By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript;Published March 20, 2009
Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers…
Trying to decipher drug labels can clog your brain even more. You’ll see products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know: ... Click here for the entire article. I've extrapolated information regarding the "natural approach."
Home Remedies
What if you want a more natural approach?
Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.
“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.
Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.
“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.
You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:
Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.
Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.”
Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day.
Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.
German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.
Spirulina: “Spirulina sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.”
I've skipped several paragraphs but you can read them by clicking here.
Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you’re having any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.
The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.
Check out our (LifeScript) Allergies Health Center.
Lorraine here: Yes, after many months suffering with an allergy, or asthma, I found the answer. However, I am still very interested in the subject and continue to read articles, and check web links. So many articles, and recommendations, revolve around prescription drugs, and over-the-counter remedies. I was encouraged to see that the author included home remedies. ~~~ I represent a company that sells nutritional supplements. Please check MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze at my web site.
