FitSugar

At Home Spa Treatment: Moisturize Dry Hair

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

We all know olive oil is a healthy fat that is essential to our health, but it's not just for salads and warm bread. You can use it to nourish your dry and fuzzy hair. I've tried leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, but they don't seem to work. Here's something I do about twice a month, but you can do it once a week if your hair is really thirsty.

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup olive oil (you may need more or less depending on how long and thick your hair is)
plastic grocery bag

Here's what to do:

Rinse your hair with warm water.
Pour about 1 tbsp into the palm of your hands, rub them together to warm up the oil, then using your fingertips, gently massage it into your scalp and hair.
Continue doing this until your hair is covered evenly with the oil, making sure the ends of your hair are treated too.
Now place the plastic bag over your hair, tying the ends in a knot or securing it closed with a hair clip or clothespin.
Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.

That's it. Your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and smooth. It's especially good if you have thick and curly hair, but it's also great to do in the summer when the sun and saltwater can really dry out your hair. Try it and let me know what you think.

Fit's Tips: If your hair is NOT dry, do not try this treatment - your hair will end up looking really flat and greasy.

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Nature's Gate: Good For You AND the Environment

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

If you're like me, you can spend hours in a health food store, perusing through the aisles of natural snack foods, fresh produce, and organic dairy products.

Once I get to the beauty section - forget it. I love to look at all the brands of lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, make-up, and soaps. I read all the labels and smell everything.

The amazingly rich scent is what drew me to Nature's Gate products, and it's what had me going back to try more. My first "taste" was of the Shampoos and Conditioners. The Herbal scent for All Hair Types was a staple in my shower for many years. Then I switched to Chamomile for its unforgettable calming effects.

Since I loved their hair care products, I had to try their lotions too. I'm sorry to say that although the Herbal lotion made with aloe vera and organic jojoba oil smells wonderful, the moisturizing effects didn't last as long as I hoped. I think it might be my personal preference though, like when I buy all-natural crackers and I wish they had more flavor. Everyone's hair and skin have different needs and you may LOVE Nature's Gate lotions.

Nature's Gate also has a newer line of organic hair care, baby care, lotions, soaps, and deodorants. They make anti-aging products, whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, sunscreen, and self-tanners. If you're wondering, they also have a line for acne treatment.

What I love most about Nature's Gate products is that they are ecologically safe, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free. All their products are packaged in recyclable containers and/or are made out of recycled materials. I know that buying these products supports a company that supports the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Fit's Tips: If you can't find Nature's Gate products at your local health food store, you can order from the Nature's Gate website.

Cold Winter - Dry Hair

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

Now that it's cold outside and you've got the heat pumping inside, your hair must be screaming for moisture.

Here's a great tip I learned from my hair dresser. Whether your hair is dry to begin with, or just dry during the winter, choose a shampoo and conditioner that's recommended for permed or color treated hair.

Even if you don't have a perm or highlights you can take advantage of the hair care products that offer a little extra moisturizing.

Wash your hair only as often as needed. If you have curly hair, you can get by washing your hair once a week. If you have silky straight hair, wash it every 2 days.

Try a leave-in conditioner to help moisturize even more. And if you can, skip out on blow drying and let your hair air dry.

Piperonyl butoxide/pyrethrum extract (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:10 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Piperonyl Butoxide (PIP-er-oh-nil byoo-TOX-ide), Pyrethrum Extract (pye-REE-thrum EX-trackt)

Treats head lice, pubic lice (crab lice), and body lice.

Brand Name(s)

Rid Mousse, Tisit Blue Gel, Medicine Shoppe Pyrethrin Lice Treatment, Rid, Pronto Plus Lice Killing Mousse, Good Neighbor Lice Solution Kit, Pronto Plus Warm Oil Treatment & Conditioner, Tisit, A200 Time-Tested Formula, Licide

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to piperonyl butoxide or pyrethrum extract.

How to Use This Medicine

Foam, Gel/Jelly, Shampoo, Spray

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
This medicine is for use on the skin and scalp only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Do not inhale this medicine. Use it in an open air. Make sure not to puncture or burn the container.
Shake the medicine well before using.
Apply RID® to dry hair or other affected areas. Allow the medicine to remain for no longer than 10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and soap or shampoo, then towel dry. For head lice, apply the medicine first in the areas behind the ears and back of the neck. Keep your eyes tightly closed and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel while applying the medicine.
Comb your damp hair, lifting 1- to 2-inch wide strand of hair, in a firm and even motion using a fine-toothed comb or a special lice or nit (egg) comb. Remove any lice or nits by hand using a throw-away glove. Repeat combing if necessary.
Keep your comb clean and check your hair daily for any lice or nits that you missed to prevent lice from coming back.
You may need a second treatment with RID® within 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat or open flame, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have trouble breathing, asthma, or any allergy to ragweed.
This medicine should not be used on lice in your eyebrows or eyelashes unless your doctor tells you to.
All members of your household and your sexual partner should be checked, because lice are easily spread from one person to another.
To prevent re-infection: Wash your clothes, bedding, and personal items (including washcloths, towels, hats, scarves, combs, brushes, wigs, hairpieces) in hot soapy water.
Do not use this medicine on your child unless approved by your doctor.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Skin or scalp itching, rash, or redness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 45_5628

Why Is Quaternium-87 in My "Herbal" Conditioner?

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I made the switch to all-natural shampoo and conditioner a few years back. Not only do I like the fact that they're made with "a perfectly balanced blend of botanicals," as the bottle states, but I also like that they're made without animal testing. As I was washing my hair the other day, I went to pour some Nature's Gate Herbal Conditioner in my palm, and I saw Quaternium-87 in the list of ingredients. To me that sounds more like a show on the SciFi channel canceled after one episode than a "botanical" ingredient to me.

To find out what it is, read more.

With a little exploring on the Internet, I discovered that Quaternium is the name for a category of chemicals, and there are many varieties including Quaternium-15, 18, 24, 27, 80, and so on. As the various numbers indicate, all these "Quats" are unique because they are made from different ingredients and have different properties. Some Quats, such as Quaternium-15, have caused skin reactions for some people, but it's one of the ingredients in Johnson's Baby Shampoo, so I would think that it'd be safe (since it's meant for wee ones).

As for Quaternium-87, since it's added to all natural conditioners, I'd assume that it also wouldn't cause any unpleasant reactions. This ingredient is an ammonium compound that can be synthetic or vegetable based. It's a viscous, cloudy yellowish liquid that mixes well with water. It can be used alone as a conditioner, but I guess Nature's Gate mixes it with herbs and flower extracts to give it the fresh, clean scent I love. I didn't find any info stating that Quaternium-87 was harmful for human use, but that doesn't mean it's 100 percent safe. I guess you'll have to use your own judgment when it comes to this ingredient. Although if you have sensitive skin, I'd heighten your awareness when using products that contain Quats.

Gym Bag Essential: Cinnamon Buns to Go

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:30:00 -0800

I know most of you read the title of this post and are now thinking I must have gone off the deep end, but bear with me here . . .

Cinnamon Buns To Go ($6) from Philosophy is actually a great product that is a space-saving addition to any gym bag because it is actually three shower essentials in one: shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Not only does it smell fab, but it's great for a quick clean up at the gym. Santa left me a bottle in my stocking this past Christmas and I actually am more of a fan for using it just as a body wash/shampoo (my thick hair needs more conditioner than this little bottle can provide), but it's still great knowing that I can wash from head to toe with it if need be. I love the smell and also love that people always ask me where I got it in the locker room. Buy it online here.

Exercising With Seasonal Allergies: It's a Sneeze

FitSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:00:00 -0700

The warm weather brings me outdoors to exercise; since pollen is blowing around, it can also bring on an allergy attack. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, check out these tips when it comes to exercise.

After exercising outdoors, strip off your clothes immediately. Be sure to wash everything before wearing them again to get rid of any pollen. Wash your hair as well to remove pollen that could cause a postexercise reaction.
Be aware of the pollen count outside. Pollen counts are usually highest in late morning and early afternoon, and when it's warm, dry, and breezy. Pollen counts are lowest on rainy, cooler days.
When pollen counts are high, exercise indoors and use an air conditioner to keep you cool instead of opening windows.
Use a neti pot before and after exercising to flush out pollen and mucus from your nose.
Take a hot shower before working out. Not only will it warm up your muscles, but the steam can help relieve sinus and nasal congestion.
If those two didn't help, do some heat-building workouts like running or Ashtanga yoga. Increasing your body temperature through exercise will help thin out the mucus, making it easier to get rid of.

Source

8 Foods That Strengthen Your Hair

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Aside from cleaning, conditioning, and using products to make your hair silky and shiny, your diet also plays a huge role in its health. Here are some essential vitamins and minerals you'll need for strong tresses.

Iron-rich foods such as lentils, potatoes with skin, peanuts, sunflower seeds, tofu, molasses, flaxseed, oysters, beef, chicken, shrimp, and trout are necessary for strong hair.
Foods rich in zinc such as walnuts, salmon, cashews, pecans, almonds, and oysters can help prevent hair loss.
Foods that contain biotin such as beans and eggs can prevent brittle hair.
Foods rich in selenium like nuts are necessary for a healthy scalp.

To see the other four foods read more.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 promote healthy hair, so get at least 2.4 micrograms a day by including foods such as chicken, shellfish, yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs.
Carbs such as whole grains and fruit are necessary every day. Low-carb diets can contribute to thinning hair.
Foods rich in vitamin A such as cheese, eggs, carrots, spinach, and foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits and tomatoes are needed to produce sebum, your body's natural conditioner.
Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, sesame seeds and spinach are needed for hair growth. They also contain protein which prevents brittle hair.

Source

Cosmetics Ingredient Alert: Parabens

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0700

While the FDA claims parabens are safe, this chemical preservative is still quite controversial. Used in shampoos, moisturizers, and even toothpaste, parabens are considered hormonally disruptive by many environmental-health scientists. This chemical is known as a weak estrogen mimic and has been found in trace amounts in biopsied breast cancer tumors. There are many alternative cosmetics preservatives, and two are derived from a couple of my favorite substances: sugar and milk. Enzymes from these two popular foods absorb oxygen in order to prevent bacterial growth. Look for the sugar enzyme glucose oxidase or the milk enzyme lactoperoxsidase on the ingredient list of your face wash, conditioner, and moisturizer. Burt's Bees makes paraben free products, including shampoo, as does Jason Natural. When it comes to your long term health, it pays to be a label reader of shampoo too.

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Allergic rhinitis

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:54 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to substances that you have inhaled (often pollen). The two types of allergic rhinitis are seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year-round. Hay fever is caused by outdoor allergens, and perennial allergic rhinitis by indoor allergens (such as dust mites, pet dander, mold).

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis resemble a cold, but they are not caused by a virus. When you inhale an allergen, your immune system springs into action, releasing substances known as IgEs into your nasal passages, along with inflammatory chemicals such as histamines. Your nose, sinuses, or eyes may become itchy and congested. Scientists aren't sure what causes your immune system to overreact to an allergen.

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, affecting about 1 in 5 Americans. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have asthma.

Signs and Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis can cause many symptoms, including the following:

Stuffy, runny nose
Sneezing
Post-nasal drip
Red, itchy, and watery eyes
Swollen eyelids
Itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face
Sore throat
Dry cough
Headaches, facial pain or pressure
Partial loss of hearing, smell, and taste
Fatigue
Dark circles under the eyes

Causes

The body's immune system is designed to fight harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But in allergic rhinitis, the immune system overresponds to harmless substances -- like pollen, mold, and pet dander -- and launches an assault. This attack is called an allergic reaction.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to pollens and spores (depending on the season and area) as they are carried on the wind. Sources include:

Ragweed -- the most common seasonal allergen (fall)
Grass pollen (late spring and summer)
Tree pollen (spring)
Fungus (mold growing on dead leaves, common in summer)

Year-round allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles from the following:

Pet dander
Dust and household mites
Cockroaches
Molds growing on wall paper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery

Risk Factors

Family history of allergies
Having other allergies, such as food allergies or eczema
Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke
Male gender

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your family and personal history of allergy. You may be asked some of the following questions:

Do symptoms vary according to time of day or the season?
Do you have a pet?
Have you made changes to your diet?
Are you taking any medications?

Your doctor will perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also recommend a skin test to determine what you are allergic to. In a scratch test, for example, small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin with a needle prick or scratch. If there is an allergy, a hive (swollen reddened area) forms within about 20 minutes. Sometimes a blood test may be used to determine which allergens you react to.

In young children, observing behavior is helpful in diagnosis. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may cause a child to wiggle their nose and push the nose upward with the palm of the hand.

Prevention

Taking the following steps to reduce your exposure to allergens may prevent symptoms.

If you have hay fever, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high:

Stay indoors, and if possible, close the windows.
Use an air conditioner.
Avoid using fans that draw in air from outdoors.
Don't hang laundry outside to dry.
Bathe or shower and change your clothes after being outside.
Use a HEPA air filter in your bedroom.

If you have perennial allergic rhinitis:

Cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers.
Remove carpet.
Keep pets out of the bedroom.
Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum.
Use an air purifier.
Avoid pets and other triggers.

Treatment

The best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid or limit your exposure to allergens.

Drugs (such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroid sprays) may help control symptoms and some complementary, and alternative therapies may also be used to successfully treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Your doctor may recommend desensitization (immunotherapy, or "allergy shots"). This treatment includes regular injections of the allergen, with each dose being slightly larger than the previous dose. Your immune system should gradually get accustomed to the allergen so that it no longer reacts to it.

In addition, certain lifestyle and dietary changes may help prevent or improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Lifestyle

You can take preventive measures to avoid or reduce your symptoms. Although you can't stay indoors during all high pollen and ragweed seasons, avoiding peak exposure times can help. Run your air conditioner in your home and car, and wear a dust mask when working in the yard.

For perennial allergic rhinitis, you can take the following measures.

To reduce mold:

Clean moldy surfaces. Mold is often found in air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, swamp coolers, and refrigerator drip pans.
Use a dehumidifier indoors to reduce humidity to less than 50%.
Fix water leaks and clean up water damage.
Ventilate kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces; vent laundry dryers to the outside.
Put flooring in crawl spaces.
Avoid carpets and upholstered furniture.
Wash bedding every week in hot water.
Keep stuffed toys out of the bedroom.
Cover pillows and beds with allergen-proof covers.

Medications

Depending on the type of allergic rhinitis you have, your doctor may recommend medication. Perennial allergic rhinitis may require daily medication, and if you have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) you may start medications a few weeks before the pollen season.

Nasal corticosteroids

These prescription sprays reduce inflammation of the nose and help relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They are most effective at reducing symptoms, although you may not see improvement for a few days to a week after you start using them.

Beclomethasone (Beconase)
Fluticasone (Flonase)
Mometasone (Nasonex)
Triacinolone (Nasacort)

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are available in both oral and nasal spray forms, and as prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Over-the-counter antihistamines are short-acting and can relieve mild-to-moderate symptoms. All work by blocking the release of histamine in your body.

Over-the-counter antihistamines -- Include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist). These older antihistamines can cause sleepiness. Loratadine (Claritin) does not cause drowsiness.
Prescription antihistamines -- These medications are longer-acting than over-the-counter antihistamines and are usually taken once a day. They include fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetrizine (Zyrtec).

Decongestants

Many over-the-counter and prescription decongestants are available in tablet or nasal spray form. They are often used with antihistamines.

Oral and nasal decongestants -- Include Sudafed, Actifed, Afrin, Neo-Synephrin. Some decongestants may contain pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or enlarged prostate should not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine. Nasal decongestants can cause "rebound congestion," where the nasal passages swell. Avoid using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days in a row, unless specifically instructed by your doctor, and do not use them if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Leukotreine modifiers

These prescription drugs block the production of leukotreines, which are inflammatory chemicals produced by the body. They are taken once a day and do not cause sleepiness, and are also used to treat allergic asthma. Leukotreine modifiers include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate).

Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom)

This over-the-counter nasal spray prevents the release of histamine and helps relieve swelling and runny nose. It is most effective when taken before symptoms start and may needed to be used several times a day.

Nasal atropine

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is a prescription nasal spray that can help relieve a very runny nose. People with glaucoma or an enlarged prostate should not use Atrovent.

Antihistamine eye drops -- relieve both nasal and eye symptoms; examples include azelastine, olopatadine, ketotifen, and levocabastine
Decongestant eye drops -- such as phenylephrine and naphazoline
Combination antihistamine/decongestants

Eye drops may cause stinging or even headache.

Other Treatments

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are often recommended to anyone 7 years and older who has severe allergy symptoms or who also has asthma. Immunotherapy accustoms the immune system to allergens through regular injections of small doses of an allergen over a long period of time.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Some people with allergic rhinitis also have food allergies. If you have any food allergies, eliminate those items from your diet. Even if you don't have a food allergy, cutting back on foods that may contribute to inflammation (such as meats, dairy products, sugar, and highly processed foods) may improve your symptoms.

Lactobacillus acidophilus -- One small study suggests that L. acidophilus, a type of "friendly" bacteria, might help reduce allergic reaction to pollen. More study is needed.
Quercetin -- Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables. In test tubes, it inhibits the production and release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as a runny nose and watery eyes. However, there is not yet much evidence that quercetin would work the same way in humans. More studies are needed.
Spirulina -- Preliminary test tube and animal studies suggest that spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, may help protect against harmful allergic reactions. Spirulina prevents the release of histamines, which contribute to symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Research on people is needed.
Vitamin C (2,000 mg per day) -- Vitamin C has antihistamine properties and some preliminary research suggested it might help reduce allergy symptoms. But another placebo-controlled trial failed to show any effect on symptoms.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus, 500 mg per day) -- Butterbur has been used traditionally to treat asthma and bronchitis and to reduce mucus, and several scientific studies show that it can be helpful. One study of 125 people with hay fever found that an extract of butterbur was as effective as Zyrtec. Another study compared butterbur to Allegra with similar findings. Both studies were small, however, so more research is needed. It hasn't been established whether taking butterbur longer than 12 - 16 weeks is safe. Butterbur can cause stomach upset, headache, and drowsiness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children, should not take butterbur.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) -- Goldenseal is sometimes included in herbal remedies for allergic rhinitis. Laboratory studies suggest that berberine, the active ingredient in goldenseal, has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties. But there is no evidence that it is effective specifically for allergic rhinitis.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, 600 mg per day for one week) -- Stinging nettle has been used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including allergic rhinitis. But studies so far are lacking. Only one small study suggested that stinging nettle might help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Pregnant women and young children should not take stinging nettle. Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle if you take blood pressure medication, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diuretics (water pills),or have diabetes.

Acupuncture

Some evidence suggests that acupuncture may be a useful complementary or alternative treatment option for people with allergic rhinitis, although not all studies have found any benefit. In one study that included 45 people with hay fever, acupuncture was as effective as antihistamines in improving symptoms, and the beneficial effects appeared to last longer. However, a controlled trial that compared acupuncture to placebo (sham acupuncture) found no real benefit. One study suggested that combining acupuncture with traditional Chinese herbs did help relieve symptoms.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Nux vomica -- for stuffiness with nasal discharge, dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal sensations with watery nasal discharge and a lot of sneezing; an appropriate person for this remedy is irritable and impatient.
Arsenicum album -- for stuffiness with copious, burning nasal discharge and violent sneezing; an appropriate candidate for Arsenicum feels restless, anxious, and exhausted.
Allium cepa -- for frequent sneezing, a lot of irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes; this person tends to feel thirsty.
Euphrasia -- for bland nasal discharge, with stinging, irritating tears; a suitable person for this remedy has worse nasal symptoms when lying down.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Biminne

Biminne is a Chinese herbal formula used to treat allergic rhinitis. In a study of 58 people with year-round allergic rhinitis, biminne relieved at least some symptoms in most of the participants. Participants took the formula five times a day for 12 weeks, and they still showed the benefit of biminne even after one year. It is not known how biminne works, or if it is safe to use for extended periods. Biminne includes these herbs:

Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Ginkgo biloba
Horny goat weed (Epimedium sagittatum)
Schizandra chinensis
Japanese apricot (Prunus mume)
Ledebouriella divaricata
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Other Considerations

Using some nasal sprays for long periods of time can make your allergic rhinitis worse. Call your health care provider if you develop severe symptoms, if previously successful treatment no longer works, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid the following:

Decongestants without discussing with your physician
Stinging nettle
Chinese skullcap
Butterbur (Petasites) extracts
Goldenseal
High doses of vitamin C

Warnings and Precautions

Do not take stinging nettle if you take blood pressure medication, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diuretics (water pills), or have diabetes without talking to your doctor first.

You should not use goldenseal over a long period of time, and you should avoid it if you have high blood pressure.

Skullcap has sedative properties, and should be used with caution or not at all with antihistamines that also make you drowsy.

Prognosis and Complications

Chances are your symptoms of allergic rhinitis will be readily treated, but they will continue to appear each time you are exposed to an allergen.

Although perennial allergic rhinitis is not a serious condition, it can interfere with many important aspects of life. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, allergic rhinitis can lead to missed days from school or work. Medication may cause drowsiness and other side effects. Your allergies could also trigger other conditions, such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, and ear infection (called otitis media). Seasonal allergies may improve as you get older.

Desensitization (allergy shots) may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.

Supporting Research

Anonymous. Monograph. Petasites hybridus. Altern Med Rev. 2001;6(2):207-209.

Blanc PD, Trupin L, Earnest G, Katz PP, Yelin EH, Eisner MD. Alternative therapies among adults with a reported diagnosis of asthma or rhinosinusitis : data from a population-based survey. Chest. 2001;120(5):1461-1467.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

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Review Date:
9/25/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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