Archive for the ‘Homeopathy’ Category
Homeopathy and Bach Flowers for Hayfever
According to the British Allergy Foundation, approximately one in four of the UK population will suffer from an allergy, such as hayfever.
At this time of year, people come to see a practitioner with symptoms of hayfever, such as sneezing, runny noise, sore, itchy eyes, itching in the ears and back of the throat.
Symptoms vary for each individual which is why different remedies are used for each patient. Constitutional treatment is best used to stop symptoms returning, however, during an acute crisis, an acute prescription can be given. Once the acute crisis is over, it is advisable to go for constitutional treatment which will take into account the imbalance shown by the immune system.
Acute homeopathic remedies used for hayfever can include:
Allium Cepa – this can be given when the nose and eyes are streaming and there is severe and frequent sneezing. Often symptoms are worse in the morning, indoors and when in contact with flower pollen.
Arsenicum Album – when there is tickling of the nose in one spot “as from a feather”, there is acrid, watery dripping from the nose which is totally obstructed and there are burning pains in the nose, eyes and throat. Sores can develop inside the nostrils. They person can feel better in a warm room.
Euprasia- can be given for very watery eyes when you feel that there is something in your eyes and you want to constantly rub them. The eyelids can be swollen and there can be a discharge from them causing them to gum up. A soothing eye wash can be used by diluting one drop of Euphrasia tincture in an eye bath with sterile water and bathing the eyes.
Sabadilla- for persistant sneezing and constant itching and tingling inside the nose. The nose can feel stuffed up and there can be transparent mucus. The eyes can water from sunlight, in the open air and while sneezing. They can be worse in the open air and from pollens, expecially from flowers.
Bach flower remedies
Bach flower remedies can help you deal with the emotional symptoms associated with hayfever. There are 38 flower remedies, however, the most common ones used in the treatment of hayfever are Beech and Holly. Beech is given when you experience emotional and physical intolerance caused by the symptoms of hayfever and this can be combined with Holly if you are experiencing fits of sneezing and feeling irritated, angry and resentful.
Other options
Other options include eating honey made locally which has sometimes been helpful to patients, although it should be used with caution due to occasional severe allergic reactions, taking flax seed oil, stinging nettle capsules, Quercitin, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. If you wish to find out more about these options, you may consider consulting a naturopath.
Contact me if you would like further details or a consultation.
Don’t let the misery of hay fever affect your quality of life.
This guidance is not recommended as a substitute for advice from a qualified and registered homeopath but a reference to help in the treatment of hay fever. If any symptoms persist you should consult your doctor. Homeopathy can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine but it’s important that both your homeopath and doctor are aware of any drugs and remedies you are currently taking.
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Women and the menopause
The menopause is part of a natural process, however it can be a very unsettling time for many women both physically and emotionally.
What happens?- As you approach the menopause, your ovaries become less active, producing less oestrogen and progesterone. This means that your periods will become disruptive, usually resulting in less bleeding and longer gaps between each period. But some women may experience heavier, longer lasting periods. It very much depends on the individual. This is sometimes called the ‘perimenopause’. A simple blood test by your doctor can confirm whether or not you are going through the menopause.
What symptoms may I experience? – Again, this very much depends on the individual and some women experience only mild symptoms, or even none at all, however, common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, tiredness, headaches and a lower sex drive.
But what about HRT?- Hormone Replacement Therapy, known as HRT, has become widely used for women experiencing the menopause by artificially replacing the missing oestrogen and progesterone into the body by using pills, patches or cream. However, recent research has shown that this is not a risk free option and has been linked to an increased risk in breast and uterine cancer, heart attack and stroke. It may also not be advisable for women who have a history of heart disease or blood clots to take HRT. Research
What is the alternative? – Homeopathy works well for women by restoring the body’s natural balance and it has been shown to be effective in treating hot flushes, sweats, anxiety, mood swings, tiredness, headaches and sleeping difficulties. In a study carried out at an NHS Well-Woman Clinic in Sheffield, 81% of 102 patients reported improvements of these symptoms after homeopathic treatment.
The benefit of diet and exercise – During the changes caused by the menopause there is loss to bone density and a gradual loss of protection from heart disease, it is therefore a good idea to pay attention to your diet and exercise to promote healthy bones and lower the risk of heart disease. Your homeopath may be able to offer advice in this area or refer you to the appropriate nutrition and exercise specialists.
Contact me if you would like further reading on this subject, or to make an appointment.