Natural Remedies (Homeopathy)

Natural Remedies (Homeopathy) Overview

This page covers two different things that are often lumped together: herbal and home remedies (like saline rinses or plant-based supplements) and homeopathy, a separate system based on extremely diluted substances. They are not the same. Homeopathy is based on theories that aren’t consistent with basic science, and there’s little evidence it works for any specific health condition (NIH NCCIH).

How Do Natural Remedies Work?

Some home remedies have a clear mechanism. A saline nasal rinse, for example, physically washes mucus and pollen out of the nose and can be used as often as needed (ACAAI). Herbal supplements contain active plant compounds that may have effects and side effects. Homeopathic products, by contrast, are often so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain (NCCIH).

Benefits of Natural Remedies

People choose natural approaches for many reasons. But be cautious about claims of quick cures: there are no FDA-approved homeopathic products, and the FDA isn’t aware of proven benefits from homeopathic cough and cold products (FDA). Commonly cited reasons people use these remedies include:

• They can be less expensive (though not always).
• They stem from deep-rooted beliefs, and therefore, are trusted to a greater extent by people.
• Natural remedies align closely with the patient’s ideology.
• Some people want to avoid side effects of conventional medicines; however, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe.

Side Effects of Natural Remedies

Natural remedies have risks too. Some products labeled as homeopathic contain substantial amounts of active ingredients that can cause side effects or drug interactions, and the FDA has warned about specific products, such as homeopathic teething tablets with excess belladonna (NCCIH). Other concerns include:

• Herbal compounds extracted from plants might be contaminated or contain toxic compounds.
• Their side effects might not have been studied or discovered thoroughly.
• They can interact with other drugs or medicines being taken by the patient and worsen the condition. They are particularly susceptible to interfering with asthma, cardiovascular, blood pressure and heart medications, and immunosuppressants.

Normal Dosage of Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are usually available in various forms, depending on the most effective form of herbal extracts. Some herbal extracts work better in pills, while others may require to be extracted as liquids. They can be given in the form of tablets, liquids, and skin creams.

The normal dosage of natural remedies varies in each case and depends upon a number of factors including:

• Type of disease
• Intensity of disease
• Form of the natural remedy being given

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal supplement or homeopathic product, and bring the product with you so they can check for side effects or drug interactions (NCCIH).

Overdosage

Use any supplement only as directed on the label or by your healthcare provider, and stop and seek advice if you notice side effects.

Natural remedies also have a susceptibility to interfering with any other medications being taken. Therefore, we strongly recommend providing your doctor or herbalist with a complete medical history. The herbalist or doctor should be informed of any medications being taken by the patient to prevent these remedies’ side effects. 

Treatment of Overdose

If you think someone has taken too much of a supplement or remedy, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for severe symptoms. If you are pregnant or nursing, or considering homeopathy for a child, check with a healthcare provider first (NCCIH). The FDA urges parents not to give homeopathic cough and cold products to children under 4 (FDA).

Storage of Natural Remedies

Store herbal products in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Disposal of Herbal Extracts

Don’t use products past their expiration date. Ask your pharmacist about medicine take-back options for disposal.

Conclusion

Simple home measures like saline rinses and limiting pollen exposure can genuinely help with seasonal allergies. Homeopathy, however, has little evidence of effectiveness, and it shouldn’t replace proven care or delay seeing a doctor (NCCIH). For proven options, see antihistamines, nasal steroids and how to remove allergen triggers.

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (July 22, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

What actually helps

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HEPA air purifier & filters

A portable HEPA purifier sized to the room can lower airborne particles such as pollen and dust; it only works if you replace filters on schedule. (EPA: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home)

See the Levoit Core 300 on Amazon

Saline nasal rinse kit

Rinsing with saline can clear pollen from the nose; use distilled, sterile or boiled-then-cooled water, never plain tap water. (FDA: Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?)

See the NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit on Amazon

Dust-mite pillow & mattress covers

Allergists recommend zippered, allergen-proof encasings for pillows, mattresses and box springs, plus hot-water washing of bedding. (ACAAI: Dust Allergy)

See Hospitology zippered pillow encasements on Amazon

Natural Remedies FAQs

Does homeopathy work for allergies?

There’s little evidence that homeopathy is effective for any specific health condition (NCCIH).

Are homeopathic products FDA-approved?

No. There are currently no FDA-approved homeopathic products (NCCIH).

What natural remedy actually helps hay fever?

Saline nasal rinses are a well-supported option and can be used as often as needed (ACAAI).

Can natural remedies interact with my medicines?

Yes. Some can cause side effects or drug interactions, so tell your provider about everything you take (NCCIH).

Sources

Looking for more treatment options? Find a full list of other seasonal allergy treatment options here.