Allergy and Homeopathy

ALLERGIES

 

Where there is only one allergy (a fixed allergy), homeopathic treatment is similar to conventional treatment. Constitutional treatment is used to correct imbalances in the body, and to discourage the immune system from overreacting. Such treatment is even more beneficial when there is not a fixed allergy but a cyclic allergy situation. This is when, even though the sources of irritation are removed from the diet, the body develops oversensitivity to something else. In this case, it is necessary to investigate the malfunctioning of the immune system, which may be due to an inherited weakness or body imbalances.

The choice of constitutional remedy will largely be determined by an individual’s symptoms (see page 18). Apis is indicated for allergic swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, or mouth. Arsen. alb. is prescribed for allergic reactions associated with the nose such as allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Calc. carb. is used to treat allergic reactions of the skin and mucous membranes; while Carcinosin is indicated when there are multiple allergies. Other constitutional remedies often used include Nat. carb., Nat. mur., Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, and Tuberculinum.

Acute symptoms can be treated with a number of other remedies, such as Allium cepa, for hay fever with profuse watering of the eyes and catarrh that irritates and inflames the nostrils and upper lip; and Arundo, when there is great itchiness around the nostrils and palate, with sneezing, pain in the bridge of the nose, and copious saliva. Wyethia is prescribed for great itchiness in the nose and palate, which the person constantly rubs with the tongue; and Arum triph. is effective for cracked lips and hoarseness.