Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is an annual herbaceous plant native to North America, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its finely divided leaves and inconspicuous green flowers produce prodigious quantities of airborne pollen, one of the most potent causes of seasonal hay fever. In homeopathy, the whole plant, gathered during its flowering season, is used in tincture and triturations.

While not classically proved in the Hahnemannian sense, its toxicological and clinical effects are well known through repeated natural exposures, with symptoms verified in sensitive subjects and clinical prescribing [Clarke].

Ambrosia represents the hypersensitive constitution in acute distress. It mirrors the violent reactivity of the allergic state: streaming eyes, incessant sneezing, raw nasal mucosa, and weary, irritable mental state. It is the seasonal storm that overtakes the sensitive patient each late summer, driving them indoors and away from the sunlit fields.

• Mucous membranes – nasal passages, eyes, throat, and bronchial tree, with pronounced catarrhal and allergic inflammation.
• Respiratory system – upper respiratory tract hypersensitivity reactions, spasmodic sneezing, and seasonal asthma.
• Skin – urticaria and erythematous eruptions accompanying allergic states.
• Eyes – conjunctivae with profuse watery discharge and intense itching.
• Immune/allergic pathways – heightened histamine-type responses to airborne triggers.

The mental state during an allergic episode is often one of irritability and restlessness due to the constant sneezing, ocular itching, and nasal discharge. There is a sensation of being utterly unfit for mental effort, as the continual discomfort prevents sustained concentration [Clarke]. The patient may feel unusually drowsy and unwilling to engage in conversation or social contact, preferring to remain quietly in a darkened room.

Disturbed by constant sneezing, nasal obstruction, and itching eyes. Patient may wake multiple times to blow the nose or wash the eyes.

Dreams often of discomfort, being in dusty or pollen-filled environments, or struggling to breathe.

Marked aggravation during ragweed pollen season. Allergic hypersensitivity is the keynote, with mucous membranes responding violently to the slightest exposure.

No significant febrile reaction; any temperature elevation is usually minimal.

A dull, pressing headache often accompanies the nasal symptoms, especially across the frontal sinuses and root of the nose. The head feels heavy, with an inclination to bend it forward for relief. The headache is worse in open air during high pollen exposure, sometimes pulsating in the temples and aggravated by sneezing or stooping.

Intense itching of the eyelids and margins, with profuse watery discharge that may run down the cheeks [Allen]. The eyes appear red and injected, with burning and smarting in the conjunctivae. There is marked photophobia in some cases, compelling the patient to remain indoors. Swelling of the eyelids may be present, with a sensation of sand in the eyes on waking.

Occasional itching deep in the ear canal during hay fever attacks, with transient stuffiness or reduced hearing from Eustachian tube congestion.

Paroxysmal sneezing fits, often in rapid succession, brought on by the slightest exposure to pollen-laden air [Clarke]. Profuse watery coryza flows constantly, excoriating the upper lip. The nasal mucosa feels raw and swollen, with partial obstruction. Sneezing may be so violent as to cause brief dizziness or a feeling of exhaustion. Sometimes there is alternating congestion and discharge, the obstruction predominating at night.

The upper lip becomes red, sore, and chapped from the constant nasal discharge. Facial expression is weary and inflamed, with puffiness around the eyes in chronic sufferers.

Dryness of mouth and palate, sometimes accompanied by itching of the soft palate and throat, prompting frequent hawking.

A raw, scraping sensation in the throat, with frequent need to clear it. Sometimes a tickling extends down into the larynx, provoking cough. The uvula may appear slightly elongated and reddened.

Tightness across the upper chest during exposure to pollen, especially in those with a history of asthma. The breathing may become wheezy, with a sense of oppression that improves indoors.

Respiration is quickened during acute episodes, with a tendency to breathe through the mouth due to nasal obstruction. In sensitive individuals, ragweed exposure can precipitate bronchospasm, with difficulty in drawing a full breath [Clarke].

Loss of appetite during acute attacks due to constant nasal and throat irritation. Occasional nausea from swallowed mucus.

No significant direct abdominal symptoms; any discomfort usually secondary to swallowed secretions.

No special cravings; appetite generally diminished during acute episodes.

Occasional pruritus or urticarial patches on forearms or neck during high allergen exposure.

In allergic subjects, the skin may exhibit erythematous blotches, urticaria, or diffuse itching coinciding with nasal and ocular symptoms. Scratching provides temporary relief but may aggravate redness.

• Sabadilla – Violent sneezing with lachrymation and redness of eyes; more marked chilliness and itching of soft palate.
• Arundo – Itching of nostrils and roof of mouth, less watery discharge than Ambrosia.
• Wyethia helenoides – Intense itching and dryness of posterior nares and throat, with constant desire to swallow.
• Euphrasia – Profuse acrid lacrimation with bland nasal discharge; opposite polarity to Ambrosia.

• Complementary: Sabadilla, Arundo, Wyethia
• Antidotes: Fresh air in non-pollen environments, saline nasal irrigation
• Inimical: None noted
• Follows well: Euphrasia in ocular-predominant cases

Especially indicated in seasonal hay fever with intense ocular and nasal symptoms, particularly where attacks are linked to ragweed pollen exposure. Often used prophylactically in low potency before the pollen season begins. Has shown utility in certain cases of asthma precipitated by airborne allergens.

Mind

• Irritability, from constant discomfort
• Aversion to company, prefers solitude indoors

Head

• Pain, forehead, from coryza
• Heaviness, frontal region, during sneezing

Eyes

• Lachrymation, profuse, excoriating
• Itching, lids and margins

Nose

• Coryza, watery, profuse, excoriating
• Sneezing, paroxysmal, violent

Throat

• Scraping, raw sensation, from post-nasal drip

Respiration

• Oppression, chest, during hay fever
• Wheezing, from pollen exposure

Skin

• Itching, urticaria, during allergic episodes

Generalities

• Hay fever, ragweed
• Worse, late summer and early autumn

Clarke, J.H. – A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Detailed recording of ragweed’s seasonal aggravations, nasal and ocular symptoms, and respiratory effects.
Allen, T.F. – Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica: Notes on conjunctival inflammation, lachrymation, and nasal coryza in provers and clinical cases.
Hering, C. – Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica: Observations on respiratory hypersensitivity and cutaneous itching during ragweed exposure.