Allergic Rhinitis, causes and treatment through homeopathy

Airborne allergens – pollen and dust – are the most common causes of nasal allergy. The medical term for it is Allergic Rhinitis, also known as hay fever. It results in inflammation of the nasal lining due to an over-reactive immune system.
If one suffers from Allergic Rhinitis, homeopathic remedies activate the immune system. This prevents any progression of the condition. It offers complete relief from the symptoms. In many cases, it helps in a long-term cure. Symptoms such as nasal discharge and congestion, watery or red eyes, sneezing; itchy nose, throat and eyes and coughing – can be treated with homeopathic medicines. In chronic cases, homeopathy helps reduce the occurrence of acute allergy episodes, by addressing the root cause. With continuous use of homeopathic medicines, the dependence on conventional treatments like antihistamines, nasal sprays and corticosteroids can see a decrease in symptoms. Also, homeopathy can address complications connected with chronic allergies under the supervision of a homeopath.

Why homeopathy?

Unlike conventional treatments that often focus on subduing the symptoms, homeopathy aims for a permanent cure of Allergic Rhinitis.

Individualised treatment – Administering homeopathic remedies depends on each patient’s peculiar symptoms. The dose, potency and duration of the medicines are administered by a qualified homeopath.

These are safe medicines, since they are by-products of plants and other elements available in nature. There are no side-effects and the treatment helps in the body’s natural healing process.

Once the patient shows some improvement, the medicines can be discontinued. The dosage must be reduced gradually as recommended by the homeopath.

Top 9 Homeopathic Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis

The most notable nine homeopathic medicines administered for allergic rhinitis are Natrum Mur, Sabadilla, Arsenic Album, Allium Cepa, Arundo Mauritanica, Euphrasia, Hepar Sulphuricum, Arsenicum Iodatum and Aralia Racemosa.

1. Natrum Mur – Most recommended medicine for Allergic Rhinitis

There is a wide acceptance among homeopaths that Natrum Mur is the best homeopathic medicine for Allergic Rhinitis. Typically, the Allergic Rhinitis discharge, which often resembles an egg white, continues for one or two days before the nostrils gets blocked, resulting in difficulty in breathing. There are accompanying bouts of sneezing in the morning. Some patients may feel a worm-like crawling sensation inside the nostrils. Loss of smell or taste may also be an accompanying factor.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Frequent sneezing and a clear, watery runny nose

How to use Natrum Mur?

Used in the 6X biochemic formulation, to be taken two to three times a day

2. Sabadilla – When strong odour triggers nasal complaints

Sourced from the seeds of the Cebadilla plant, Sabadilla is useful for patients who react to strong smells, like perfumes. The condition is marked by red, watery eyes, and, at times, blocked nostrils.

When to use Sabadilla?

Constant sneezing and runny nose caused by strong smells

How to use Sabadilla?

30C potency twice daily

3. Arsenic Album – Watery nasal discharge which causes burning

Arsenic Album is advised based on proliferation of a different symptom — a burning sensation in and around the nostrils, along with a watery nasal discharge. There is excoriation (the skin around the nose becomes sore or peeled) and sneezing.  The condition often gets worse when outdoors and improves at home or inside the four walls. A blocked nostril may also be an accompany factor.

When to use Arsenic Album?

Watery, burning nasal discharge causing skin irritant

How to use Arsenic Album?

– Can be used in both low and high potencies

– Start with 30C once or twice daily

– For higher potencies, take a homeopath’s advice

 

4. Allium Cepa – For bland eye discharge along with nasal burning

Allium Cepa is normally administered when there is watery, irritating and profuse nasal discharge accompanied by discharge from the eyes. In severe cases, the nasal discharge is acidic enough that could burn or corrode the nose and the upper lip. Symptoms worsen in warm atmosphere and get better in the open. Often getting up from the bed triggers sneezing. Allium Cepa is one of the most used remedies when nasal allergies worsen, especially in spring season or early August.

When to use Allium Cepa ?

Can be used in both low and high potencies

A 30C potency is good to begin with and it may be administered once to three times daily depending on severity of the symptoms

For potencies above 200C, take the help of a qualified homeopath

How to use Allium Cepa?

This medicine can also be used in both low and high potencies. It is safe to use it in 30 C potency in the beginning, once to thrice a day depending on the severity of symptoms, but for high potencies like 200 C or more, consultation with a homeopathic physician is strictly advised.

5. Arundo Mauritanica – For itchy nostrils along with sneezing

Arundo Mauritanica is best administered for acute itching in the nostrils and it is accompanied by a bout of sneezing. Itching may also extend to the palate (roof of the mouth) and eyes, often accompanied by a burning sensation.

When to use Arundo?

Noticeably palpable itching in nostrils and palate along with frequent sneezing

How to use Arundo?

A 30C potency may be administered two to three times a day

6. Euphrasia – To cope with watery, red, itchy eyes

There is a burning or gritty sensation, as if sand grains are present in the eye. Watery, itchy and red eyes are prominent. Sneezing and bland (non-irritating) watery nasal discharge may also be an accompanying factor.

When to use Euphrasia?

Watery, itchy, red eyes with burning sensation along with non-irritating nasal discharge

How to use Euphrasia?

— May be used in potencies ranging from 30C to higher strengths such as 200C or 1M                                                                   – 30C potency can be taken two to three times daily
– Higher potencies should be used only after seeking advice from a qualified homeopath

7. Hepar Sulphuricum – Marked hyper sensitivity towards cold 

Feeling a chill, becoming sensitive to cold and a foul-smelling discharge are the characteristic features that make Hepar Sulph a wonderful medicine that helps manage symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis. Every time one is exposed to cold dry wind, there is intense sneezing that may cause a runny nose with thick malodorous discharge and blocked nostrils.

When to use Hepar Sulph?

Noticeably palpable itching in nostrils and palate along with frequent sneezing

How to use Hepar Sulph?

A 30C potency may be administered two to three times a day

8. Arsenic Iodatum – For chronic , irritating, corrosive nasal discharge                             

Arsenic iodatum is a homoeopathic medicine that helps one cope with hay fever and old catarrhs (an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat) with thin, watery, irritating, excoriating discharge from anterior and posterior nares. Symptoms are accompanied by frequent but unsatisfactory sneezing which aggravates the condition.

When to use Arsenic Iodatum?

Chronic nasal catarrh, profuse thick, yellow discharge

In acute condition, the discharge is thin and thick and yellowish in chronic conditions

Frequent sneezing accompanying the discharge

How to use Arsenic Iodatum?

30CH potency initially once or twice a day

9. Aralia Racemosa –For hay fever with asthmatic conditions

This is a naturally prepared medicine from American spikenard plant. It is widely used in managing watery and copious excoriating nasal discharge accompanied by frequent sneezing. Asthmatic conditions may appear with bouts of coughing with chest contraction that gets worse when one lies down.

When to use Aralia Racemosa?

Loud wheezing respiration, sudden bout of cough and constriction of chest

How to use Arsalia Racemosa?

Can be taken in 30CH potency or in tincture

Recommended dose is 8-10 drops once or twice a day for best results

Note You may continue any of these medicines for 2–3 weeks. If the symptoms persist or if you plan to continue beyond this period, seek advice from a qualified homeopath. Don’t use high potencies without advice from a homeopath.

What leads to Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic Rhinitis occurs when the immune system is sensitive to inhaled substances such as pollen, wheat-threshing dust, household dust, and similar allergens.

Rather than acting on harmful microorganisms like virus and bacteria, the body’s defence cells inadvertently identify these harmless particles (pollen) as threats.

When antibodies react with allergens like pollen, dust (antigens), histamines are released, leading to symptoms typical to allergies.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?

Symptoms may show up at once after exposure to an allergen or may develop over a period of time. The symptoms may occur seasonally or throughout the year, depending on the type of Allergic Rhinitis.

– Profuse, watery nasal discharg

– Frequent or occasional sneezing

– Watery, red eyes

– Itching in the nose, eyes, throat, and roof of the mouth

Symptoms that may develop later include:

– Cough
– Nasal congestion or stuffiness
–Headache
–Sore or scratchy throat
–Ear blockage
–Reduced sense of smell
–Breathing difficulty in some individuals
–Dark circles under the eyes
–Fatigue, irritability

Who Is at Risk?

Allergic Rhinitis can affect anybody, but those with a family history of allergies are at a greater risk. People suffering from atopic eczema or asthma are more susceptible to the disease.

Can Allergic Rhinitis Lead to Complications?

Yes, certain complications may arise, like:

– Frequent ear infections

– Recurrent sinus infections

–  Sleep disturbances due to nasal blockage

–  Formation of nasal polyps

–  Development or worsening of asthma

What Common Allergens Trigger Nasal Allergy?

Typical allergens that may provoke nasal allergy include:

–  Different types of pollen (from trees, grasses, or weeds)

–  Mold

–  Household dust mites

–  Wood dust

–  Animal dander (tiny flakes) from pets

Many outside irritants may worsen allergic rhinitis, such as strong perfumes, cigarette smoke, cold air, wind, chemical fumes and wood smoke

Is Allergic Rhinitis Contagious?

No. Allergic rhinitis cannot spread by inhaling respiratory droplets of an infected person.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is often based on the conditions that trigger the symptoms. To determine the specific allergen and confirm an allergic reaction, the undermentioned tests may be taken:

– Skin Prick Test: Different allergens are applied in small amounts to pricked areas on the skin (usually the back or the forearm). A red itchy bump will appear at the site within 15–20 minutes if you are allergic.

– IgE Blood Test: Measures immunoglobulin E levels, which increase when the body reacts to an allergen.

How important is vitamin D in fighting allergies?

– Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating both adaptive and innate immunity and has a prominent role in managing allergic rhinitis.

– It helps in managing the activity of T lymphocytes and reduces the production of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 which cause the allergic reaction.

– It reduces the IgE mediated responses and inflammation and improves epithelial barrier integrity in nasal mucosa.

– Vitamin D affects immune cells i.e., the mast cells that produce histamine during allergic reactions, thereby helping relieve the symptoms.

– By boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and preventing allergic sensitisation, vitamin D helps in reducing the intensity of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can homeopathic medicines be ingested along with conventional medicines? 

Yes, homoeopathic medicines can be administered along with conventional treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. Though, they provide immediate relief from the symptoms, homoeopathy aims at complete and long-term healing. It helps in reducing the need for conventional medications or easing their side-effects.

2. Is Allergic Rhinitis and common cold one and the same? 

Though, Allergic Rhinitis and cold have similar symptoms, the causative agents are different. Common cold is caused by a viral infection, while allergic rhinitis is a result of exposure to specific allergens leading to an allergic response of the compromised immune system.

3. Are these medicines safe for kids suffering from Allergic Rhinitis? 

Homoeopathic medicines are diluted and thus safe for children. They are non-toxic, and are made from natural substance and thus have no side-effects. But it is a must to consult a homoeopath to determine the appropriate remedy and dosage based on child’s age and severity of symptoms.

4. Can homoeopathy cure Allergic Rhinitis completely?

Homoeopathy improves the body’s overall response towards allergens and helps in coping with the symptoms. It reduces dependence on conventional modes of treatments and a long-term treatment could lead to complete cure from the disease.

5. If left untreated, can Allergic Rhinitis cause other health concerns?

If Allergic Rhinitis is not treated, it can result in complications like middle ear infections, sinusitis and sleep disturbances due to chronic asthma and nasal congestion.

6. What lifestyle or dietary changes can be introduced to manage Allergic Rhinitis along with homoeopathic medicines?

Diet and lifestyle play an important role in controlling allergic rhinitis. Some lifestyle tips include:

a) Avoid allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust, etc that could aggravate symptoms

b) Eat fresh, whole foods to boost your immunity

c) Introduce breathing exercises, meditation and yoga to reduce stress that triggers allergic reactions