This week I had go to an asthma and allergy clinic for some testing. To have the test, I had to stop taking my Claritin five days prior to the testing.
Did I mention that it’s allergy season??? (See Title)
I had a routine visit with my primary care (holistic) doctor and mentioned to her that I was dreading going off my Claritin. During allergy season, I not only take the Claritin, but when the allergies override that medication, I add Snifflex with NAC (a natural children’s allergy medication) to my bedtime routine of medications. I have also found that over the years, I’ve had to switch back and forth between Zyrtec and the Claritin, because I’ve taken them so long, my body adapts and they become less effective until I stop them for awhile.
She suggested that I use an essential oil combination to help me with my symptoms that would not interfere with the testing.
Here are the steps for preparation in case you find you need something extra to help you with allergy symptoms this season:
- Order vegan capsules. You can get these on Amazon. I also ordered a larger supply of them from Young Living where I get my oils from.
- For your oils you will need peppermint, lemon, and lavender.
- Open your capsule and in the larger side drop 3 drops of each oil into it.
- The total of nine drops of oil will fill your capsule a little over half way.
- Now add a carrier oil. You can use coconut oil… it works great. I used olive oil, because that is what I had on hand. A carrier oil is necessary to use for “hot” oils that cause burning if used straight… peppermint is one, and the lemon oil… because it is very strong… can cause some irritation. I accidentally spilled the peppermint on the outside of a capsule one day and was troubled with burning and indigestion after I took it. I swallowed a teaspoon of coconut oil to chase it, and the burning sensation instantly resolved.
- Once you’ve filled the capsule the rest of the way with the carrier oil, put the capsule back together. They are recommended to take three times a day.
I used these capsules over the week and was pleasantly surprised to find they did keep my symptoms at bay. I only made one capsule at a time because the oils are strong and you would probably find them dissolved if you left them very long.
Claritin and Zyrtec are running out of steam for me.
At the recommendation of my doctor, I’m switching to a natural allergy medication called D-Hist. The ingredients for D-Hist are:
- Vitamin C
- Quercetin Dihydrate
- Stinging Nettle
- Bromelain (from pineapple)
- NAC
I was worried that I may be allergic to stinging nettles. While I was being tested, I asked the allergy doctor if she could test me for stinging nettles. She tested me for “weeds”. The group of weeds tested for did not have a “stinging nettle” but it did have mugwort which is a very close neighbor. The only thing of the weed group that showed up as an allergy for me was the rag weed.
So… I cautiously started the D-Hist. You have to take a loading dose for a week which is 2 capsules 3 times a day. After that week, you can take 2 capsules once a day. They seem to be working. I get a little congested before the next dose, but not long after I take it, I’m fine again.
I watched a free webinar last Monday on allergies and dealing with them naturally. Stinging nettles were touted as extremely important for allergies along with many other things which include:
- They are full of nutrients we need.
- They contain ingredients that may reduce inflammation.
- A few studies show they may help treat enlarged prostate.
- They treat hay fever.
- They have been used to treat high blood pressure.
- They reduce bleeding, support liver health, work as a diuretic, and help with wound healing.
As with anything else, you must do your research strictly based on your body and its response to medications and natural remedies. I’m sharing only to give you other options to think about as you find ways to help your body cope with the allergies you might have.
I think God has created a medicine cabinet for us in our foods, plants, and essential oils. We just need to research more to find the gifts He has given us and how to use them.
If you are interested in Snifflex here is a link to order directly from the site: https://creeksidenaturals.com/products/snifflex-with-nac?variant=42479981560024. Or you can order from Amazon. Just be aware both sites sell out frequently due to high demand.
If you are interested in learning more about natural remedies for allergies and the use of stinging nettles check out this site: https://homesteadliving.com/the-coop/?utm_source=hl-kit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EP003-2025-03&utm_content=email-8a
You will need to put your email and name in to pull up the replay of this podcast on dealing naturally with spring allergies. You can also go to the Homestead Living site for more information. They have a book you can preorder on how to make natural remedies to deal with many ailments.
I pray you find help through research for any health issues you may be dealing with, and please… don’t be afraid to use God’s medicine cabinet. As with everything in life… you can’t go wrong with asking God for help and answers.
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2 (KJV)
I pray you have a wonderful springtime week!