Homeopathy for Hayfever

Although we all love the sunny days, the warmer weather, and
the beauty of the spring blooms, many of us know all to well,
that it is pollen season and with this comes hay fever and allergies.
Whether you are sneezing, your nose is runny or your eyes
are itchy and watering, they all can leave you feeling drained
and wiped out.

Usually allergies reoccur each year and become a long term
problem, therefore a consultation with a homeopathic practitioner
is recommended. None the less, it is spring and you’re
having an attack that makes you wish it was winter in Auckland
(it must be bad!) and you want some immediate relief.

To help choose your remedy, ask yourself a few questions:
1. What is bothering you the most:
runny rose, sneezing or eye irritation?
2. What color and consistency is the nasal discharge?
3. Is your nose runny or stuffy, and is this consistent?
4. Are your eyes running? Or red?
5. Do you have an itchy nose or itching on the roof
of your mouth?

Start with the best suited remedy in a 30c potency. Take it
hourly (no more than 4 times), but repeat the dose only if the
symptoms come back. If treatment is needed for more than
one day, take it no more than 3 times a day and no more than
a week at a time. Be careful not to take another dose, as long as
there is still improvement from the previous dose. If pregnant
or on medication, please ask your practitioner first. Here are
some of the more commonly used Homeopathic Remedies.

SABADILLA is the number one remedy for hay fever. Typical
symptoms are: copious, watery nasal discharge; spasmodic
sneezing; itching in the nose; and red, runny eyes. Being outdoors
or in the open air gives relief. May have a frontal sinus
headache.

ALLIUM CEPA has a clear, burning, nasal discharge that
irritates the nostrils and upper lip. There are A LOT of tears
running from the eyes; the eyes themselves may be red and
burning. Worse in warm rooms, indoors and in the evening,
much better in the open air.

EUPHRASIA has a non irritating, watery nasal discharge
and many burning tears, a complete opposite of Allium cepa.
The nasal discharge is worse in open air, in the morning.
Large amounts of mucus may form in the upper airways and
be coughed up.

NUX VOMICA has a dry, tickling, and scraping sensation
in the nose. Initially the nose is stuffy and dry but an irritating,
watery nasal discharge may begin with frequent sneezing.
The nose can alternate between being stuffed up and runny.
Stuffy at night and outdoors; runny in warm rooms and
during the day.

ARSENICUM has a profuse, watery nasal discharge that
burns the skin. The nose runs freely, but feels stopped up.
There is irritation and tickling in the nose, and frequent,
violent sneezing. In time the discharge may become thick
and yellow.

KALI CARB is very useful with severe hay fever, worse
in the morning and evening. The nose has a thick clear or
yellow discharge, sore throat, sneezing, and watering of the
eyes. Swelling of the eyelids is characteristic. Worse for being
inside and relieved by fresh air.

Try to avoid antihistamines and decongestants if you can,
as these suppress the body defenses and can cause a rebound
effect so that the symptoms return more fiercely than ever as
the effects wear off.

Kristen Capaccio - Homeopath