Allergy sufferers know that March can be miserable -- headaches, sinus pain, stuffy noses. Relieve some of that tension with a DIY herbal remedy. Heat a large pot of water on the stove until it's steaming. Add a handful of herbs or a few drops of essential oil (rosemary, thyme, or eucalyptus work best), drape a towel over your head and breathe over the pot normally for 10 minutes. Ah, relief.
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From: Kelley | 3/21/11 at 6:47 am
A nice cup of green or herbal tea helps as well! And keeping you and your enviroment adequately hydrated.
From: Erin | 3/21/11 at 9:48 am
I would also suggest picking up a neti pot! I have suffered from sinus headaches and infections my entire life and never tried the neti pot until last week and it has changed my life.
You can instantly tell that your sinuses aren't blocked and you actually breathe better after doing the neti pot.
It definitely takes some getting used to as it's a very weird sensation but I highly recommend getting one and using it daily.
From: Melissa | 3/21/11 at 11:50 am
The neti pot does not work for everyone. I have severe allergies and a friend suggested that I try this product. It did nothing. The membranes in my nasal passages are so swollen that the water from the neti pot has no place to go.
I suggest the recipe as suggested above and add few drops of apple cider vinegar. My grandmother gave me this recipe. It works great.
Also try acupuncture. The result from acupuncture are instantaneousness and lasts for weeks.
From: Kira | 3/21/11 at 12:32 pm
While I've never added herbs to the water, I have found that steam helps. Unfortunately, the effect is only temporary. Quercetain with bromelain has helped me more than anything.
From: Maria | 3/21/11 at 2:21 pm
It's the same for me, steam is temporary but can sure help. Next time, I'll add some oils to the water. For a really quick nasal passage opening, I eat something spicy!
I am a firm believer in using Quercetain W/Bromelain!
From: Patricia bruhn | 3/21/11 at 4:11 pm
The netti pot has really helped me and I found a great natural allergy relief at whole foods called allergiemittel!
From: Patricia Hamilton | 3/21/11 at 4:56 pm
I use steam and nasal irrigation. Putting herbs in the water increases my allergic reaction, increasing the sinus swelling and eye tearing. When my eyes are really bad, I use washcloths soaked in ice water as eye packs. Showering and washing your hair before sleeping helps get the pollens off, so you can breathe better at night.
From: Cat B | 3/21/11 at 5:05 pm
Sudafed used to make a product called SudaCare - tablets that you placed in your shower that would dissolve and release vapors (mostly eucalyptus, I think). I loved those, but now I find that taking several deep breaths to start and end my shower is helpful.
From: Jill G. | 3/23/11 at 1:53 pm
Wal-Mart sells a product called Village Naturals Therapy: Cold & Sinus Liquid Mineral Bath. It comes in a 16 oz bottle and you just add it to your bath water. It is very soothing and really helps me clear my stuffed nose and open up my sinuses. I found it near the cosmetics, and it was under $5.