Homeopathic Treatment Found Effective in Relieving Allergy Symptoms

Source: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)

NEWSWISE Medical News, 02-Sep-2004 --

A newly completed study demonstrates that a homeopathic treatment, when applied directly to the nasal mucous membrane with a swab or sublingually with a mist, is highly effective in relieving symptoms caused by allergies and allergic rhinitis. For many an allergy and sinus sufferer, this treatment and application procedure could become a safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment.

BackgroundHomeopathic medicine has been used before in the treatment of allergies and sinusitis, but such treatment has never been delivered using one particular homeopathic remedy. Until now. This is the approach taken in a study entitled, "Nasal Application of a Homeopathic Remedy," conducted by Konrad Kail, PA, ND, Special Consultant for External Research Affairs at the Southwest College Research Institute, Tempe, AZ. This study was supported in part by Western Research Laboratories in Phoenix. Dr. Kail will present his findings at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 19th Annual Convention & Exposition, being held September 8-11, 2004, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA.

MethodologyA total of 42 individuals participated in the study. Of the total, the majority were adult males. The participants´ symptoms were coded by an allergy and sinusitis scale used in most research studies addressing upper respiratory disorders. Participants were assigned to one of four study categories:

(1) the placebo group, comprised of individuals who received a placebo made of aloe gel which was applied to the mucous membrane with a swab;

(2) the active group, comprised of individuals who received a nasal gel swab that contained a combination of aloe gel as well as a specially prepared combination homeopathic remedy. The homeopathic remedy was comprised of: arnica, histamine, luffa officinalis, euphorbium officinarium, hepar sulphuricum, bryonia, mercurius iodatus flavus, mucosa nasalis, sabadilla, lemna minor, and lachesis;

(3) the (sublingual) mist group, comprised of subjects who received a combination of glycerin and the homeopathic remedy using mist form to reach the membranes; and

(4) the crossover group, comprised from the individuals who had initially received the placebo and subsequently received the nasal gel swab.

Application of the study treatments was randomized and blind. Seven subjects were given the placebo; 30 subjects received the homeopathic therapy by swab; five received the homeopathic mist and 7 were in the crossover group. The study lasted one week with swab applications of the placebo and homeopathic treatment being made foes a day. The crossover trial, involving the placebo group given the swab treatment, was conducted after a week´s application of treatment.

ResultsHighlights of the findings included the following:

* those receiving the nasal mist treatment reported an average of 64 percent improvement in their nasal symptoms (stuffy or blocked nose, post nasal drip, sneezing, etc.);

* those receiving the nasal gel swab reported an average 48 percent improvement in their nasal symptoms;.

* those receiving the mist reported, on average, an 89 percent improvement in their sleep symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, getting a poor night´s sleep). By contrast, those in the active group reported an average improvement of 48 percent. The placebo group reported an average 12 percent improvement in symptoms;

* there were minimal adverse effects with the homeopathic remedy. Sixty four percent of the study subjects reported no adverse consequences. Fourteen percent of the subjects reported experiencing nasal tingling. Aggravation was also reported by 14 percent; and * eighty-six percent of the study participants stated they would purchase the remedy.

ConclusionsThis research provides strong evidence that: (1) homeopathic treatments are effective in relieving the symptoms of allergy and sinusitis; and (2) nasal application by mist and swab is safe and effective for one particular remedy.

According to Dr. Kail, the application of certain types of products applied directly to mucous membranes, may foster new treatment regimens for such disorders as dizziness, hot flashes, and even food cravings in the future.

About Naturopathic MedicineNaturopathic medicine is based upon a holistic philosophy, an approach to medical care that emphasizes the study of all aspects of a person's health, with an emphasis on finding the underlying cause of the patient´s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. This delivery of healthcare encom safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting people of all ages.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) was founded in 1985 to provide alternative methods for healing human diseases and disorders than have been traditionally offered in the United States. Members must have graduated from one of the country´s six graduate schools of naturopathic medicine and served a clinical residency.

From naturopathic.org