Allergy Tips
MAY 9, 2013 / 3:00 p.m.
'Tis the season for seasonal allergies! I hope this post will give you some fresh information and ideas on how to combat those runny noses, hacky dry coughs and itchy eyes.
Yes, we all know that 2013 is predicted to be a bad year for allergy sufferers. The status quo approach to dealing with allergy symptoms can include OTC medications like Benadryl or even allergy shots.
But if you're interested in more natural alternatives for yourself and your children when allergy symptoms strike, consider the following suggestions:
1. Use a cool mist humidifier at night to help relieve dry, hacky coughs and itchy, scratchy throats. (This really helps my children get restful sleep.)
2. Do homeopathic breathing treatments -- this can be done throughout the day as needed but especially right before bed.
(Directions: Simply boil a small pan of water on the stove. Remove the pan from the heat source -- essential oils are flammable. Pour 2-3 drops of eucalyptus or thyme essential oil into the pan of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply and slowly through the nose repeatedly-- preferably a minute or more. Repeat this process of deep breathing after a short break.) These particular essential oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties; hence the benefit of breathing a miniscule amount directly into the lungs.
3. Increase Vitamin C intake and add herbal supplements to your daily regimen. My kids take Nature's Sunshine herbal supplement ALJ (Bronchial & Respiratory Support Formula), which has the wonderful effect of an antihistamine without the drowsy feeling that accompanies many big-name OTC products. Like many herbals and supplements, ALJ should be taken with a meal. Visit Nature's Sunshine's website at http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/shop/.
4. If you do go outside, remember to shower and change clothing when you go back inside. Pollen gets trapped on clothing and in hair, so if you're sensitive to it, it's best to remove it as soon as you can. Plus, the warm, humid air in the shower can help clear your sinuses.
5. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may want to avoid going outside altogether, especially in the morning hours when pollen counts are at their highest levels.
Note: I follow all of these measures when my children's allergies are at their worst but find that symptoms generally subside after a week or so. Then, we no longer need the cool mist humidifiers or breathing treatments. For maintenance, we continue the increased vitamin C intake and take herbal supplements as needed.
You can find essential oils at your local health food store or on-line. I shop at Harvest Moon Natural Foods store in Olathe. http://www.harvestmoonnaturalfoods.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=9BF9A924857740958EDA1E8B0535F46C
Thanks for the great info Steph. I always go for the big guns like Zyrtec or Sudafed; I will definitely try an herbal remedy and see if maybe that's enough to keep my allergies at bay. Mine aren't too bad so maybe I'm a good candidate!
ReplyDeleteI've been suffering from this for over a week. Last week was horrible and went to the doc! She prescribed a Z-pak so wondering if the allergies turned into a sinus infection. I sit here now with a sinus headache and ready to call it a night. Maybe next time I'll take time out and try herbals before it hits.
ReplyDeleteKat, please consider the recent headlines about Z-pak and the FDA's concerns about heart and liver damage associated with Z-pak usage. We used to take antibiotics for strep, sinus infections, and UTIs. For several years now, we've been able to self-treat with herbals and supplements for these particular conditions. The only thing I could not beat with herbals and supplements was a staph infection I acquired while visiting my mother in a local hospital.
ReplyDeleteThis is nice! I happen to be lucky (for now) that I have never had any issue with allergies, but pretty much EVERYONE I know has issues with their allergies.
ReplyDelete