Homeopathic approach to hay fever
The homeopathic approach to medicine is holistic: the overall health of a person – physical, emotional and psychological – is assessed before treatment commences. The homeopathic belief is that the whole makeup of a person determines the disorders to which he or she is prone, and the symptoms that are likely to occur. Indeed, homeopaths profess that their remedies assist the body in its natural tendency to heal itself. A homeopath will ask you about your medical history and personality traits, then offer a remedy compatible with your symptoms as well as with your temperament and characteristics. Consequently, two individuals with the same disorder may be offered entirely different remedies.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from plant, mineral and animal substances, which are soaked in alcohol to extract the ‘live’ ingredients. This initial solution is then diluted many times, being vigorously shaken each time to add energy. Impurities are removed and the remaining solution made up into tablets, ointments, powders or suppositories. Low dilution remedies are used for severe symptoms while high dilution remedies are used for milder symptoms.
The homeopathic concept has, since antiquity, been that ‘like cures like’. It is said that the full healing abilities of this type of remedy were first recognized in the early nineteenth century when the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann noticed that the herbal cure for malaria – which was based on an extract of cinchona bark (quinine) – actually produced symptoms of malaria. Further tests convinced him that the production of mild symptoms caused the body to fight the disease. He went on to successfully treat malaria patients with dilute doses of cinchona bark.
Each homeopathic remedy is first ‘proved’ by being taken by a healthy person – usually a volunteer homeopath – and the symptoms noted. This remedy is said to be capable of curing the same symptoms in an ill person. The whole idea of ‘proving’ and using homeopathic remedies can be difficult to comprehend, as it is exactly the opposite of how conventional medicines operate. For example, a hay fever patient with a very runny nose and watery eyes would be given a remedy that would produce these same symptoms in a non-hay fever sufferer. Conventional medicine, on the other hand, would provide something that stops the nose running and dries up the tear ducts.
Homeopaths claim that nowadays a remedy can be formulated to aid virtually every condition, including allergy disorders. Indeed, thousands of hay fever sufferers – plus the parents of young children with hay fever who would rather treat their offspring with a non-chemical therapy – are turning to homeopathy for symptom control and the chance of a reduced sensitivity to allergens. Homeopaths even state that their remedies can cure the condition.
Although such remedies are safe and non-addictive, occasionally the patient’s symptoms may worsen briefly. This is known as a ‘healing crisis’ and is usually short-lived. It is actually a good indication that the remedy is working well.
A range of homeopathic remedies can be found in most high street chemists, while more specific ones are available from online homeopathic chemists. When self-prescribing, it is advisable to use the 30c potency. Below are some common remedies for particular hay fever symptoms:
• Allium cepa – For frequent and violent sneezing, a streaming nose with watery discharge, watery eyes, raw-feeling throat and nose and soreness beneath the nose and around the lips. Symptoms are worse in the morning and indoors.
• Sabadilla – For excessive nasal discharge, constant sneezing, stuffiness and the sensation of burning or severe itching in the nose, raw throat and palate. Cold sweats may be evident during the worst of the attack, and the person may obsessively think about his or her health situation. Just thinking about grasses and flowers can exacerbate symptoms.
• Arsenicum iodatum – For frequent sneezing and nasal discharge that may be either clear or thick and green. The discharge may be so continuous that it may seem hot and irritating, reddening the nose and nasal passages. There may also be shortness of breath, a hacking cough, hoarseness and a burning throat.
• Belladonna – For a throbbing headache, severe bouts of sneezing, a red, dry and hot face and a burning throat which can be relieved by drinking cool lemonade.
• Arsen alb – For a streaming nose, severe and painful sneezing with a burning mucus discharge which makes the upper lip sore.
• Gelsemium – For a blocked nose, hot flushed face, dizziness and drowsiness.
• Euphrasia – For a runny nose with a lot of sneezing and burning eyes which constantly itch and water. Euphrasia is also available as a tincture – in liquid solution form – which can be used as a soothing eye bath.
• Wyethia – For severe itching of the throat, nose and roof of the mouth (soft palate).
• Pulsatilla – For excessive thick white or yellow catarrh and frequent sneezing which eases in the open air.
If you have struggled with hay fever symptoms for several years and/ or your symptoms are severe, it is recommended that you make an appointment with a homeopath rather than self-prescribe. Commencing treatment before the hay fever season begins is said to make a real difference.