6 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis, simply called nasal allergy, is an inflammatory condition that irritates the nasal lining of the nose, due to overreaction of the immune system to inhaled allergens (like dust mites, pollens, etc).

Homeopathy is a highly advanced system of healing having great expertise in treating many allergic health conditions including allergic rhinitis. Homeopathic medicines for allergies work by moderating the overactive immune system that helps stop the further progression of the complaint, gives great symptomatic relief and gradually a permanent cure. Symptoms including sneezing, discharge from the nose, blocked stuffy nose itching in the nose, eyes, throat, watery, red eyes, cough are all well managed with homeopathic medicines. In chronic cases, homeopathy helps to gradually reduce episodes of acute allergy. This is followed by the aim to cure the trouble from its roots. With regular use of homeopathic medicines, the dependency on conventional medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and corticosteroids can be reduced to almost negligible. Homeopathic medicines can also help to prevent complications in long standing allergy cases if a regular prescribed course of these medicines is followed under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

Homeopathy’s mission is to cure rather than suppress

Homeopathy does not follow the path of suppression in allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, because it will only make the complaint more complex to treat and cure, nor does it aim to bring temporary symptomatic relief. Rather its supreme objective is to offer a permanent cure for nasal allergy. This objective is achieved by the use of homeopathic medicines selected individually for any given case based on the law of individualization taken in properly selected potency, dose and for the time duration as prescribed by a homeopathic physician with regular follow ups.

Homeopathy treats with harmless medicines

In homeopathy, medicines used for treating allergic rhinitis are entirely harmless mainly sourced from plants or organic substances. These are capable of treating allergies in the safest, most gentle, and the most harmless way as per homeopathic principles. They do not have any side effects and help in recovering naturally.

Homeopathic medicines are non-addictive

There is no chance of creating any dependency on homeopathic medicines given for allergic rhinitis treatment. These medicines on achieving the desired results can easily be discontinued. It is recommended to stop the medicines gradually by reducing the prescribed dosage step by step as guided by the homeopathic physician.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis

The top six homeopathic medicines to treat allergic rhinitis are Natrum Mur, Sabadilla, Arsenic Album, Allium Cepa, Arundo Mauritanica and Euphrasia. 

1. Natrum Mur – Top-Grade Medicine

It is the leading homeopathic medicine for treating allergic rhinitis. It covers nearly all the problem areas and is the most widely used homeopathic medicine for treating nasal allergy. Violent sneezing and runny nose is the foremost guiding symptom to put it into use. The nasal discharge is thin and watery resembling the raw white of an egg. This discharge may flow for a day or two followed by nasal blockage which makes breathing difficult. Frequent sneezing occurs early in the morning and a sensation of a small worm wriggling in the nostril is felt. Loss of smell and taste may also be noted.

When to use Natrum Mur?

It is the best choice of medicine for cases of intense sneezing and a runny nose with a thin watery discharge.

How to use Natrum Mur?

This medicine is preferred in biochemic form i.e. 6X potency. It can be taken in 6X power twice or thrice a day.

2. Sabadilla – For Complaints Worsening From Strong Smells

It is a natural medicine sourced from seeds of Cebadilla plant. It is used when a person is oversensitive to strong smells.  The most noteworthy symptom of using this medicine is marked sneezing, along with a runny nose which gets worse with strong odors, for example, perfume. It is followed by watering and redness in the eyes. A stuffed nose may sometimes add to your woes.

When to use Sabadilla?

Sabadilla can be given to persons who have a runny nose along with sneezing after exposure to strong odors e.g. perfume.

How to use Sabadilla?

This medicine can be taken in 30C potency twice a day.

3. Arsenic Album – For Watery Nasal Discharge With A Burning Sensation

Though placed at number three, it is equally effective as the above-mentioned two medicines. The only difference is that it is prescribed by a homeopath based on different symptoms. It is recommended when there is thin watery nasal discharge that causes a burning sensation in the nose, and excoriation which means peeling away of the skin of the nostrils. It is accompanied by sneezing. The patient’s condition worsens in the open air but feels better indoors. Sometimes, you might have a stuffy nose along with the above-mentioned symptoms.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is well indicated when there is watery discharge from the nose that causes a burning sensation and excoriation (damage or peeling of skin) in the nostrils, along with sneezing.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Use of this medicine is recommended in both low and high potencies. In the beginning, one may use 30C potency once or twice a day. For using high potencies, prior consultation with the homeopathic physician is a must.

4. Allium Cepa – For Irritating, Burning Nasal Discharge And Non- Irritating  Eye Discharge

The most pressing indication to use this medicine is profuse, watery irritating burning nasal discharge and copious, non-irritating eye discharge. In severe cases, the nasal discharge burns and corrodes (damages) the nose and upper lips due to acidic nature. It is accompanied by sneezing. Allium is also recommended when sneezing and nasal discharge worsen on entering a warm room and get better in open air. It is also effective when intense sneezing occurs on rising from bed. When nasal allergy worsens in spring or early in the month of August, Allium Cepa is the most extensively used remedy.

When to use Allium Cepa?

Nasal discharge that is acidic causes burning, and corroding in the nose and upper lip, with non-irritating  (bland) eye discharge is the classic indicator to use this medicine.

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 Itching In Nostrils, With Sneezing

The most outstanding symptom pointing to its use is itching in the nostrils and sneezing. Itching of the palate (roof of the mouth) and eyes is also felt along with a burning sensation.

When to use Arundo?

The key symptom of using this medicine is itching in the nostrils and palate (roof of mouth) with intense sneezing.

How to use Arundo?

It can be taken two to three times a day with 30C power.

6. Euphrasia – To manage itchy, watery, red eyes

Euphrasia is an important homeopathic medicine to manage complaints of itchy, watery, red eyes. Along with this a burning sensation as if there is sand in the eyes is present. In addition to the above symptoms sneezing and watery discharge from the nose occur which is non-irritating i.e. bland.

When to use Euphrasia?

Watery, itchy, red eyes with a burning sensation along with non-irritating nasal discharge is the characteristic indication to use this medicine.

How to use Euphrasia?

This medicine can be used from low 30C potency to high potency like 200 C, 1M. It is a short-acting medicine and can be taken twice or thrice in 30 C potency. However high potencies are taken in infrequent doses.

Note Whenever taking any of these medicines, you may continue for about 2 to 3 weeks. If symptoms persist or you wish to continue any of these medicines beyond 3 weeks, it is strictly advised to seek consultation from a homeopathic physician. Also, do not take high potencies without consulting a homeopathic doctor.

What causes Allergic Rhinitis?

It results from an over-reaction of the immune system to inhaled allergens like pollen, wheat threshing dust, dust, etc. In other words, the body’s defense cells, which are meant to fight microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, start overreacting to substances like pollen which are otherwise harmless to our body. This interaction between the defense cells (antibodies) and substances like pollen, wheat threshing dust (antigens), etc. results in the production of a substance, histamine, which is responsible for all local symptoms produced during allergies.

What are the Symptoms?

Some symptoms arise immediately after exposure to the allergen and some of the symptoms may develop later. It is pertinent to mention here that symptoms of allergic rhinitis are not life-threatening but can seriously affect the quality of one’s life. The symptoms may occur only in a particular season or all the year around, which depends on the type of allergic rhinitis.

Following symptoms arise immediately on exposure to allergen:

– sneezing that can range from a few to many

–  profuse watery discharge from the nose

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

– watery, red eyes

Following symptoms may occur later:

– blocked stuffy nose

– cough

– sore, scratchy throat

– headache

– blockage in ears

– reduced sense of smell

– fatigue, irritability, feeling ill

– difficulty in breathing in some patients

– dark under-eye circles

 What are the common Allergens that trigger Nasal Allergy?

The common allergens that can trigger nasal allergy are as follows:

–   different kinds of pollen (powder coming from flowering plants): Tree pollen, grass pollen

–  weeds

–  mites in the dust inside our homes

–  mold

–  animal dander (tiny flakes shed from skin) from pets like dogs, cats

–  wood dust

Allergic rhinitis occurs from allergies but there are certain external factors that can trigger or aggravate allergic rhinitis. Some of these include strong smells like perfumes, cigarette smoke, wind, cold temperature, wood smoke and fumes.

Who is at Risk?

Though anyone can suffer from it, those having a family history of allergic rhinitis or some other allergies are at more risk. People who have atopic eczema and asthma are also highly prone.

Is Allergic Rhinitis Contagious?

No, it is not contagious. It means it does not spread from one person to another via inhalation of respiratory droplets from the person suffering from allergic rhinitis.

 Can Allergic Rhinitis lead to any Complications?

Yes, sometimes a few complications can arise from allergic rhinitis. These include the development of asthma or worsening of asthma, frequent sinus infections, frequent ear infections, nasal polyps formation. The symptoms may cause poor sleep or inability to sleep at night.

How to diagnose Allergic Rhinitis?

The symptoms and trigger factors might indicate allergic rhinitis and help in its diagnosis in most cases. Some tests may be recommended in these cases for confirmation of an allergic response and the type of allergen causing the symptoms. The first suggested test is IgE (immunoglobulin E) test which is a blood test that checks for antibodies to an allergen. An increased amount of IgE indicates that the body is overreacting to some allergen resulting in an allergic reaction. The next test is a skin prick test to get to know the type of allergen responsible for an allergic reaction. In this test a slight amount of different types of allergens are pricked on the skin on the forearm or back. In case you are allergic to some allergen then a raised bump or red, itchy area develops at the site of that specific allergen in about 15 to 20 minutes.

 

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