Sanguinaria
The hay fever symptoms are characterised by a dry, burning sensation in the nose and throat, and a particular sensitivity to odours, especially the odour of flowers. There may be frequent sneezing. Pollen asthma with breathlessness and constriction in chest.
Sinapis nigra
Mucous membranes of the nose are either dry and hot, or have a watery acrid nasal discharge. The nose may be sensitive to touch. Sneezing from itching in the nasal passages. Feels worse during the day, and better for lying down.
Sticta
Painfully dry mucous membranes, with a constant desire to blow the nose. Dull pressure in the forehead, and feeling of fullness at the root of nose. Sneezing which is more frequent at night. Increase in thirst during the hay fever.
Mixed Pollens and Grasses
This is a Helios Pharmacy combination remedy which can be used on its own or in combination with other remedies in the treatment of acute hay fever. As a broad spectrum combination remedy it will often make a difference in acute hay fever symptoms, where the symptoms are not clear enough to find a more specific remedy match.
For professional care in acute and chronic conditions, you can book an appointment or free discovery call with me - see link in comments.
You can also join my Homeopathy Acute and First Aid Community for home prescribing support and homeopathic learning.
