Essentials for Cold and Allergy Sufferers

Most everyone has to deal with colds or allergies at some point in their life. Both can make us uncomfortable and sometimes even miserable. On moving to the south of Atlanta, my allergies went nutty. I was unaware that the Atlanta area was such a hot spot for allergies. Being someone who dislikes taking medications and abhors shots, I spent years trying to find more natural ways to manage my allergies and the associated sinus infections and colds that visited every year. I have used bee pollen for some time as a weapon in my fight against allergies and Silver Hydrosol when I catch a cold. Yet, sometimes even those were not enough when I was under stress or undergoing chemical changes (your body chemicals can change over time and for many reasons). So, I looked for more weapons to add to my arsenal and I found three that I can recommend.

Allergen Block Gel - This product by Chloraseptic is designed to 'catch' some of the allergens before they make it into your nostrils. Put a little dab on your pointer finger, rub it between your pointer and thumb and then apply the gel to the external nostril area and the lip below the nose. It should be reapplied every 4-5 hours. Simple, invisible and it works. If you are looking for a product for your very little one, check out Little Noses brand Allergy Block as well as their other products for children's nose related issues.

Oblas Inhaler - This product manufactured by Penn Herb Company, Ltd. is a mixture of menthol, peppermint oil, cajeput and eucalyptus, packed inside an inhaler. It immediately imparts a fresh feeling and can open up sinus passages within seconds. The aromatic vapors are active for up to 3 months after first use. It can be used as often as needed by children over 2 and adults. I carry mine with me when I'm running during allergy season for a quick blast of "oh, yeah." (Good price for Oblas Inhaler at Swanson Vitamins.)

Neti Pot - For some people, the use of a neti pot is repugnant. I hear people say yuck, ick, and no way when I suggest it to relieve sinus congestion. They can suffer for their vanity if they like, but I choose to accept the neti pot as a helpful tool in my fight against allergies and for relief from colds. In essence a neti pot allows you to flush your sinus passages clearing out allergens and mucus. Granted, it looks a bit odd to be leaning over the sink, pouring water into one nostril and having it wash out the other. Heck, just close the door. Nobody has to watch. I use Himalayan Crystal salt in my neti pot at a ratio of tsp to 8 oz of water. (Good prices for Himalayan Crystal Salt and porcelain neti pot at Swanson Vitamins.) I use filtered or purified water at room temperature--because tap water is just nasty. If my allergies are being particularly difficult or the little ones have decided to share cold germs with me I add Varcho VedaNeti Wash Plus to my neti pot. It contains zinc and gives the immune system a push.

Best results will be obtained if you are preventive rather than reactive when it comes to colds and allergies. Begin your protective measures before your allergy season starts and at the first sign of a cold.


Other Resources:

Read my article: Natural Treatment for Seasonal Allergies for more on bee pollen and seasonal allergies. See also my Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol - Product Review. See Jaime HeidelI's article How to Use a Neti Pot. Check out Wikipedia.org for a bit of history and detail on nasal irrigation.