Natural allergy remedies

[ChristaN]

My dh has terrible allergies to a lot of things - like most animals and pollen. I am working on getting him to try local pollen to help with the hayfever issues, but he is still having a lot of problems with the animal allergies. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs & fish, all of which he is allergic to (except the fish ). He uses otc meds for his allergies including nasal sprays which totally kill his taste buds.

Other than getting rid of the animals, which is really not an option, does anyone know of any alternative meds for animal dander allergies that would not have such bad side effects (fatigue, loss of taste, etc.) as otc meds?

[KJP_starmama]

Oh man, I feel for him. I am allergic to pet dander, and if I lived in a house with dogs and cats, I'd be so miserable. I take Rhinocourt, Zyrtec, Advair and Singular (for asthma), but even then, I'd still probably have allergic symptoms.

There are some books out there on natural allergy relief. They recommend supplements of different kinds. But even then, the results may only be minimal. If your severely allergic to animals, and you're living with them, I doubt there's much natural to help. But it doesn't hurt to look into it.

[luvmytwo]

My dd is allergic to cats, dust, and grass. She has never been on Singulair or Zyrtec. I have been using BioAllers allergy relief remedies for relief but I also used them to "desensitize" her to the allergens.
We did it in two week increments. 5 drops 2X a day for 2 weeks....5 drops 1X a day for 2 weeks.... and then 2 drops twice a day and so on. She did not react to grass at all last summer. The cat one has been the hardest; that is the only thing that aggravates her asthma. She did stop reacting to short hair cats but the long haired ones really do a number on her. Anyway, let me know if you have any other questions!!

[toraji]

You can try high doses of vitamin C:
http://www.doctoryourself.com/allergies.html

ETA: Warning! Pregnant mamas, do not try this one...high doses of Vitamin C can cause miscarriage.

[ChristaN]

I have been using BioAllers allergy relief remedies for relief but I also used them to "desensitize" her to the allergens.

That's kind of what I am thinking. I would like to help his body work with itself to become less sensitive to the allergens rather than just suppressing the symptoms.

I picked up an allergy formula at the HFS yesterday that has quercetin, vitamin C, magnesium & bromelain. It is supposed to inhibit histamine relief.
We'll see if it works. My dh is much less consistent about using alternative remedies than am I. He tends to just medicate himself like crazy with OTC meds. It drives me a bit crazy especially when he complains about the side effects, but there's only so much I can do.

I'll take a look at BioAllers, too. Is that a homeopathic remedy?

[Wildcrafter]

You might want to check out Stinging Nettle, in a daily capsule. I know it has helped my Mom with her pet allergies and seasonal hay fever. Nettle is full of nutrients to boot.

For pollen/hayfever I use the following tea formula and it helps a lot:

1 part goldenrod
1 part nettle
1/4 part echinacea leaf/flower
1/4 part cinnamon fern
1/8 part sage (optional for lactating moms)

[PapayaVagina]

I second the quercitan and stinging nettles but for myself I have to be extremely consistent and take it a couple of times a day for it to work. I've heard that it takes quite a while for the quercitan to build up in your system (hence the recommendations for starting it several months in advance if using it for seasonal allergies). I was told by a naturopath once that only the freeze dried capsules of stinging nettles work because they still include the stinging part of the nettle which contains the antihistamine.

[ChristaN]

I second the quercitan and stinging nettles but for myself I have to be extremely consistent and take it a couple of times a day for it to work. I've heard that it takes quite a while for the quercitan to build up in your system (hence the recommendations for starting it several months in advance if using it for seasonal allergies).

That's really where I have trouble with my dh. He has gotten so much into the trap of Western medicine of, 'I have symptoms now, so I'll take something now & make them go away.' He really has a hard time with consistently taking anything if he is not currently right now experiencing a problem. I'll try anyway, though...

[deb215]

local raw honey is good for pollen allergys.

for pet allergys being around them builds up your resistance to them. I used to have a cat before I was tested for allergys and had a 'cold' for about a month before my body got used to the kitten. omega 3 oils help with shedding (add to food). get rid of carpet if they are indoor pets and keep them out of the bedroom.

I have read that omga 3 are good (for him) to build up the imune system.

hth

[NatalieS]

ITA on the EFA's. They are great for everyone. This is my latest rant, everyone needs EFA's!

http://www.nordicnaturals.com/retail...imateomega.asp

[luvmytwo]

Yes, BioAllers is homeopathic medicine. The manufacturer is NatraBio. You do need to build up resistance. I started the grass one in March before grass becomes an issue last year. I am going to do it again this year.

I also have been supplementing my dd with Vit. C (w/bioflavonoids, it helps vitamin c get into your cells), and using fish/cod liver oil seasonally.

The funny thing with the cat was that we had one since she was born. When she turned 4 was when I knew she had allergy issues and when I got her tested I was surprised to find she has a cat allergy. I don't know what happened there. Our cat lives with our in-laws now

ChrisaN- I hear you with your dh. It is frustrating when someone you love or care for is wrapped up in the quick fix method of conventional medicine. They only cover up symptoms anyway and do not address the ailment in the first place. It is frustrating.