Posts: 9
3/7/13 9:15 P

Hi,

I find that milk gives me a stuffy nose, but other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt don't. Iceburg lettuce and some red wines also seem to contribute to the problem.

My best natural remedy for hay fever is taking a shower or steaming my head when I come in, especially on windy days.

I hope this is helpful for you. Welcome to the team!

Cyndi

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2/18/13 9:59 P

I also struggle with asthma and something I have found that works on top of inhalers or when my inhaler is not handy is essential oils, I use peppermint with sweet enula. I put a couple of drops under my nose to breathe in and I put a few drops on my chest and rub it around and let it absorb in. It will open up my bronchial tubes and allow more air flow.

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2/16/13 5:22 A

I don't believe in most natural supposed remedies, but some of them do work when the husband and I are in a bind. with the asthma because it's night and his inhaler just ran out (even though it says he has 5 puffs left!).

Ginger is a natural dilator. grate some into boiling water for a few minutes, strain into coffee cup, sweeten as desired.

Make a glass of limeade and sprinkles about 1/4-1/2 tsp of ground ginger into it.

Sucking on peppermint candies.

A couple of cups of boiling water and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Stand next to it, and be amazed at how fast your lungs clear out.

Sometimes showering before bed can help asthma/allergy symptoms. In fact, NEVER go to bed without taking a shower if you have allergies. The pollens and so on can (and do) get in your hair and clothes. So take off your clothes NOWHERE near your bed, and then take a shower before getting in bed.

That way, you're LESS likely to track allergens like dust or pollen into your bed.

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2/9/13 6:22 P

I sympathize learning to get used to neti pot. Are you breathing through your mouth while you are using it? That was key to me.

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2/9/13 6:09 P

Hi ANN1AZ2 -
regarding neti pot, I found also should use twice a day - I find it helps for sinus headaches, too.

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2/9/13 6:04 P

Hi CJJONE01 -
I've also started using a neti pot a while ago and it helps a lot. Thanks for reminding me about Iyengar yoga breathing, esp. the chest-opening positions - Iyengar yoga I started practicing over 30 years ago - have not been able to practice lately. You've helped me today to recommit myself to my reg. yoga practice, even if I can only do 5 salutations for starters. Having trouble doing meditation again though - some resistence, I don't know why

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1/31/13 2:36 P

welcome!

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1/22/13 8:15 P

Watch your local paper for coupons or go to smartsource.com (I believe that is the name, or Coupon Divas) They have almond milk coupons sometimes.

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10/19/12 10:03 P

Walmart sells the solution packets separate after so you don't have to buy a whole new kit after.

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9/11/12 3:43 P

Hi, I am asthmatic also - here are some things that might help - know what your triggers are and avoid as much as possible. Steam may help if you are having an attack. Try Yoga for Asthma. There are many books and dvds on amazon.com. I know some people who have controlled asthma successfully without drugs using yoga breathing and chest opening exercises (we practice Iyengar Yoga). It has helped me somewhat - but I am not real good at practicing every day.

Neti pots (or the NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit) are wonderful for nasal allergies or colds (not much help for asthma). The trick is to use the proper amount of saline and warm (NOT HOT) water. Be sure to use distilled water if you are in the south to avoid dangerous critters in your tap water.

A long winded post. . .good luck

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8/28/12 8:15 A

NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit

I like this much better than a Neti pot. It has a plastic bottle. I got it at

the local drugstore. chris

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4/23/12 2:04 P

Thanks Debby I will give it a try. I have used it before but almond milk is very expensive here so I have ended up not using it as much as I used to. But I will get some on occasion now to substitute in between

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4/23/12 2:17 A

I've used a neti-pot for several years now, and it's best to buy the pre-packaged solution because it mixes the right amounts. It's relatively cheap to buy. Also, I've found that if my allergies are really bad, the neti-pot keeps me from getting sinus infections. You usually have to use it more than once or twice a day to get good results. Good luck!

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4/22/12 2:33 P

JACIJUNE I gave up milk not because of allergies but lactose intolerance. Just wanted you to know after 30 years of just not bothering to have any cereal, I found almond milk. It's like a whole new world out that. If milk is your cause of mucus, and you are not allergic to almonds, you should try it. I feel a lot less sorry for myself now haha. I like Silk brand btw.

Edited by: DEBBY4576 at: 4/22/2012 (14:34)

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4/22/12 11:23 A

I have definitely found that reducing the amount of dairy products I use reduces my mucus production. I still like cheese, milk and yogurt but I do not use them very often and if I find my allergies are getting worse I cut them out altogether. I drink herbal tea so I'm not tempted to put in milk and eat my granola cereal dry and just make the oats with water only and add cinnamon for flavour. I will definitely try the grapefruit seed extract everyone is suggesting. And the more water I drink the better things are for me. And I try to keep my apartment as dust free as possible. And I use 1000mg of vitamin c everyday. I don't know if it is helping but since I've been keeping up with my vitamins I haven't had much problems.

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4/21/12 9:34 A

I have just read that using the Neti Pot is very good for keeping the nasal passages clear. In fact, I am going to start using this today. I'll let you know how I make out. It is just 8 oz of water with 1/2 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp salt solution. Hope you will find this helps.
Millie

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3/31/12 2:38 A

Hi Debby luv, thanks alot for this info, I will be sure to use this grapefruit seed extract as you suggest. This is great to know, as we both know how our household dragg home all types of viruses putting us at acute risk for a trip to the hospital. I hope you find something that works for you as well. I find keeping my home dust free meanng I have to constantly clean it and vaccum the carpets, I'm hoping my next home to have all hardwood floors this would be a treat. bye for now.

Posts: 203
3/10/12 3:58 P

The best place I have ever found (and I have looked around A LOT!) to purchase natural supplements and vitamins, etc., is Swanson Vitamins! Great prices, exceptional service and quick shipping. They are located in Fargo, but also have a place in PA, so they can reach just about anywhere in less than the "5-7 business days." Its www.swansonvitamins.com.

I use their Quercetin/Bromelain combo and its great. The Bromelain will really help reduce ANY inflammation in the body including your sinuses. The Quercetin is a bioflavinoid (found naturally in onions, etc.) that among many other things, reduces inflammation in the body. It also does a good job on eczema, prostate problems, cancer and lots of other stuff. But Quercetin is sometimes hard for the body to digest and Bromelain takes care of that. Bromelain is found in fresh (not canned) pineapple. It is also tremendous help for your stomach as it is a natural digestive enzyme.

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2/21/12 1:48 P

anise and fennel tea or tea made with the seeds is good for asthma three times a day.

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2/20/12 4:34 P

Grapefruit Seed Extract 20 drops a day when really bad helps boost the immunity. I also do it when the rest of the house is sick to prevent me from getting sick too. Hyland's Hayfever a homeopathic remedy works for my mom who is 90. Not so much for me, but it's very cheap so worth a try too.

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9/3/09 3:26 P

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET USED TO MINE FOR MONTHS! CANNOT STAND WATER IN THE NOSE. THE NOSE SPARAYS HURT MY THROAT AND GIVE ME HEADACHES AND DRUGS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS FOR ME. I NEED HELP TOO....RHONDA

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9/3/09 12:29 P

Netipots work great---use it in the shower in the moring clean everything up with the shampoo and rinse as you shower. It starts your day off and its not so gross. Hanging over the sink makes a real mess I think.

Posts: 3
8/25/09 11:15 P

I've heard drinking tea with locally produced honey can help with pollen allergies. I think the idea is that the local pollens get caught in the honey and eating the honey, you build up a tolerance. The key is for it to be produced local so it contains the pollens that affect the area you live in. I tried it. Can't say I noticed a big difference, but I didn't really stick with it very long.

Also, I've heard the nettipot works wonders for allergies. Lots of people I know use them and swear by them. I'm kinda weirded out by them. I'm working on getting over that and trying it out. Any one else have good or bad experiences with the nettipot?

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8/19/09 11:17 A

Grapeseed extract has helped me tremendously with my allergies - but of course consult with your Dr. It has also helped my brother.

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8/19/09 2:42 A

Hi, LUCIFAYE and Welcome.

I am Dairy Free - I use Calcium fortefied reduced fat Soy Milk - but you can also get Rice Mil or Oat Milk - make sure it is Calcium and Protein Fortefied tho' because otherwise you will find that you may not get sufficient of those nutrients. You can use them anywhere you would use ordinary milk.

Also, my Doctor put me on a Calcium supplement on the recommendation of my Dietician at the time.

Edited by: SLIMMERKIWI at: 8/19/2009 (02:44)

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8/18/09 10:11 P

to DEE107
Where do you find those or what? And about how much do they cost?

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8/18/09 10:06 P

Hello and welcome to sparks people and the team

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8/18/09 9:19 P

I was recently recommended using a netti pot - to cleanse the nasal area. Just bought one today and plan on trying it tonight :)

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8/18/09 7:04 P

Howdy!

If you have one in your area, I would see a naturopath or a homeopathic physician about controlling allergies naturally. Often, there are naturopathic/homeopathic remedies in health food stores, but it would be better if you consulted someone knowledgeable in those types of rememdies.

As for cooking without dairy, I am also on a vegetarian/vegan team called Calling All Vegetarians and Vegans. There are other vegetarian/vegan teams on Spark as well. You may try perusing those message boards to get some ideas about dairy substitutes (even if you are not interested in doing the vegetarian thing).

Have joy!

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8/18/09 4:05 P

Sorry, I don't have answers but I sure look forward to the answers

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8/18/09 1:54 P

Hi! I am new here and was just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to help control your allergy/asthma symptoms naturally? Maybe also suggestions on how to cook without any dairy products...several people have told me recently that they cut dairy out of their diets for a yr and that has improved their symptoms greatly...
Thank you so much in advance....