Homeopathy for Hayfever
Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, can be a challenging condition that affects many individuals, especially during the spring and summer months when pollen is prevalent. Homeopathy offers a gentle and holistic approach to managing symptoms, which can include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.
Common Homeopathic Remedies for Hayfever
Allium Cepa - Similar symptoms to those one feels when cutting up onions. A commonly used remedy for hay fever with predominant nasal symptoms. There is frequent sneezing and a profuse, watery discharge that may burn the nose and upper lip. The nose feels raw and itchy, with irritation extending to the back of the throat and roof of the mouth. Eyes are red, sensitive to light, and produce burning, watery tears. Sensitive to the smell of flowers. Pressure felt in the middle of the chest, with cough that sounds asthmatic.
Better in cool, open air.
Worse in warm rooms, rubbing eyes.Sabadilla - Helpful for hay fever with intense, frequent sneezing, especially from pollen exposure. Nasal discharge is watery, burning, with itching in the nose and soft palate. Eyes are red, watery, with frontal headaches. Nasal congestion may alternate sides. There's heightened sensitivity to smells—even the thought or smell of flowers can trigger symptoms. Mouth is dry with no thirst. Severe frontal headache with pressure in the eyes. Breathing becomes wheezy.
Better in a warm room, with heat, and indoors.
Worse from cold air, smell of garlic, or freshly cut grass.Arsenicum Album - Indicated when hay fever involves burning nasal discharge, itching, and irritation around the nose. Sneezing offers no relief. May be accompanied by asthma-like symptoms—wheezing, shortness of breath, a need to sit up to breathe (worse lying down). Individuals are often restless, anxious, and chilly, with a strong sensitivity to cold.
Better when sitting up and staying indoors.
Worse at midnight, in midsummer, or outdoors.Euphrasia (Eyebright) - Best suited for hay fever with predominant eye symptoms—profuse, burning tears, redness, and irritation, especially from sunlight or wind. Vision may feel affected. The nose runs during the day but becomes blocked at night. May experience a bursting headache.
Better in open air, with wiping the eyes or blinking.Nux Vomica - Helpful for hay fever triggered by irritants or stress, especially in irritable, tense individuals. Characterized by frequent sneezing, runny nose during the day, and nasal blockage at night (or one-sided). May have a tickling, raw throat, and sneezing can trigger headaches. Wheezing may occur, especially after overeating or when the stomach feels full.
Better with rest and warmth.
Worse from cold, stress, or digestive discomfort.Mix Pollen - A combination remedy made from pollens of trees, grasses, and flowers. Used for general hay fever symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and burning sensations. Especially helpful when symptoms are triggered by multiple types of pollen.
Best taken during hay fever season to help reduce sensitivity and ease symptoms.Natrum Muriaticum - Indicated for hay fever with violent sneezing and runny nose, with discharge that’s thin and egg white-like, along with nasal obstruction. Watery, burning, and itchy eyes, especially worse in sunlight. Coughing may trigger eye watering. May also experience loss of smell and taste, and cold sores during hay fever episodes. Often has a strong desire for salt.
Worse from sun exposure and emotional stress.Pulsatilla - Used for hay fever with thick, yellow, bland nasal discharge and a blocked nose. Eyes are itchy, burning, and watery, with frequent sneezing and loss of smell and taste. The person may be weepy, emotional, and seeks comfort.
Better in open air.
Worse in warm, stuffy rooms.
Tips for Using Homeopathy
Dosage: Homeopathic remedies can be taken in various potencies; 30C is a common one for acute symptoms. It’s advisable to start with one dose and wait to assess how your symptoms respond before repeating. If your symptoms do not improve after four doses, try another remedy.
Consult a Professional: If you're unsure which remedy to take or if your symptoms are severe, consulting a qualified homeopath can provide personalised advice tailored to your needs.