More than 35 million American suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA. The cost to workers is 4 million lost work days per year. The AAFA also reports that 40 percent of Americans are looking for integrative and complementary care in allergy treatment, including homeopathy. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine says that homeopathy can be effective in treating allergies. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on specific symptoms rather than just type of disease.
Allium Cepa
Allium cepa is made from a tincture of the common red onion. The type of allergies best treated with Allium are characterized by clear and bland mucus with the type of tearing that accompanies cutting an onion. The person who needs this remedy may be thirsty and sneeze frequently, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Clarke's "Dictionary of Materia Medica" adds that the person's eyes may be sensitive to light.
Euphrasia
Euphrasia is a homeopathic remedy made from the Eyebright plant, and its symptoms relate to the eyes. The person who needs this remedy can have bland discharge from the nose, but stinging and irritating discharge from the eyes, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. They add that the symptoms are worse when the person lies down. Clarke's "Dictionary of Materia Medica" recommends this remedy for a person with red and inflamed eyes.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum album is made from the white oxide of metallic Arsenic. The remedy is best suited to an anxious person with a great deal of burning mucus. They may sneeze often and violently.Clarke's "Dictionary of Materia Medica" adds that the person needing this remedy may feel weak, cold or restless.
Nux Vomica
Nux vomica is a homeopathic remedy made from the seeds of the Strychnos plant. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends Nux vomica for allergies when the nose is stuffed, but there is still much mucus discharge. The person needing Nux may feel impatient and irritable along with a dry tickling in the nose and frequent sneezing.
References
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic rhinitis
- "A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica"; Clarke; 2000;
