Kate’s guide to key homeopathic remedies for acute hayfever

The following remedies are extremely useful in acute Hayfever. Please see each remedy description and find the one which best matches your symptoms.

For chronic conditions a full homeopathic consultation would be required under guidance of a qualified and registered homeopath.

Allium cepa

Hayfever symptoms predominantly affect the nose. The individual will experience extremely watery eyes and profuse, clear discharge from the nose which can burn upper lip. There will be sneezing and a tickly cough. The nose/ back of the throat may also feel itchy. Eyes may be red and are sensitive to the light. The individual usually feels thirsty, and symptoms are worse indoors in a warm room, and better outside in cool, fresh air. There is a sensitivity to the smell of flowers.

Apis mellifica

The individual may experience nasal congestion with stinging pain. Eyes may also sting and feel swollen. The individual may feel extremely “busy” and restless. Symptoms will generally improved by cold air and cool applications.

Arsenicum album

There will be much burning in the eyes and nose. The nose will be runny with a stuffy, tickly sensation during heightened symptoms. The discharge will be acrid and may burn the upper lip, causing it to become sore and chapped. There will be profuse sneezing, often without relief. The individual may have accompanying breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath, a wheezy cough or asthma as part of the symptom picture – which will typically be worse at night, and improved by sitting up rather than lying down. The person may feel restless, anxious, chilly, and is often very tired. Symptoms will be worse outdoors, and better indoors.

Euphrasia

Hayfever symptoms predominantly affect the eyes. They will water profusely and constantly, may be swollen and irritated, and there may be a sensation of sand in the eye. Tears will be acrid and burning. Eyes will be sensitive to sunlight and wind, and feel better from blinking and when wiped. Conversely the nasal discharge will be bland. The nose is likely to be extremely runny during the day, but stuffy and blocked up at night. Symptoms are often worse from warmth, and better in fresh air. The person can also have a cough in the daytime, which improves at night, and there may be a headache which feels as if the head would burst, with pressure in the forehead region.

Gelsemium

The individual will feel extremely tired and “droopy”. They may be flushed and feel like as if their face is “heavy”. Mucous membranes in the nose may feel swollen or dry, or the nose may run with a watery discharge which irritates the skin. There may be frequent sneezing. The back of the head and neck may feel achy and the individual may feel chilly, particularly down the spine. They may also feel trembly and weak.

Natrum muriaticum

Hayfever with copious sneezing and much nasal discharge, which resembles egg white in appearance and consistency. There may be a runny nose alternating with periods of dryness and stinging in the nostrils. Eyes water profusely and are extremely sensitive to the sun, which may cause them to itch as well. The individual may experience cravings for salty foods.

Pulsatilla

Hayfever with thick, yellowy, bland discharges. The nose is likely to be stuffed up with much sneezing. There may be a loss of taste or smell. The eyes can itch, burn and water. The eyelids may become inflamed and even have a thick, sticky, yellow discharge. Symptoms will be relieved in fresh air, and worse in a hot, stuffy room. There will be little thirst.

Sabadilla

Frequent sneezing attacks may occur, with loud sneezes and a very runny nose – the discharge will be watery and may irritate the upper lip. There may be the sensation of a lump in the throat. Eyes will be watery with lots of tears and there may be redness and burning in eyes. The individual is likely to have a dry mouth but little thirst, with itching and tingling in the soft palate and nose. Symptoms are better for a being indoors, in a warm room and when they are wrapped up nice and warm. One nostril may be blocked, though this may alternate from side to side. Symptoms will be aggravated by the smell of flowers and freshly cut grass. The individual may feel nervous or anxious, and when they try to concentrate it may make them feel drowsy or bring about a headache.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this guide is for information purposes only and is not comprehensive. This guide should not be used as a means of diagnosing a health problem or disease, or as a means of determining treatment. Professional or specialist advice should always be sought before taking any action relating to health.

Kate Panayi LCHE, RSHom