Insight from a Registered Homeopath, on a natural approach to treating seasonal allergies
By Alia Donato, BSc(Hons), HOM, DCHM
While the flowers bloom and the grass grows. Springtime can be difficult for seasonal allergy sufferers. Allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever is one of the most common conditions at this time. Seasonal allergies occur when the body's immune system misinterprets a non-toxic substance in the environment such as pollen, animal dander, and mold. When a person with allergies comes into contact with these substances, the body identifies them as harmful. It then produces antibodies and histamine, creating uncomfortable and sometimes
dangerous symptoms.
Causes
Stress and a generally depressed immune system may contribute to allergies' severity. An allergic response such as hay fever, seems to have a genetic basis, as well as:
● Nutritional deficiencies
● Insufficient and limited diet variety
● A lack of childhood exposure to germs and allergens
● An excess accumulation of mucus in the body.
● Poor digestion.
Symptoms
● Frequent sneezing
● Runny or blocked nasal
● Red itchy or watery eyes
● Itchy throughout the mouth, nose, and ears
● Cough
● Wheezing and shortness of breath
How is hay fever diagnosed?
To measure your antibodies to specific allergens, your provider may take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. It can detect all types of allergies, including food allergies.
Treatment
Diet
The immune system depends on nutrition for development, maintenance, and optimal function. Nutritional factors, like zinc and vitamin D, as well as pre- and probiotics, and non-forming mucous foods, can affect immunity responses and make sure the immune system is working properly.
The importance of zinc and Vitamin D in hay fever
In a study of 134 children with food allergies, aged 1 to 36 months, zinc concentrations were significantly lower, which led to weakened antioxidant protection. The disruption of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms of this barrier leads to all kinds of unfavorable reactions, including oxidation of lipids on the cell membrane. This trace element is essential for various cellular functions. It's a co-factor for a lot of enzymes, including superoxide
dismutase (SOD), which plays a big role in keeping oxidative - antioxidative balance.
Furthermore, vitamin D can activate certain immune system cells that stop chemicals from causing and worsening allergic diseases. Vitamin D can also activate immune system cells that keep chemicals out of the system so allergic diseases don't get worse.
Examples of non-mucous-forming foods are:
● Whole grains
● Fresh vegetables
● Fish
● Spicy foods
● Cold-pressed oils
● Unsaturated fats ( olives, avocados, raw seeds, and certain nuts)
Foods to avoid:
● Alcohol
● Saturated fats
● Peanuts
● Processed foods
● Refined flours
● Dairy products
Homeopathy
The overactive immune system can be optimized with homeopathic medicines. By stimulating the immune system in a highly diluted form (like the trigger or allergen), they gradually desensitize it. There is a possibility that the diagnosis is an allergy or a related condition. Using homeopathy to treat patients is a unique approach. In homeopathy, hay fever is caused by an imbalance in the body, resulting in an oversensitive state. Choosing a remedy that is accurate to your symptoms may improve your hay fever symptoms.
Note: Please consult with a Registered Homeopath for customized recommendations for you.
Rash remedies
Rhus Toxicodendron - The symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron include intense burning and itching, which is exacerbated by scratching, open air, and nighttime. In order to relieve itching, he immerses the area in near-scalding water. There are fluid-filled blisters
on the skin that are intensely inflamed. Generally, the patient is restless, irritable, and anxious.
Arsenicum album - This medicine should be considered if you have large blisters filled with yellow fluid. The eruption may be most prominent on the face.
Bryonia - Can be helpful when the rash consists mainly of fine, dry bumps, especially on the face. Typically, Bryonia patients' symptoms worsen with movement, and they want to be left alone.
Eye remedies
Euphrasia: An inflammatory reaction characterized by swelling, redness, burning, and acrid, sticky, irritating discharge. Watery discharge from the nose. A cough that is filled with phlegm. Symptoms are exacerbated by heat and wind indoors.
Gelsemium: Eyes are heavy and swollen, so they are better in the open air. It's more severe in the morning, with violent sneezing, tingling in the nose, and streaming irritating discharge. A lump in the throat, like a sore throat. It is accompanied by a dry cough and a sore chest. Feeling apathetic, listless, giddy, and trembling.
Upper respiratory remedies.
Arsenicum Album - Arsenicum album's constitutional symptoms include fearfulness, restlessness, weakness, and aggravation of symptoms at or after midnight. An overwhelming feeling of exhaustion after any exertion. Recurrent sneezing and runny nose with a thin watery discharge from the nose. It is common for the person to have breathing difficulties and chest oppression. His symptoms are generally worse when he lies down. By sitting forward, he relieves asthmatic symptoms. There is wheezing associated with asthma. Asthma is more prevalent in wet and cold weather.
Lobella - Asthma with shortness of breath and chest constriction. Cold air makes wheezing worse. Around noon, the symptoms intensified. During rapid walking, the patient breathes easier.
Sambucus Nigra (elderberry) - In children, this homeopathic medicine is very beneficial for nasal blockage with suffocating cough. In the middle of the night, the patient wakes up suddenly suffocating and having difficulty breathing.
Pulsatilla - Patients who are mild, yielding, or good-natured often benefit most from this homeopathic remedy; also those who by their sickness, or by nature, are easily tearful and weepy. Pulsatilla is indicated when there is a persistent cough or barking cough. When
breathing is labored, a sawing sound is heard, and there is not much mucus produced. If the person sits up and tilts his head back or leans forward, he may feel more relaxed.
If you would like to learn more, book your free consultation with our Registered Homeopath.
Disclaimer: All content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose. Readers should seek guidance from their healthcare provider for further treatment options. Use of the content provided on this blog post is at your sole discretion.