Positive Health Online

Abstract

WEISER and colleagues, Institut fur Antihomotoxische Medizin und Grundregulationsforschung, Baden-Baden, Mannhein, Germany compared the efficacy and tolerance of a homoeopathic nasal spray for hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) with conventional intranasal cromolyn sodium therapy.

Background

Methodology

146 patients with hay fever symptoms were recruited into the randomised, double-blind trial of 42 days. The homoeopathic remedy (Luffa comp. Heel trade mark Nasal Spray), 0.14 ml per application, 4 times per day consisted of a fixed combination comprised of Luffa operculata, Galphimia glauca, histamine and sulfur. Quality of life, as measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was the principal outcome measure. The trial medication tolerance was measured using global assessment, rhinoscopy, recording of adverse events and the use of vital and laboratory parameters.

Results

The treatment showed quick and lasting effects . This effect was independent from the medication applied and produced an almost complete remission of hay fever symptoms. RQLQ global scores changed significantly during the course of the treatment, demonstrating therapeutic equivalence between the 2 forms of treatment. There were no adverse systemic effects, although local adverse events appeared in 3 patients.

Conclusion

The homoeopathic nasal spray is as efficient and well tolerated as conventional therapy with cromolyn sodium for the treatment of hay fever .

References

Weiser M et al. A randomized equivalence trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Luffa comp .-Heel nasal spray with cromolyn sodium spray in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Forschende Komplementaermedizin 6(3): 142-8 Jun 1999.