Anyone Else Suffering with Spring Allergies? What Helps You?

Dear W.,

My suggestion may be a bit different as I am not a proponent of over the counter or prescription meds, especially with the recent news on singulair.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just issued a MedWatch safety alert informing doctors and patients that it is investigating a possible link between use of montelukast (Singulair, Merck) and changes in mood and behavior as well as suicidality and suicide.
The drug, a leukotriene-receptor antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of asthma and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and to prevent exercise-induced asthma.
FDA anticipates that it may take up to 9 months to complete the ongoing evaluations, and meanwhile is not recommending that physicians stop prescribing the medication.
But, considering how effective the nutritional approach is for management of asthma and other airway-related allergic symptoms, perhaps those using this Merck medicine might want to try the safe and natural approach.

My suggestion would be to take alfalfa as a supplement. I know... it sounds backward for somene who has hay fever to try alfalfa, but it has worked for many.

THe alfalfa I use is from SHAKLEE. THe roots grow to 25 feet, so they are full of trace minerals. Alfalfa is a natural decongestant and anti-histamine. I have many customers that will not be without alfalfa for the allergy season.

I am not trying to sell you anything, only share what has been a huge relief for many people.
Some other suggestions may be to start taking supplements that are soecific to building the immune syatem. ARe you taking anything at this time?

Please let me know if I can help in any way.

T.
Wellness Consultant
Natural minded Mom to four healthy children

Zyrtec-D at night
Singulair at night
Patanol eye drops for itchy eyes (oral meds, though they claim they help the eyes as well, do NOT. Local eyedrop application is the real way to treat eye allergies. Patanol rocks!)

my children suffer terribly. claritin helps a little but not enough so we started nasonex- big help and last night started the singular.

ALLEGRA D is the best. I took it about 3 years ago, but it was so expensive (insurance didn't cover it at the time)I only took it sparingly.

I have tried Claritin-D but it made my heart race, so i never took that again. I have also tried the Zyrtec-D and it was just okay not great but it worked a little bit. I called the insurance to see if the coverage had changed for Allegra D and it had so I had the prescription refilled and I missed this so much. Within 30 minutes my nose is clearing and my eyes are so much better in an hour I feel normal again and it lasts all day long.

I take AllegraD and Singulair (24 hour versions). I also have a prescription nasal spray and eye drops for when my allergies are at their worst (June - July). What also helps is running the a/c and keeping the windows closed (house and car).

I haven't had any problems with any of my meds. Good luck! I hope you find relief soon.

Take unfiltered, untreated local honey. It's the only thing my husband uses anymore. The best place to find it is at your local farmers' market or sometimes mom and pop flower/garden stores. Ask before buying if it's heat-treated or filtered. Take a spoonful (or put it on a piece of toast) and you should expect to feel better within minutes. Many people don't believe it, but for $5 or so, it doesn't hurt to try it, right? My husband had a very bad experience with allegy medicine and it spiked his blood pressure (at age 25) his nose wouldn't stop bleeding and he had to have both sides of his nose cauterized. Yes, this year is worse than years past (he's taking more honey than usual) but honey will still make you feel better without side effects. Good Luck!!