Allergies/hay fever- drug-free ways to relief?

Yes, it's that time of year... if this year is anything like the last, I'm in it for the long haul. I feel like my head weighs a ton, I have sinus headaches, I'm tired out and dizzy. I don't want to take any drugs. Help!

A neighbor suggested a NETI Pot. Anyone out there have one?

Any other drug-free suggestions???

Tue. Mar 21, 4:45pm

I have a neti pot. I do like it. I use it every morning (it can be used twice a day, but I generally only remember to use it in the mornings). It's great if you're prone to have dry nose problems.
Also, I see an acupuncturist (originally for migraines), and she treats me for the sinus problems as well.
Beth

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 4:54 PM

Try this website for exact info and dosage, but my husband has used Stinging Nettles (freeze dried by Eclectic Labs) and Quercetin supplements with success. Good luck.

Link

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 10:06 PM

If you have sinus congestion I recommend eucalyptus oil, dab it on a tissue and inhale it through out the day.Also the suggestion of the acupuncture is a great idea...and I bet you can find one thats covered by insurance...mine is :)

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 10:10 PM

Kleenex actually makes a tissue that is infused with the eucalyptus oils already! :-)

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 10:29 PM

Ever since moving to my new state, I have had horrible allergies. I couldn't exist without drugs, what miracles they are when they work. I got tested last week and nearly all the spots were positive. So there is something out there for me all four seasons. I also use a Neti Pot once a day. I thought it did such a fantastic job of clearing out the nasal passages and giving me relief that I gave one to my allergy prone sibling. The first time you use it, it is difficult to get your head tilted correctly so that the water flows directly from one nostril and out the other. In fact, it felt like fluid was filling up the sinuses behind my eyes the first time I used it. My brother got water in his eustacian tube and had the worse ear ache of his life. So, it is something that you have to use carefully when learning how to do it. If your nose is plugged, you cannot use it. You have to be able to breathe thru your nose to use it. The first time I used mine was at the end of a cold in which I still felt congested. I couldn't believe how clear my sinuses felt. It was like I had open passages that hadn't been opened for years. I am extremely happy with how it works for me, but I still have to take my drugs. I think that herbals are drugs, too, so I'm not quite sure why you think that you are doing something more pure. The herbals are not regulated so you don't know what (if anything) is really in them. I'm not so trustful, I'm afraid.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 11:35 PM

modern plastic "Neti pots"

I tried a traditional Neti pot for awhile, but it wasn't worth the trouble. Then I had nose surgery (cleared the passage so I could breathe, wonderful change!), and the doctor gave me a plastic bottle called NeilMed (another brand is Ayr) that comes with salt packets. Works great! You can just squeeze the bottle and it shoots up your nose. I do it in the shower with warm water and the salt packets. In theory it should clear out allergens as well as all the mucus.
Incidentally, years ago I asked my GP about my nose (always a mouthbreather, allergies or not) and he blamed it on me being fat! (guilt, shame...) Then recently I went to a real ENT doctor, and he said I had a deviated septum, inflamed turbinates, and little cartilage spurs in the way (ie, not FAT -- cartilage! duh). So I had the surgery and LOVE the results.
Look in the cold section of the drug store for the NeilMed kits.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 10:21 AM

NeilMed

Thanks for the suggestion- I'm definitely going to try it!!!

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 1:45 PM

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