It is estimated that up to 20% of people in Britain and in the United States suffer from hay fever. Teenagers appear to be the worst affected, but any age group and both sexes suffer each year. Although the common advice is to avoid the allergen, any type of tree or flower pollen, grass, dust, feathers, animal dander or fur can cause hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis).
According to Dr C. Norman Shealy, writing in the Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies (Element Books 1998) those people who are sensitive to these allergens may find that their symptoms are made worse when they are near power stations or factories with emissions.
Some people’s symptoms are also affected by chemicals in carpets, paint, or cleaning materials.
Hay Fever Symptoms
The allergic reaction causes the nasal membranes to swell and create mucous because of the antibodies, which produce histamines. Often this reaction is accompanied by the typical symptoms of hay fever
- sneezing
- a stuffy or itchy nose
- a sore throat
- red, itchy and watery eyes
Some people also experience itching deep in the ears. Allergic rhinitis symptoms can begin within 2 hours of exposure to the allergen, or the reaction can be delayed by as much as 8 hours.
Herbal Medicines for Hay Fever
Herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies can be very effective when treating hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or pollen allergies.
Recent research in the British Medical Journal has shown that one of the most effective herbal remedies for hay fever is Butterbur Petasin, which works by reducing the amount of histamines that the body produces when defending itself from allergens such as pollen.
As a natural antihistamine, it does not have that heavy drowsy side effect that many chemical antihistamines seem to produce. It is not to be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with liver or kidney disease.
Homeopathic Remedies for Hay Fever
Homeopathic remedies for hay fever are best used as a preventative measure under the guidance of a homeopath, however, if hay fever is a common problem each year with predictable symptoms, try the following:
- Arsenicum. Take the potency 6c if there is constant sneezing
- Euphrasia. Potency 6 is helpful for itchy eyes with hay fever
- Sabadilla. Potency 6 reduces sore throat with hay fever
Rescue Remedy will help to ease symptoms and will calm the nervous system. This is not a cure but will help until the crisis passes. Try 4 drops under the tongue or in a glass of water taken 4 or 5 times a day.
Prevention of Hay Fever is Better Than Cure
The best treament for hay fever is preventative. Try to build up the immune system during the winter so that the body’s natural defences are strengthened. Increase intake of vitamin C and eat more garlic as a natural anticatarrhal agent. Learning to reduce stress will also improve the body’s ability to deal with hay fever.
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