The Blossoms Are Beautiful, But Why Are My Eyes Burning and My Nose Running?!

Spring is blossoming, colorful and burgeoning, but it doesn't benefit everyone's health. Allergies are a health nuisance for one in five Israelis. Accompanying the beautiful blooms are frequent sneezes, stuffy noses, tearing eyes, irritated mucous membranes, and even shortness of breath. The refreshing Passover cleaning and dust removal are also joined by runny noses and itchy, bothersome skin rashes. Even though it often seems impossible to deal with allergies, it is not necessary to resign to them, and significant relief and healing can be achieved through natural treatment without the need for constant medication.

Did you know that allergies are called 'Regesh' in Hebrew?!

As the name 'Regesh' implies, it is hypersensitivity of the immune system to factors which are not hostile in a balanced and healthy body. An allergy is essentially an 'error' of the immune system. The role of the immune system is to identify harmful factors like viruses and bacteria and to ensure their removal through sneezing, tearing, runny nose, fever, etc., thereby protecting the body. A healthy immune system can differentiate between harmful and non-harmful factors. However, in a state of allergy, the immune system identifies harmless materials like pollen, dust, and certain foods as foreign and hostile invaders and goes to battle by producing antibodies. Histamines are released into the body, and inflammation, accompanied by various symptoms, is produced.

Spring allergies, also known as hay fever, manifest in the form of runny noses, tearing and burning eyes, sneezing, itchy palate, congestion in the nose and sinuses, which can also lead to polyps. Those with respiratory sensitivities will develop asthma attacks, wheezing, phlegm, and a sense of suffocation, while those with skin sensitivities will develop skin rashes such as atopic dermatitis or urticaria.

Conventional treatment focuses on suppressing histamine release with medications and chemical sprays – antihistamines, steroids, and even cortisone, which provide relief during an attack but can further weaken the immune system. Homeopathy, on the other hand, encourages the body's natural healing forces with the aim of truly curing the allergic tendency from its source, not just suppressing the symptoms of a local attack. Personalized homeopathy will strengthen the immune system and heal the 'disruption' in the immune system which expresses itself as an allergy.

How does it work? Let's demonstrate the principle of healing by similarity with a homeopathic preparation from onion. We all know that when we peel an onion, our eyes begin to burn and water, and our nose starts to drip. Some might sneeze, cough, or suffer from headaches and thirst. These symptoms, familiar to us all, fit the 'disease picture' of the homeopathic preparation from onion. Thus, a person suffering from hay fever who exhibits symptoms similar to those caused by the onion will receive the homeopathic preparation of the onion itself (Allium Cepa), meaning onion that has undergone a process of potentization (dilution and dynamization) which brings its healing potential into action. This person's condition will improve rapidly, and this preparation will also serve to prevent future attacks.

Here are additional homeopathic preparations that may help you in treating allergies:

Euphrasia is suitable for allergy states manifested in intense feelings of burning, irritation, itching, and sensitivity of the eyes to light, accompanied by burning tears. The nasal discharge is not burning, and if it accumulates, it can cause cough and breathing difficulties.

Sabadilla is suitable for those suffering from prolonged and exhausting coughing fits and tearing eyes after each cough. The watery discharge calms with warmth and hot drinks. The condition is often accompanied by throat infections, especially on the left side.

Gelsemium is suitable for allergy attacks causing fatigue, drowsiness, and heavy eyelids, with severe attacks occurring in the morning. The nasal discharge is felt like warm water.

Sticta is suitable for a state of dry nasal congestion, a feeling that the nose is blocked, and dry nasal mucus with no flow.

Wyethia is suitable for intense itching felt in the nose, throat, and palate. The itching in the throat spreads to the ear, requiring scratching with fingers.

There are many homeopathic preparations that can assist in curing allergies. They are made from natural materials: plants, minerals, or various substances existing in nature. The adaptation for each person is individual, according to their specific symptoms and sensitivities. Each case receives a different homeopathic preparation suitable for their condition, which will work to treat the allergy and its multitude of symptoms from the root.
 

Sara Segara is a certified classical homeopath by the Israeli Institute of Homeopathy. [email protected]