Homoeopathic Remedies for Hay Fever
Also indexed as: Allergic Rhinitis, Allergy (Hay Fever), Pollen
Allergy
Acute attacks of hay fever often respond to homoeopathic remedies. Allergies are usually
deep-seated problems, and are often best addressed with a constitutional remedy and the
guidance of an experienced practitioner.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homoeopathy?
Allium cepa: Indications for this remedy include watery eyes and a clear nasal
discharge that irritates the upper lip, along with sneezing and a tickling cough. The person
usually is thirsty, and feels worse indoors and when rooms are warm, and better in fresh
air.
Arsenicum album: A burning, watery, runny nose with a stuffy, tickling feeling
during allergy attacks suggests a need for this remedy. Swelling below the eyes and a wheezy
cough are common. The person may feel chilly, restless, anxious, and is often very tired.
Euphrasia: This remedy can be helpful if the eyes are swollen and irritated with
acrid tears or pus. The nose also runs, but with a blander discharge. Symptoms are often worse
in the daytime and worse from warmth, and the eyes may hurt from too much light. The person
can also have a cough in the daytime, which improves at night.
Ferrum phosphoricum: 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.
Gelsemium: A tired, droopy feeling during allergies with a flushed and heavy-feeling
face suggest a need for this remedy. A sensation of dryness or of swollen membranes may be
felt inside the nose—or the nose may run with irritating watery discharge, with the
person sneezing frequently. Aching in the back of the head and neck, a trembling feeling, and
chills along the spine are often seen when a person needs Gelsemium.
Natrum muriaticum: Allergy attacks with sneezing, watery eyes, clear nasal discharge
that resembles egg white, and a loss of taste and smell will all suggest a need for this
remedy. The person may have dark circles under the eyes, be thirsty, feel withdrawn and sad,
and act irritable if comforted.
Nux vomica: If the nose is alternately stuffed up (especially outdoors or at night)
and running (indoors and in the daytime), this remedy may bring relief. Other symptoms include
a teasing cough, a scraped or tickly feeling in the throat, and headache. A person who needs
this remedy often feels impatient, irritable, and chilly.
Sabadilla: Long paroxysms of sneezing, itching in the nose with irritating runny
discharge, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and watery eyes will all suggest a need for this
remedy. The person may feel nervous during allergy attacks, and trying to concentrate can
bring on drowsiness or headache.
Wyethia: Intolerable itching felt on the roof of the mouth and behind the
nose—sometimes extending into the throat and ears—strongly suggests the use of
this remedy. Everything in the person’s head feels dry and irritated, but the nose may
still be runny.
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.