Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR), commonly referred to as hay fever, is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity response to allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. Homoeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers individualized treatment for AR based on characteristic symptoms. This article explores the homoeopathic management of allergic rhinitis using rubrics from various standard repertories and highlights remedies commonly prescribed in clinical practice.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Homoeopathy, Repertory, Rubrics, Constitutional treatment
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis affects a significant portion of the global population, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and itching of the nose and eyes. Conventional treatment offers symptomatic relief but may lead to side effects or dependency. Homoeopathy approaches the condition by evaluating the individual’s totality of symptoms and prescribing based on the law of similars.
Repertorization plays a key role in homoeopathic prescription by helping to identify the most similar remedy through rubrics-specific symptom categories-from various repertories. PREVELANCE
Over 400 million people around world suffer from Allergic Rhinitis. In India the prevalence of this disease is gradually increasing in the last 2decades3 among which a large extent remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. It is associated with significant morbidity, loss of productivity and health care costs.
In India, approximately 20 – 30 % of population suffer from Allergic Rhinitis.
Approximatey 22% of adolescents suffer from AR in india14 Howeve
Pathophysiology of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis results from an inappropriate immune response to environmental allergens. Upon exposure, the immune system produces IgE antibodies that trigger the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators, resulting in classic allergic symptoms. It can be seasonal (SAR) or
perennial (PAR), depending on allergen exposure.
Homoeopathic Philosophy in AR Management
Homoeopathy emphasizes:
– Individualization: Every patient presents a unique symptom picture.
– Totality of Symptoms: Physical, mental, and general symptoms are considered. – Minimum Dose: Remedies are prescribed in potentized form to stimulate the vital force gently.
Repertorial Rubrics for Allergic Rhinitis
- Kent’s Repertory
– Nose, Coryza, Hay asthma – Allium cepa, Arundo, Sabadilla, Natrum mur
– Nose, Coryza, alternating with sneezing – Arsenicum album, Gelsemium, Euphrasia – Nose, Discharge, watery, acrid – Allium cepa, Arsenicum album
- Boericke’s Repertory
– Coryza, with fluent discharge, worse in warm room – Allium cepa
– Coryza, dry, with headache – Nux vomica
– Coryza, burning, excoriating – Arsenicum album
- Synthesis Repertory (RadarOpus)
– Nose – Coryza – Allergic – Arundo, Euphrasia, Histaminum, Kali bichromicum, Sabadilla – Nose – Sneezing – Frequent – Sabadilla, Nat mur, Arundo
– Eyes – Lachrymation – with coryza – Euphrasia, Allium cepa
- Murphy’s Repertory
– Nose, Discharge, profuse, bland or acrid – Allium cepa, Euphrasia
– Nose, Inflammation, allergic rhinitis – Histaminum, Arundo, Wyethia
Frequently Indicated Homoeopathic Remedies in AR
Remedy Indications
Allium cepa – Profuse watery nasal discharge, acrid; bland lachrymation; worse in warm room. Euphrasia – Acrid lachrymation; bland nasal discharge; worse in wind, better indoors. Sabadilla – Intense sneezing, itching of nose; frontal headache; oversensitivity to odors. Arundo – Intolerable itching of nostrils and eyes; early stages of hay fever. Natrum muriaticum – Sneezing in the morning, watery discharge; emotionally reserved. Arsenicum album – Thin, acrid nasal discharge; burning in nose and throat; restlessness. Nux vomica – Blocked nose at night, runny in the morning; oversensitive to stimuli. Histaminum – Nosode; used as an intercurrent remedy in allergic conditions.
Clinical Tips and Management Approach
- Case Taking: Emphasis on modalities, peculiar symptoms, and mental generals. 2. Repertorization: Use a reliable repertory suited to the case totality.
- Selection of Potency: Depends on the susceptibility, nature of symptoms, and past treatment. 4. Avoid Suppression: Encourage proper elimination and avoid suppressive treatments. 5. Nosodes: Consider Psorinum, Tuberculinum, or Histaminum when indicated. Conclusion
Homoeopathy offers a safe, effective, and individualized approach to the management of allergic rhinitis. By using rubrics from multiple repertories, practitioners can identify the most suitable remedy, leading to long-term relief and possible cure. Integrating repertorial analysis with constitutional prescribing ensures a holistic and curative strategy.
References
- Kent, J.T. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, 6th Edition.
- Boericke, W. Boericke’s New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. 3. Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY. Clinical Practice
Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery [Internet]. 2015;152:S1–43. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0194599814561600.
- Schroyens, F. Synthesis Repertory, 9.1 Edition.
- Murphy, R. Homoeopathic Clinical Repertory, 3rd Edition.
- Allen, H.C. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies. 7. Clarke, J.H. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica.
Author
Dr. Rajshree Patel, MD scholar,
Under the guidance of
Dr . Sarita Verma ( professor & HOD) – Department of Homoeopathic Repertory and Case taking, Government Homoeopathic medical College and hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
