A study at the Institute for Asthma and Allergy in Wheaton, Maryland, has shown for the first time that a homeopathic nasal spray containing capsaicin is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. The preparations, Sinol and Sinol-M (an improved version with a ‘mucoadhesive’ solution that stays in the nose longer, curbing the frequency of needed doses and diminishing the hot pepper sting associated with capsaicin) were given to 24 people aged 13 and older who suffered from hay fever to use for a week. They were instructed to use one spray in each nostril as needed up to 12 times a day for the one week. After a week-long ‘washout’ period, they crossed over to the other formulation.

The patients recorded the severity of their runny nose, itchy nose, stuffy nose and sneezing while on the different products. Both Sinol and Sinol-M significantly reduced all nasal allergy symptoms. However, hay fever symptom relief was achieved with fewer sprays of Sinol-M than Sinol – particularly at night. As expected, Sinol-M also produced less burning sensations in the nose.

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Sinol is available for £13.98 from Allergy Liberation, or Amazon
Sinol M is not yet available in the UK.

Click here for more research on possible treatments for hay fever

First Published in April 2009

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