Hay fever occurs when the body's immune system becomes overloaded and reacts to environmental agents producing various symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge and sinus congestion. Homeopathic remedies may offer relief from hay fever symptoms, reducing inflammation in the tissues. Homeopathy works by initiating a reaction to an external stimulus, which then prompts the body's immune system to heal itself. You should discuss any homeopathic remedies with your doctor before taking them.
What is Hay Fever
Hay fever is the result of an over-reactive immune system that becomes unable to fully protect itself against pollens, bacteria, viruses and other allergens that it perceives as a threat to the system, according to Brown University Health Education. Hay fever is often seasonal and occurs in the spring, summer or autumn. It is a catchall term that does not only describe an individual's reaction to hay. Pollens, molds, dust, animal dander and other environmental stimulants can produce a hay fever reaction in an individual.
Symptoms
Common symptoms affect the upper respiratory system and take the form of sneezing, runny nose, itching in the throat, nose, eyes and face, sinus congestion and pain, tearing and postnasal drip into the throat. Additionally, hay fever can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and trigger asthma attacks in susceptible people.
Homeopathic Remedies
Certain homeopathic remedies may offer relief for hay fever sufferers, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Sabadilla is indicated for long spells of sneezing with itching in the nose, a runny nasal discharge and watery eyes. The sneezing is the most pronounced symptom and usually the first sign of an allergy attack. Additional indications for this remedy are the inability to concentrate which initiates a headache in the front portion of the head.
Wyethia often proves helpful in cases where there is intolerable itching in the face, inside the mouth and throat and behind the nose. The nose may run and other membranes may feel dry. The excessive, intractable itching is the primary symptom calling for this remedy.
Natrum muriaticum is indicated patients sneeze constantly with a clear nasal discharge resembling egg whites, according to Dr. William Boericke in the "Materia Medica and Repertory." The individual may have no sense of smell or taste during an attack. The remedy may be helpful for people whose lips dry out during a hay fever attack causing chapping and cracking. In addition, Naturm muricaticum may relieve a tickling cough where there is a scratchy sensation in the throat. The person may have a headache; feel impatient, irritable and chilly during hay fever episodes.
Euphrasia may help if the hay fever produces swollen eyes that are streaming with burning tears, adds Boericke. The skin around the eyes feels burned and raw. The individual may have a runny nose, but the discharge is bland and does not burn the skin or the upper lip. The hay fever usually worsens during the daytime and the person may complain of light sensitivity.
Other Considerations
Hay fever can be a mild irritation or indicate a deeper, more serious underlying disease. Before self-treating, consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner who will take your case and prescribe the correct remedy to cover your symptoms. Many homeopathic remedies are available over-the-counter in health food stores and online.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Hay Fever--Homeopathic Remedies
- Brown University Health Education: Hay Fever
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
