PRESCRIPTIONS
Naturopathic remedies available to treat allergies

By Laurie Steelsmith

Q. How do you treat allergies with naturopathic medicine? I've been experiencing a lot of sneezing and post-nasal drip.

A. Naturopathic medicine has many options to offer anyone suffering from upper respiratory allergies.

Some people cope with allergic reactions on a daily basis if they are allergic to substances like dust mites or mold. Others have seasonal allergies related to pollens or vog.

You can take the following steps to help you cope with your allergies:

First, you want to reduce your exposure to allergens. Because you spend almost a third of your life in your bedroom, you want to make it as much of an allergy-free zone as possible. If you're allergic to dust mites, wash all your bedding, including your bedspread, in hot water every week. Get dust mite covers for your bed, box spring and pillows. Buy dust mite covers at www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com.

Air filters can also help you control allergic symptoms in your home. Be sure to put the filter in your bedroom when sleeping.

Second, you want to help your body handle any allergens that you're exposed to. Because your sinuses are usually the first mucous membranes to be exposed to allergens, it can help to use a saline nasal spray like Ocean (available at Longs Drugs) or a xylitol nasal spray. Both help to wash irritants out of your sinuses. Xylitol has the added benefit of reducing sinus infections because it can prevent bacteria from adhering to your mucous membranes. You can find xylitol spray online at www.xlear.com.

If you need a natural antihistamine that won't make you feel tired or revved up, I recommend freeze-dried nettles. In my clinical practice, I've seen freeze-dried nettles work well for mild allergic symptoms.

The recommended dose is 300 mg two to three times per day. You can purchase freeze-dried nettles at your health food store or pharmacy. Caution: this product should not be used by pregnant women.

A note to readers: My last column was on Siberian ginseng, but the picture included showed American ginseng. They are different herbs, although both belong to the ginseng family.

Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu.