By Dr. Carmen Hering and Dr. Steven M Johnson
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been rising globally since the mid-20th century. A 2021 study from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics showed that more than 1 in 4 U.S. children report having a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy. A large retrospective study, published in Pediatrics documented the progression of allergic conditions in early childhood. The sequence is known as the “atopic march”, and refers to the common progression of allergic conditions in children, starting with eczema (atopic dermatitis), which can then lead to food allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and asthma.
But how does this all start, and why is it getting worse? The primary leading theory is the hygiene hypothesis, which posits that a reduction in childhood exposure to microbes and infections, due to overuse of antimicrobial cleaners, dishwashers, lack of outdoor play, and social exposure, leads to an improperly trained immune system that overreacts to harmless substances like pollen and dust mites. Other contributing factors include the dual allergen exposure hypothesis, suggesting that sensitization can occur through skin exposure, and the microbiota hypothesis, which highlights the importance of the diverse microbes in our gut and on our skin for proper immune development. Additionally, environmental factors such as increased urbanization, antibiotic use, air pollution, and processed foods also play significant roles in the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases.
An Anthroposophic Perspective
While conventional medicine emphasizes symptom management and allergen avoidance, anthroposophic medicine offers a broader, developmentally oriented perspective. This approach seeks not only to treat but to prevent allergies by supporting the child’s immune development and resilience. It emphasizes:
- Natural immunity
- Healthy nutrition
- Lifestyle rhythms
- Nature-based remedies and therapies
Supporting Natural Immunity means allowing the child’s immune system to interact frequently with the outer environment. Controlled exposure to common microbes, interaction with healthy natural settings, and a non-sterile home environment are considered beneficial for immune training, especially at an early age.
For example, mild childhood illnesses (e.g., colds or fevers) are not necessarily seen as negative but as opportunities for the immune system to learn about its environment in order to become stronger. Overuse of medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may disrupt this learning process and contribute to long-term immune dysregulation. Judicious use of medication is a key principle. While antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics are used when necessary, natural remedies are preferred whenever possible in order to stimulate the body’s self-healing capacities.
Early nutrition plays a vital role in allergy prevention. Breastfeeding is encouraged for at least six months, ideally up to one year or longer, as it supports immunity, the microbiome, and emotional bonding. After weaning, the focus shifts to organic, minimally processed foods introduced gradually, tailored to the child’s constitution. Highly allergenic or heavily processed foods are discouraged early on.
Nutritional Guidelines
- Encourage extended breastfeeding (ideally 12 months or longer).
- If using formula, prefer organic goat milk-based or hydrolyzed formulas (in high-risk cases).
- Introduce simple warm purees (e.g., carrot, parsnip, apple, millet).
- Delay highly allergenic foods like dairy, wheat, and nuts, especially if there’s a family history of allergies.
- Avoid cold, raw foods in early childhood as they are often harder to digest.
- Emphasize organic, biodynamic whole foods.
- Avoid processed foods and artificial additives.
- Support digestion with diluted fennel or caraway tea for infants with colic or digestive upset.
Rhythm and Warmth
Rhythm and warmth are considered essential for immune development and allergy prevention. Children thrive in environments where sleeping, eating, playing, and resting occur in predictable patterns. Such rhythm supports the child’s developing sense of security and internal regulation, which in turn benefits immune function.
Warmth, both physical and emotional, also supports health. Ensuring children are physically warm (through appropriate clothing and warm meals), held in loving relationships, and surrounded by calm, natural surroundings, contributes to their overall resilience. In anthroposophic terms, warmth strengthens the connection between the child’s “I” organization (sense of self) and etheric body (the forces of growth and healing), which is essential for healthy development and immune resistance.
Practical Applications
- Ensure proper clothing—no exposed bellies or cold feet.
- Establish consistent daily routines (meals, naps, bedtime) to foster a sense of security and regulation.
- Encourage daily outdoor time for fresh air, natural light, and connection with nature.
- Avoid overstimulation—favor emotionally warm, calm, and unhurried environments.
- Warm baths with lavender or chamomile help soothe hypersensitivity and promote sleep.
Topical Remedies and Therapies
Anthroposophic medicine includes a wide range of topical remedies to support children’s health. These include mineral, animal, and plant-based substances prepared through special processes. Topical remedies may be applied externally as compresses, oils, ointments, and baths.
Common external applications include lavender and ginger foot baths, which reduce stress and restlessness and can regulate warmth and circulation (see the descriptions for lavender and ginger foot baths included in this newsletter). These treatments support children and adults in managing their conditions naturally through their own immune processes, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. Your school may also offer referrals to anthroposophic doctors and therapists. Therapies for older children include eurythmy therapy (therapeutic movement), painting, speech, and music—supporting emotional regulation, resilience, and physiological balance. These therapies can be tailored to address specific disease processes, including allergies and immune health.
Anthroposophic remedies aim not at suppressing symptoms but at encouraging a person’s own healing capacities. They may be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments when needed, forming part of an integrative, child-centered approach. A few examples of commonly prescribed allergy remedies are included below.
Boundaries are an important clinical concept in anthroposophic allergy treatment. Quercus Cinis offered by Uriel pharmacy is an excellent remedy for mild allergies or to strengthen our immune boundaries against allergies during the off-season.
Quercus Cinis (Quercus cinis 5X, Quercus cortex 5X)
- Indications: Allergies, dermatitis, eczema, urticaria.
- Effect: Strengthens skin/mucous membrane boundaries, reduces swelling
- Dosage: 1 pellet/year of age (up to 10 pellets ) 2–4 × daily. Adults take 10 pellets two to three times daily.
Oak bark ash has a formative, astringent, and drying effect, and therefore can be helpful when fluid (etheric forces) overwhelms us. The tannins in oak bark decoction exhibit anti-allergic properties, particularly in relation to protein intolerance. Specifically, tannic acids stimulate the astral body (air body), thereby managing inflammation, swelling, and proteinaceous processes. This remedy helps to strengthen boundary formation, particularly of the skin and mucous membranes. It can be used in weeping, exudative allergies as well as in dry, scaly eczemas, where the skin needs to be enlivened and regenerated.
Digestive Support plays a crucial role in treating allergic processes, supporting the microbiome, and facilitating the full breakdown of foods. Additionally, food allergies can increase susceptibility to environmental allergies and exacerbations (“atopic march”). Treating a weak digestive process or food allergy often improves other allergic reactions. An anthroposophic physician considers these relationships closely in providing an individualized treatment plan. One example of a remedy used to strengthen key metabolic organs that often become overwhelmed in allergy processes is:
Organoplex (Pulmo 8X, Hepar 8X, Renes 8X, and Cor 8X)
- Indications: Eczema, food sensitivities, environmental sensitivities, nutritional disturbances, deficient protein metabolism, general lack of vitality, failure to thrive
- Effect: Supports protein metabolism and vitality
- Dosage: 1 pellet/year of age (up to 10) 2–4 × daily. Adults 10 pellets 2-3 times daily.
For Combined Support:
Mesenchyme Quercus (with Mesenchyme 6X & Pancreas 6X)
- Indications: Dystrophy (tissue degeneration often due to malnutrition), hypoproteinemia, allergic diathesis with disturbances in protein metabolism, allergic eczema with protein hypersensitivity.
- Dosage: Same as above
Mesenchyme Quercus combines the ingredients of Quercus Cinis & Organoplex, with two additions. Mesenchyme, an undifferentiated protein matrix that contains tremendous etheric activity, carries the universal, pluripotent character of protein that later becomes differentiated by the four cardinal organs. This is particularly helpful in the developing child. The other addition here is pancreas, which is a central metabolic organ connected strongly with the “I” organization in its ability to break down and fully strip foreign substances of their prior nature in order to be placed in service of the individual.
There are many remedies to be considered for the individual patient. Uriel offers various medicines made from lemon and quince, including Lemon Quince nasal spray and pellets, to help balance the overactive swelling and inflammation of the nasal and upper airway passages. Berberis Quartz pellets work very well to further support this treatment. There are even injectable therapies, such as Citrus Cydonia and Hepar Sulfuris, for older children and adults that can help to form a rhythmic and intensive treatment throughout the year. Remedies to support excretion, elimination, and metabolism are also chosen by the anthroposophic doctor for a constitutional, developmental, and personalized treatment plan. Many basic anthroposophic remedies are available from Uriel Pharmacy (see their Home Remedy Guide) and from True Botanica. With proper remedy support, many allergies can come under control within one to three years, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of symptoms.
In conclusion, allergy prevention and successful treatment are possible when the human being is considered as a whole and the body’s natural processes of healing are respected and supported.
References
- Zablotsky B, Black LI, Akinbami LJ. Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0–17 years: United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2023 Jan;(459):1–8.
- Gabryszewski SJ, Hill DA; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia CER² Consortium. Patterns of pediatric allergy across a multi-state electronic health record consortium. Pediatrics. 2023;152(2):e2022060531. doi:10.1542/peds.2022-060531
- Pawankar R. The unmet global health need of severe and complex allergies: Meeting the challenge. World Allergy Organ J. 2012;5(2):20–1.doi:10.1097/WOX. 0b013e31824a5552.
- Alfvén T, Braun-Fahrländer C, Brunekreef B, von Mutius E, Riedler J, Scheynius A, van Hage M, Wickman M, Benz MR, Budde J, Michels KB, Schram D, Ublagger E, Waser M, Pershagen G; PARSIFAL study group. Allergic diseases and atopic sensitization in children related to farming and anthroposophic lifestyle–the PARSIFAL study. Allergy. 2006 Apr;61(4):414–21. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00939.x.
- Flöistrup H, Swartz J, Bergström A, Alm JS, Scheynius A, van Hage M, Waser M, Braun-Fahrländer C, Schram-Bijkerk D, Huber M, Zutavern A, von Mutius E, Ublagger E, Riedler J, Michaels KB, Pershagen G; Parsifal Study Group. Allergic disease and sensitization in Steiner school children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jan;117(1):59–66. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.09.039. Epub 2005 Nov 28.
Alm JS, Swartz J, Lilja G, Scheynius A, Pershagen G. Atopy in children of families with an anthroposophic lifestyle.