Homeopathic Remedies for Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

This article will cover the homeopathic remedies for allergies, their types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, management & complete treatment.

An abnormal reaction to external substances by the human body is called an allergy. The external substances are called allergens.

When an individual develops an unusual response to substances or conditions which is not harmful to others, then that individual is said to be allergic.

So, whenever a person is exposed to an allergens series of events within the body, which is called an allergic reaction.

Once an allergen enters the body, the body releases an IgE antibody, which attaches to the mast cell, and these both in combined form bind to the allergen.

After which, mast cells release a chemical called histamine into the blood circulation. And histamine is responsible for the varied symptoms experienced by the patients.

And the type of symptoms will depend upon which part of the body is affected.

The severity of the disease varies from person to person. For some, it may be some minor symptoms but, in few cases, anaphylaxis develops, which is a life-threatening emergency.

There are two types of allergic reaction:

Localized reaction: when pollen grains are inhaled, it leads to hay fever or sinusitis, which is just localized to the face, nose. Hence it is called a localized reaction.

Generalized reaction: In drug allergy, when some patients are injected with penicillin, they exhibit fatal constitutional reactions. This is called a generalized reaction.

Types of Allergies

There are various types of common allergies which can be seen in people – 

1. Food allergy: These include wheat, soy, nuts, milk, egg, shellfish, etc. food allergy primarily affects children but can occur at any age.

2. Insect sting allergy: Venom in insect bites and stings, e.g., wasps, honey bees

3. Aeroallergens: It is caused by airborne particles we inhale like mold spores, dust, pollen, animal dander, pet fur, skin flakes, etc. Mold and mildew are fungi found everywhere. Pollens are the most common triggers for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

4. Drug allergies: Medicines that are used to treat infections like antibiotics.

5. Chemical allergies: Chemical agents that are present in household use like dyes, cosmetics, laundry detergent.

6. Metal allergies: Metals like nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc are responsible for allergy.

7. Latex allergy: Allergy to natural latex rubber-like gloves, balloons, condoms, etc. This can pose a severe health risk.

8. Skin allergy

9. Eye allergy

10. Cockroach allergy

Causes of Allergies

These are the most common causes of allergies –

• Foods

• Insect stings

• Plants

• Medications

Symptoms of Allergies

Types of symptoms vary as per the organ affected and depend on the entry of an allergen into the body.

Common symptoms of allergic reactions to allergens are as follows:

• Itchy watery eyes and it can also be swollen(conjunctivitis)

• Sneezing

• Itchy runny nose, itching in the roof of the mouth

• Flushing

• Warm tingling feeling

• Swelling especially faces, neck, hands, feet, tongue.

• Rashes

• Feeling tired or ill

• Hives

Symptoms arising due to food allergies are

• Stomach cramps

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Insect sting allergies can cause

• Swelling at the site of the sting

• Redness

• Pain

• Itching or hives all over the body

• Chest tightness or shortness of breath

• Anaphylaxis.

Drug allergy can cause

• Itching in the skin

• Hives

• Rash

• Swelling in the face

• Wheezing

• Anaphylaxis

Skin allergy leads to

• Itching

• Rash with redness and peeling

ANAPHYLAXIS which is a life-threatening complication can make you go into shock. It might occur because of food, insect stings, medications, or latex. One needs to be hospitalized on feeling any of these complications immediately:

Symptoms of anaphylaxis start within 5-30 minutes of coming in contact with an allergen.

• Red rash/hives, which are very itchy

• Swelling in the throat or all over the body. Swelling in the throat leads to difficulty in swallowing.

• Wheezing

• Chest tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Hoarse voice

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Stomach cramps

• Pale or red color to the face or body

• Loss of consciousness or lightheadedness

• Drop-in blood pressure

• Pulse might become rapid and weak.

Risk Factors of Allergies

These are the factors that increase the risk of an individual being susceptible to allergy.

1. Hereditary tendency /having a family history of asthma or allergy

2. Age-wise – children are more at risk.

3. Dysfunction of endocrine glands

4. Increased activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

5. Absorption of toxic and metabolic substances

6. Liver dysfunction

7. Stress

COMPLICATIONS

1. Anaphylaxis

2. Asthma

3. Sinusitis and infections of lungs.

Diagnosis of Allergies

A detailed history of symptoms and triggering factors and proper physical examination will help the physician evaluate the condition well.

Other tests include:

• Blood test to determine the levels of IgE

• The skin test is done where a small portion of allergen is injected into the skin, and if its reaction develops hives, then the allergy is confirmed to that particular allergen.

• A patch test is done on the skin to detect contact dermatitis.

• A blood test in food allergens will reveal that the person is allergic to which food substance.

Management of Allergies

Avoidance of triggering factors is an essential part of the management of allergies.

In a conventional line of treatment, medications are given depending upon the type of allergy.

Immunotherapy is also given to patients in severe cases.

And in a severe emergency, epinephrine injections are given as in anaphylaxis.

Homeopathic Remedies For Allergies

Homeopathic medicines are a savior to many who have not found relief with the conventional line of treatment.

It helps in decreasing the frequency and intensity of the symptoms and slowly brings about the cure.

And then, the patient who was allergic to certain substances or food products can slowly handle those substances.

1.ALLIUM CEPA: For allergies with increased secretion

Symptoms:

When the patient is suffering from allergy, and their mucous membrane is affected, especially nose, eyes, larynx, and bowels, Allium cepa is the remedy.

The secretions are increased in the mucous membranes.

Burning and stitching sensations are marked in the affected part like the eyes, nose, throat, bladder, mouth, and skin.

The secretion from the nose is very acrid and from the eyes is bland.

The eyes burn, and the patient has smarting pain with increased secretion and wants to rub the eyes constantly. The complaint worsens on coughing.

The patient sneezes frequently and sneezes violently. The nose is constantly dripping.

The patients are sensitive to odors of flowers and peaches.

The patient has a headache that extends to the face and cheeks and gets better as the nasal discharge increases, and as soon as the discharge stops headache returns.

There is a raw sensation in the throat, due to which pain extends to the ear. There is also dripping from the uvula.

The complaints worsen in the evening and warm room and get better in the open air and cold room.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C power in frequent repetition till improvement is seen can be administered.

2.DULCAMARA: For allergies due to the constant change of climate

Symptoms:

The patients requiring dulcamara, for them complaints are brought on due from sitting on cold damp ground or working in damp cold basements.

Hot days and cold nights towards the close of summer are the most favorable days when people are more prone to allergies.

After being exposed to wet weather and colds, the patient develops diarrhea.

The patient has dry coryza with a complete stoppage of the nose. Even slight exposure to cold air leads to blockage of the nose.

Every time the patient has a cold, it settles in the eyes as hay fever with profuse watery discharge, which worsens in the open air.

If the allergy settles in the stomach, the patient develops vomiting with an aversion to food, but they desire cold drinks.

Whenever they desire to pass stool, it’s accompanied by nausea.

Skin rashes and itching worsen in wet, cold weather.

Dosage and potency:

200C 3-4 pills thrice daily for 4-5 days or till symptoms resolve will improve the condition.

READ MORE ABOUT DULCAMARA

3.EUPHRASIA: For allergies with increased secretions which are acrid

Symptoms:

When the patient is affected, the symptoms get more centered on the eyes.

The eyes water all the time, and it’s very acrid. The eyelids are swollen and burn.

When the eyes water, they feel as if the hair is present in front of the eyes, and they want to wipe it.

The patient frequently blinks the eyes and has to wink their eyes to remove the sticky discharge.

Cheeks become red and hot with a stiffness of the upper lip.

The patient experiences a bursting headache with dazzling eyes.

Pain in the eye alternates with pain in the abdomen.

The complaints worsen in sunlight, wind, warmth, room, and evening. They get better in the open air, winking and wiping the eyes.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C 3-4 pills thrice a day till improvement is seen.

4.KALI BICHROMICUM: For allergies with sinusitis

Symptoms:

This medicine is suitable for fat, fair, fleshy, and has a history of allergies.

The disease progresses very slowly but profoundly and causes excellent weakness.

The complaints are brought on due to indulgence in beer and malt liquor.

Allergy leads to coryza with obstruction of the nose.

Violent sneezing is noticed more in the early morning.

The frontal sinuses are chronically inflamed, especially the frontal sinus, with a stopped-up sensation.

The discharges from the nose are thick, ropy greenish-yellow, and rigid like a plug.

The eyelids are also swollen and edematous and burn tremendously.

Dosage and potency:

200C potency can be administered with infrequent repetition.

5.NATRUM MUR: For allergies with loss of smell and taste and hives on the skin

Symptoms:

Violent sneezing coryza is the marked symptom.

The coryza lasts for 1-3 days, and then the discharge stops, and the nose gets blocked. This can make breathing a little complicated.

Discharge from the nose is thin and watery, like the white of an egg.

The nose becomes dry and internally sore.

The patient also develops a loss of smell and taste.

Allergy affects the skin in the form of hives. The hives itch and burn intolerably.

The hives are whitish in appearance.

The skin is exceptionally greasy.

The skin complaints are aggravated by eating excess salt and at the seashore.

Dosage and potency:

200C, 1M potencies often yield brilliant results. One shouldn’t repeat it too frequently.

6.PULSATILLA: for thick profuse yellow discharge AND Urticaria after fatty food

Symptoms:

It is suited to females who are mild, yielding and are very gentle. They feel better in the open air though they are very chilly.

Due to allergy, there is itching and burning in the eyes with profuse lachrymation, and also, there is the secretion of mucus.

The lower lip is also swollen with a crack in the middle.

The right nostril gets blocked with pain at the root of the nose. The patient cannot feel any smell.

The patient is thirstless with all these complaints.

The patients are sensitive to woolen clothing as they develop itching and eruption.

These patients develop urticaria after eating rich and fatty food and are accompanied by diarrhea.

Even delayed menses can bring about urticaria in these patients. Urticaria worsens on being undressed in these patients.

The lesions itch a lot if they get heated.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C potency with frequent repetition as per the state of the patient.

READ MORE ABOUT PULSATILLA

7.SABADILLA: For allergies with abortive sneezing

Symptoms:

Sabadilla acts on mucous membranes of the nose and lachrymal glands in hay fever.

The patients are chilly and sensitive to cold.

The eyelids become red, and there is a burning sensation with lachrymation.

Lachrymation increases with sneezing, coughing, yawning in the open air, and during chill.

The patient develops persistent violent or abortive sneezing with itching.

The patient has tickling in the nose, and they have to rub or pick the nose.

Tickling in the nose then spreads to the whole body, and then they develop dyspnea(breathlessness).

One of the other nostrils is stuffed up.

These patients are sensitive to smell. Hence the discharge from the nose increases from the odor of flowers or on even thinking about flowers.

The patient cannot tolerate the smell of garlic.

The face becomes flushed and feels hot and fiery red, and the lips feel burnt.

The patient develops itching in the skin with asthmatic breathing due to allergy.

The complaints worsen with cold and cold drinks and in a full moon. They get better with warm food and drink and on being wrapped up.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C power in frequent repetition as per the state of the patient.

8.WYETHIA: For allergy with itching in posterior nares and dry asthma

Symptoms:

Allergy leads to the development of itching in the palate.

The patient feels that the throat is swollen with a dry and burning sensation.

The patient constantly clears and hems the throat. The posterior nares become dry, and they get no relief from clearing.

Because of the dryness, the patient constantly feels like swallowing saliva.

Uvula feels elongated.

Dry asthma is marked in these patients without any expectoration due to allergy.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C potency 3-4 pills thrice or twice a day depending upon the intensity of the symptoms.

9.ARSENIC ALBUM: For allergies after stings and eating vegetables, melons, and watery fruits

Symptoms:

Arsenic Album is an excellent remedy for food allergies.

The patient cannot bear the smell, sight, or even thought of food. They have an intense thirst for water but drinks only a little at a time.

They crave cold water, but the stomach is so sensitive that it’s vomited immediately.

The patient’s appetite is wholly lost with nausea.

Immediately after eating or drinking, the patient feels nausea, and then he vomits.

All this leads to burning pain in the stomach which is better by drinking sweet milk.

The patient develops an aversion to food like sweets, butter, fats, and meat.

They desire wrong things, brandy, coffee, and milk.

Dosage and potency:

200C 4-5 pills twice or thrice a day till improvement.

READ MORE ABOUT ARSENIC ALBUM

10.PETROLEUM: For food allergy after eating cabbage

Symptoms:

The patients who require this medicine experience gastric troubles after having cabbage.

They develop diarrhea which is present only in the daytime. After that, they feel miserably empty.

Severe pinching colic in the abdomen, which is better only on bending double.

The patient develops an aversion to meat, fats, cooked or hot food.

They vomit bitter green substances,

With hunger, the patient feels nauseated hence has to wake up at night. They also think hungry after passing stool.

Thirst is increased, but they desire beer.

Dosage and potency:

30C, 200C potency 3-4 pills twice a day till improvement is seen.

11.APIS MELLIFICA: For allergies after insect bites

Symptoms:

Hives develop after bites, and they itch intolerably.

Edematous swelling is noticed all most all over the body.

Bumps are sore and sensitive with stinging pain.

The patients develop extensive urticaria, which is rough, rosy red, sensitive, and sore.

The skin is dry, hot, and alternates with the gush of sweat.

Dosage and potency:

One should use 30C potency in edematous conditions.

One shouldn’t repeat it too frequently.

12.URTICA URENS: For allergies with urticaria

Symptoms:

This medicine is excellent for those when they get urticaria at the same time every year.

It antidotes the harmful effects of shellfish.

It is also indicated when the patient suffers from rheumatism and urticaria alternately.

The developed blotches are very itchy.

Urticaria presents with burning and formication.

It’s the best remedy for the suppressed nettle rash.

It gets indicated in life-threatening complications like anaphylaxis.

When the patients develop fever, they feel general heat with soreness over the abdomen.

The patients’ complaints worsen from snow-air, water, cool, moist air, touch, and even lying on the arm.

The patients develop vomiting if urticaria is suppressed.

Pinworms usually accompany the complaints of hives.

Dosage and potency:

Mother tincture ten drops in half glass water twice or thrice a day, depending upon the intensity of symptoms, can be prescribed.

When there is intense burning and itching, one can apply mother tincture locally.

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