Cold season is here. Stuffy nose, headache, sneezing, coughing and fatigue are sure signs that you have a cold—or are they? These symptoms are also signs of allergies and are difficult to differentiate from colds. These symptoms in the absence of fever and the fact that they just won't go away can indicate that you are suffering from allergies rather than a cold. Because the side effects of allergy medications such as drowsiness, constipation, and burred vision are bothersome, we often get asked to recommend natural choices. Here are some recommendations based on those of Dr. Andrew Weil.

Relax - Stress can trigger allergic reactions. Try daily relaxation such as meditation, breathing exercises or yoga.

Control your environment - Reduce your exposure to allergens by using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom and other spaces you spend a lot of time in.

Reduce dairy intake - Dairy products are a common source of allergies, try reducing them in your diet for a couple of months and monitor your symptoms. Calcium supplementation may be necessary if you have to give up milk products.

Drink plenty of water - Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to keep secretions fluid and respiratory membranes moist. Water also helps you eliminate irritants and toxins.

Take quercetin - This bioflavonoid found in buckwheat, citrus fruits and onions, helps stabilize mast cells that release histamine. Quercetin is preventative, so it must be taken regularly to help. The dose is 400 mg twice a day between meals.

Take stinging nettles - This herb can help with allergy symptoms. The best form is a freeze-dried extract of leaves in capsules. Take 1 or 2 capsules every 2 to 4 hours.

Try nasal irrigation - Use a warm salt water solution 1 to 2 times daily to soothe inflamed membranes and wash away irritants. Mix 1/4 teaspoonful of salt in a cup of warm water. Pour some in your cupped hands, inhale the solution through one nostril and spit out through your mouth.

Try homeopathic remedies - Homeopathic remedies work on the principle of stimulating the body to heal itself. Drops, sublingual tablets and nasal sprays are available for allergies.

Try Nasalcrom nasal spray - Nasalcrom used to require a prescription but is available over the counter now. It works by stabilizing mast cells so they won't release histamine. Although this is a pharmaceutical agent, it acts as a preventative more so than a treatment.

TAOS PHARMACY'S STAFF IS TRAINED IN THE USE OF NATURAL TREATMENTS. WE ARE THE ONLY PLACE IN TOWN THAT CAN PROVIDE BOTH MEDICAL AND NATURAL TREATMENT ADVICE. IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIES AND WOULD LIKE NATURAL CHOICES, VISIT WITH MITCH KERSHNER, NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN AT TAOS PHARMACY ON THURSDAY MORNINGS. AT TAOS PHARMACY WE BELIEVE IN OFFERING YOU CHOICES IN HEALTH CARE.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]