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May 2009 press releases
28 May 2009
Hay fever: alternative to antihistamines available on the NHS – but 86 per cent of people don’t know about it
A new survey has shown that around two thirds of hay fever sufferers would like an alternative to antihistamines,1 but many don’t know that there is positive evidence for homeopathy in the condition2 and that they can access it on the NHS.
In fact, 86 per cent of over 3000 respondents to a survey commissioned by homeopathic manufacturers Nelsons didn’t know that homeopathy has always been available on the NHS. Around 900 doctors work as GPs, as specialists in NHS homeopathic hospitals or take NHS referrals, offering homeopathy alongside conventional care.
Hay fever now affects over 9 million people in the UK3 and most sufferers rely on antihistamines to control symptoms. Conventional medications can cause unwanted side-effects like drowsiness, and are generally only effective when used regularly. This year’s Homeopathy Awareness Week (14-21 June) aims to let people know more about the benefits of homeopathy for hay fever.
The survey also revealed that 79 per cent of people would like to be able to access both conventional and complementary medicine on the NHS. People are unaware that they can already do just this.
Using homeopathy to manage hay fever has a number of benefits:
• Homeopathy is safe. Treatment is free from the sedative side effects of some conventional medicines.
• Treatment is tailored. A homeopathic doctor selects a medicine that matches the patient’s particular symptoms; prescriptions are based on the characteristics of each individual patient.
• A short course may be enough to control symptoms. Homeopathic doctors who see patients at the very beginning of the hay fever season find that symptoms can be controlled for weeks or months at a time.
The effectiveness of homeopathy in hay fever is supported by published research, including papers in The Lancet4 and the British Medical Journal5. Three systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials have had positive findings2.
Ends...
Notes to editors:
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a therapeutic system which has been used for over 200 years. 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 healthcare. 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 in the NHS
Contact details for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who practise homeopathy in the NHS are available from the British Homeopathic Association by calling 01582 408675 or at www.britishhomeopathic.org
NHS homeopathic hospitals and clinics
There are four NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK (Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London) which can take referrals for conditions such as hay fever from GPs and specialists. Glasgow and London have allergy clinics. There are also a number of NHS clinics around the country. For a full list of service providers visit http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/getting_treatment/service_providers.html
Contact, for further information: Sarah Buckingham, Communications Manager
01582 408677 (office hours) 07983 759294 (out of hours)
sbuckingham@britishhomeopathic.org
References
1 One Poll survey of 3,373 respondents – January 2009
2. References for systematic reviews and RCTs in hay fever are available at: http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/research/Conditions_where_positive_evidence.html
3. British Allergy Foundation www.allergyuk.org
4. Reilly DT et al. Lancet 1986; ii: 881–885.
5. Taylor MA et al. British Medical Journal 2000; 321: 471–476.
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.
| Homeopathic medicine | Symptoms |
| 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 |