Hayfever & Homeopathy.
Spring is Here – and with it comes Hay Fever Season!
For many, the arrival of spring brings fresh energy, blooming trees, and longer days. But if you suffer from hay fever, this time of year can also mean itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and a sense of dread as the pollen count rises.
Whether your symptoms are mild or debilitating, hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) can really take its toll. It’s easy to understand why many turn to antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays for quick relief. However, repeatedly suppressing symptoms can actually increase the risk of deeper allergy-related conditions, such as asthma or eczema, and may do little to resolve the root cause. Your underlying susceptibility remains, and the symptoms return year after year.
This spring, with reported shortages of some antihistamine medications, it’s the perfect time to consider safe, natural alternatives—like homeopathy.
Why Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a gentle, holistic system of medicine that stimulates the body’s healing ability. Remedies are selected based on your individual symptoms, and unlike conventional treatments, homeopathy doesn’t simply suppress symptoms—it strengthens the immune system and reduces overall sensitivity to allergens.
It’s safe for both adults and children, free from side effects, and can be used for both acute relief and long-term care. Many people find that a well-chosen remedy can bring rapid symptom improvement. With constitutional treatment, it’s even possible to reduce or eliminate hay fever altogether over time.
What Causes Hay Fever?
Hay fever is triggered by an allergic response to pollen, affecting the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, throat, and airways. It can also be aggravated by other environmental allergens such as mould spores and dust.
The pollen season in the UK typically unfolds like this:
Tree pollen: late March to mid-May
Grass pollen: mid-May to July (with two peaks)
Weed pollen: late June to September
Depending on what type of pollen you’re most sensitive to, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. These may include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, sore throat, watery or itchy eyes, and sometimes wheezing or breathlessness—known as “hay asthma” or “pollen asthma.”
Top Homeopathic Remedies for Hay Fever
Here are some of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies for acute hay fever symptoms. These are available from homeopathic pharmacies such as Helios and Ainsworths, who can also advise on potency and dosage and offer postal delivery. Both pharmacies also stock combination remedies if you’re not sure which one matches your symptoms best.
How to take remedies: Choose the remedy that most closely matches your current symptoms. Take one dose and repeat as needed usually every 1-2 hours, do this up to five doses. Stop or reduce the dosing when symptoms improve. If there’s no improvement after five doses, reconsider your remedy or seek professional advice.
1. Mixed Pollens and Grasses
A combination remedy made from tree and grass pollens, designed to address general hay fever symptoms. It works on the principle of “like treats like” and is a good starting point when symptoms aren’t clearly defined.
2. Allium cepa
Classic onion-like symptoms: watery eyes with burning and irritation, a profuse runny nose with acrid discharge, and lots of sneezing. Eyes may be red and sensitive to light. Symptoms often start in spring and worsen in warm rooms or evening.
3. Arsenicum album
Symptoms often affect the right side. Alternating blocked and runny nose, with burning discharge and frequent sneezing. The eyes may burn and swell. Worse at night, lying down, or in cold air; better for warmth and being indoors.
4. Arundo mauritanica
Begins with intense itching and burning in the roof of the mouth and nostrils, often with pain at the root of the nose. Sneezing and clear nasal discharge may follow.
5. Euphrasia (Eyebright)
A go-to remedy for hay fever affecting the eyes: profuse tearing, burning, smarting, and swelling of the eyelids. Nose may run, but the discharge isn’t irritating (unlike Allium cepa). Worse for sunlight and wind; better for fresh air.
Tip: You can also use Euphrasia tincture (diluted) as a gentle eye wash for soothing relief.
6. Natrum muriaticum
Copious, watery nasal discharge resembling raw egg white. Violent sneezing, especially in the morning, with loss of smell or taste. Headaches, sore throat, watery eyes, and strong emotional sensitivity. Worse for sun, heat, or emotional upset.
7. Nux vomica
Irritable and oversensitive, with alternating blocked nostrils, violent sneezing, and intense itching in ears, nose, and eyes. Worse in the morning, after stimulants like coffee or alcohol, or from stress. Better for warmth, rest, and warm food or drinks.
8. Sabadilla
Fits with classic hay fever symptoms: violent sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes. Worse for cold air, pollen, and open air. Better for warmth and warm drinks. Commonly used in early spring and during harvest time.
9. Wyethia
Unbearable itching in the roof of the mouth, throat, ears, and root of nose. Accompanied by dry, irritating cough. A strong choice when everything feels dry and irritated.
10. Gelsemium
Flu-like hay fever: sneezing, sore throat, watery discharge, and dull, heavy headaches. Eyes may be sore and light-sensitive. The person feels tired, droopy, and drowsy, as if coming down with something.
Need Deeper Relief?
While these remedies can provide excellent support during hay fever season, long-standing or severe cases often benefit from constitutional treatment. This is a deeper, more individualised approach that aims to reduce your overall sensitivity to allergens and boost your long-term health.
Book a Free Discovery Call
If you’d like to learn more about how homeopathy can help you or your child with hay fever or other allergies, I offer a free 20-minute clarity call to explore your options with no obligation.
👉 Book your free call here