Homeopathy offers alternative relief for hay fever sufferers
Homeopaths in Sussex are targeting hay fever sufferers this summer, offering help to those looking for an alternative to conventional medication to ease their symptoms.
A recent survey[1] (January 2009) on behalf of Nelsons Pharmacy showed that 72 per cent of sufferers would prefer a natural alternative to anti-histamines and 79 per cent would like to access natural treatments on the NHS.
The survey also found that 72 per cent said hay fever affected their ability to concentrate at work, with 11 per cent of those saying they were affected ”a lot”.
Another survey2 estimated that hay fever could be costing British businesses as much as £7.1 billion a year in lost productivity and concentration amongst employees.
Between 15 and 20 per cent of the British population suffer from the often debilitating symptoms of pollen allergy3, ranging from sneezing to itchy swollen eyes.
Local homeopath Carmel O’Dell SDSHom RSHom who is based at the Sussex Osteopath and Complementary Health Clinic on the High Street in Hurstpierpoint, is always happy to answer questions about homeopathy and how it can help.
She explained: “Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on how sufferers experience their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.
“Many people suffer with hay fever all summer and either don’t want to take anti-histamines over such a long period, or struggle with side effects. Homeopathic treatment can offer a good alternative.”
One such person is E.S. a young mum from Hurstpierpoint, who says “I have suffered badly from hay fever for as long as I can remember! When I had my daughter and started breastfeeding I didn’t want to take any drugs so I looked to homeopathy as an alternative. The remedies I was prescribed last summer really helped relieve the worst of my symptoms, especially the itchy streaming eyes. This year I am going to visit Carmel in the spring to give my immune system a boost well before the hay fever season starts.”
E.S. is not the only person to have benefitted from visiting a homeopath. A number of research trials into the use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of patients with hay fever have shown significant improvement in symptoms 4,5,6,7.
It is recommended that a qualified and registered homeopath (look out for the RSHom designation) is consulted as each sufferer will be treated according to their own individual combination of symptoms and how it affects them.
However, homeopathic medicines (known as remedies) can be used at home, once the symptoms start.
Listed below are some common remedies available over the counter and pointers to the symptoms that would indicate their use:
Euphrasia: eyes inflamed, with profuse watering which seems to burn. Can be a thick discharge from eyes and feeling of pressure. Nose streaming. Better in the open air.
Allium cepa: watery discharge from the nose, can drip, leaving nose sore and raw. Watery eyes. Violent sneezing. Better in the open air.
Arsenicum: burning watery discharge from eyes and nose, with tickling building up to a sneeze. At its worst just after midnight. This patient will be restless and anxious.
Nux vom: sneezing fits, nose, eyes and face very irritated and hot. Itching extends to the larynx and trachea. Eyes light-sensitive. Irritated, impatient and snappy.
Lachesis: sneezing fits worse after sleep. Headache and dry stuffed sensation through the head, with red puffy face and sore nostrils and lips. The throat can also be sensitive, especially to pressure.
Notes:
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has over 1,500 registered members.
Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths have agreed to practise and abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the code is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org.
Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since its inception in 1948
There are five NHS homeopathic hospitals
Interest in homeopathy is growing – a Mintel report (July 2007) reported that the sale of homeopathic treatments had seen a 24 per cent growth since 2002.
Carmel O’Dell SDSHom RSHom
Sussex Osteopath and Complementary Health Clinic
135 – 137 High Street
Hurstpierpoint
Hassocks
BN6 9PU
P: 01273 835116
W. www.sussex-osteopath.co.uk
E: info@sussex-osteopath.co.uk
References
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One Poll survey of 3,373 respondents on behalf of Nelsons
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The Hay Fever Health Report by Prof. Jean Emberlin, March 2006. Commissioned by Kleenex®.
http://www.kleenex.co.uk/Doc/Kleenex Hayfever Report.pdf -
Asthma and Allergy Information and Research website. http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/hayfever.htm
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Reilly DT, Taylor MA, McSharry C, Aitchison T. Is homeopathy a placebo response? Controlled trial of homeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as a model. Lancet,1986; 2: 881-6.
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Kleijnen J, Knipschild P, ter Riet G. Clinical trials of Homeopathy. Br Med J, 1991; 302: 316-22.
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Launsø L, Kimby CK, Henningsen I, Fønnebø V. An exploratory retrospective study of people suffering from hypersensitivity illness who attend medical or classical homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy, 2006; 95: 73-80.
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Kim LS, Riedlinger JE, Baldwin CM, Hilli L, Khalsa SV, Messer SA, Waters RF. Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Using Homeopathic Preparation of Common Allergens in the Southwest Region of the US: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Ann Pharmacother, 2005; 39(4): 617-24.
