Hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, is an inflammatory condition of the nasal membranes caused by IgE sensitisation. It can be triggered by inhaled allergens, pet fur, dust mites, pollen, grasses, food, or certain drugs.

Symptoms include a stuffy nose or runny nose, sneezing, swelling, itchiness in the nose or throat, a sore palate, blood-shot eyes, and headache. Allergic rhinitis is associated with asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Treatment

General

The general approach to treatment is to improve immune defences while isolating and removing environmental influences (home and office audit). Digestion and the adrenal system may need general support, so the first step is to identify nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and other accompanying conditions.

Hay fever symptoms can be managed with herbs or homeopathic remedies. A nasal wash can be performed with a neti pot containing warm sea salt solution, marigold or chamomile infusion.

Diet

Diet plays an important role in immune system health and sensitivity. The general approach is an anti-inflammatory diet which is low in processed foods, red meat and sugar. Refined carbohydrates, wheat products, and dairy foods promote catarrh of the airway, something the old naturopaths called ‘mucus forming’ foods. Drink adequate water and make fruit or vegetable juices.

An old-fashioned eliminate and challenge diet will help to remove problem foods and additives where a sensitivity is co-existent with environmental triggers. Blood typing can also help to impose a diet that best suits the individual constitution (more than half of the population is type O which is best suited to a Paleo diet).

Supplements may include quercetin, vitamin C (inhibits histamine), vitamin E (stabilises mast cells), and zinc (necessary for all aspects of immunity). A probiotic will also help balance the immune system through the gut. Cod liver oil, as with fish oil, is anti-inflammatory, while the vitamin A and D support immunity and mucus membrane integrity.

Herbs

Garlic, horseradish, and bromelain are mucolytic.

Garlic and Echinacea support immunity. Take garlic tablets 1-2 months before the season starts.

Nettle is anti-inflammatory and inhibits histamine release. Nettle can be taken as a tea 1-2 months before the season starts. Also plantain and Baikal scullcap.

Eyebright and yarrow treat excess secretions. Chamomile can be used as a compress to treat eyes.

Ginkgo and green tea are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Goldenrod is anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal.

Albizziahas anti-allergy properties, and is used to stabilise mast cells.

Milk thistle supports immunity through the liver by reducing allergic responses, and encumbrance.

Tissue salts

Ferrum phos to reduce inflammation; Kali mur for congestion with white phlegm and white coated tongue, stopped ears; kali sulph for suppuration with yellow mucus, blocked eustachian tubes, nose obstructed, yellow tongue.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are given in 6x, 6c, or 30c every few hours until symptoms resolve (3 pillules under the tongue, or dissolved in 100ml of water and taken one tsp. at a time). If there is no improvement after 2 or 3 doses a different remedy is required.

Allium cepa—profuse bland lachrymation, wants to rub them; frequent sneezing, nasal secretion is acrid, burns nose, drips like a tap; sensitive to odours; raw throat, hoarse, tickling cough; worse in a warm room.

Arsenicum album—burning, itching nose, eyes and throat. Acrid tears, red eyelids, yellow conjunctiva. Sneezing, nose runs fluently with acrid water. Nose and eyelids swell. Restless.

Euphrasia—a bland discharge from the nose with cough; watery, acrid discharge from the eyes; conjunctivitis; bursting headache; worse sun, wind. Eyes worse outside.

Kali bich—nasal obstruction. Fullness at root of nose. Thick ropey, yellow discharge.

Natrum muriaticum—fluent coryza from nose, lasts a few days then stops up; sneezing in the morning; watery, burning, red eyes; cold sores; loss of sense of smell; headaches over eyes, hammering, sunrise to sunset; thirsty, sensation of lump in throat; worse in sun, morning.

Nux vomica—sneezing; nose stuffed up at night, runny during the day, one side only; bloodshot eyes; frontal or occipital headache worse in sun; spring conjunctivitis; itching in ear; worse outside, cold, morning.

Pulsatilla—obstructed nose, loss of sense of smell. Short of breath, purulent expectoration, asthma. Bland profuse yellow or green discharges. Conjunctivitis, itching, burning; better cool, open air. Needy.

Sabadilla—hay fever with persistent sneezing. Tickling inside nose; eyes red, burning, watery. Shortness of breath. Flowers are a key trigger.

Sulphur—sneezing, runny nose, fluent, burning, or obstructed alternate sides < outdoors, cold. Red, swollen nose. Burning eyes. Hoarse, short of breath, wants windows open.

Wyethia—itching in throat and nose. Feels swollen, scalded, pharyngitis; constant clearing and hemming throat, swallowing; hoarse, hacking cough.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for the purpose of general education only, and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment advice, or a prescription that is given in a consultation with a qualified physician.