NEWS RELEASE

1 April 2008

Homeopathy for hay fever

Hay fever is often seen as a trivial ailment but this annoying and sometimes distressing complaint now affects about 15 to 20% of the population in the UK.* With spring on the way, hay fever sufferers need to review their options for treatment. Conventional medications such as antihistamines and topical steroids, although more refined than they once were, can cause unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, and are generally only effective when used regularly. Using homeopathy for the treatment of hay fever has the following benefits:

· Homeopathy is safe to use. Homeopathic medicines are free from the sedative side effects of conventional antihistamine medications.

· Homeopathic treatment can be tailored to the individual. Every allergy sufferer experiences his or her allergy in a different way. Rather than offering blanket suppression of symptoms, the homeopathic practitioner selects a medicine that is matched to the symptom or allergy ‘picture’ of the patient.

· Treatment does not have to be continuous. A short course of homeopathic treatment at the beginning of the hay fever season may give relief for weeks or even months at a time.

The effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of hay fever is supported by published research, including papers in both the Lancet and the British Medical Journal.** Three systematic reviews of randomised controlled clinical trials have had positive findings.***

A number of homeopathic medicines are available over-the-counter to help with the symptoms of hay fever (see list below). For treatment tailored to the individual (known as ‘constitutional’ homeopathic treatment) a qualified homeopathic practitioner should be consulted. A list of homeopathically qualified doctors and other healthcare professionals is available from the British Homeopathic Association by calling 0870 444 3950 or at www.trusthomeopathy.org

Homeopathic medicines that can help the symptoms of hay fever

All of the remedies below may be given in the 30c potency, initially three times daily and reducing the frequency with improvement.

Allium cepa

Bouts of sneezing; burning nasal discharge causing sore nostrils and upper lip; eyes itch and water profusely but do not burn; better in cold room or open air; worse in evening; tickly cough

Ambrosia

Intolerable itching of eyelids; profuse tears due to smarting and burning of eyes; runny nose, may have stuffed-up feeling; asthmatic attacks

Aralia racemosa

Frequent sneezing; marked wheezing, especially when lying down; feeling as if something in throat; worse for least current of air

Arsenicum album

Constant sneezing; thin, acrid discharge but nose feels blocked; eyes burning, hot; puffiness around the eyes; useful if there is a tendency to asthma

Arsenicum iodatum

Irritation and tingling in nose with constant desire to sneeze; nasal discharge burning; burning watering of eyes; may have dry wheezy cough

Euphrasia

Eyes severely affected with profuse burning watering; burning and swelling of eyelids; nasal discharge and sneezing but not burning; headache and aversion to bright light; worse for warmth

Sabadilla

Sore throat, often on left side; sore to swallow; dry throat, watering eyes; sneezing

Wyethia

Particularly for symptoms confined to back of nose and throat; dry and intensely itchy; dry wheezy cough

Notes to editors:

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system which has been used for over 200 years. It works on the principle that ‘like cures like’ so an illness is treated with a substance which could produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. Homeopathic medicines are given in a highly diluted form and so are completely safe. They are an ideal medicine for children, babies and for nursing and pregnant mothers under the supervision of an appropriately qualified practitioner.

British Homeopathic Association

The British Homeopathic Association (BHA) is a registered charity, which aims to ensure high-quality homeopathy is an integral part of general and specialist health care. The BHA works towards this goal by providing information to the public, promoting access to treatment and supporting the homeopathic education of healthcare professionals and research.

Medically-qualified homeopaths

Contact details for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are trained in and practise homeopathy are available from the British Homeopathic Association by calling 0870 444 3950 or at www.trusthomeopathy.org - click on ‘Find a practitioner’.

NHS homeopathy

There are five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK (Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Tunbridge Wells) which can take referrals for conditions such as hay fever from GPs and specialists.

Contact: Sarah Buckingham, Publications and Communications Officer 0870 444 3957 (office hours) 07956 012648 (out of hours) sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org