Homeopathic remedies are a great alternative to antihistamines and all sorts of other drug treatments. The clear advantage of homeopathic remedies is that they are non-toxic and can be taken with other treatments, both conventional and alternative, without interfering. This is actually my main reason for using homeopathic medicines. In a world full of other chemical exposures, who wants to be putting more potential toxins in our bodies?
Unfortunately, even the best medications come with side effects and ingredients that we don’t want. Many of the children’s antihistamines have both artificial color and flavors added. Given the unknown amount of risk attached to these, I prefer not to take a chance.
In addition, even the best medication can cause side effects. The best known side effect of older generation antihistamines is drowsiness, which is not life-threatening. However, other side effects can be serious and even life-threatening.
For instance, steroids are often prescribed for allergies. In most cases of serious environmental allergies, you will either have a single inhaler with a steroid combined with an antihistamine, or will have a separate steroid inhaler. These inhaled steroids put you at risk of thrush, an “infection” of yeast in the mouth. Steroids inhibit the immune system, which could be one of the reasons that yeast can take hold. It also means that you could be at a much higher risk for a secondary infection.
Of course, you can be allergic to steroids as well.
Another serious side effect occurs in children: it can affect their growth, stunting their height. While studies indicate that children who have had to use steroids will “catch up” and reach their full height, this is a best guess. The long-term effects of steroids on growing bodies are a real concern.
In adults, steroids can cause osteoporosis (particularly at higher doses), cataracts, glaucoma, Cushing’s syndrome, mood swings, and weight gain. So, steroids are not the best for adult bodies either. Osteoporosis diagnoses are on the rise (if the rise in osteopathic drug treatment is any indicator), and steroids could be a definite factor behind it.
As a result, my family has moved to using as much homeopathic medicine as possible to control seasonal allergies. Fortunately, many options provide real relief. My current favorite product is PascAllerg made by Pascoe. This is the first homeopathic that has done such a good job of managing my son’s seasonal allergies that we have been able to completely avoid antihistamines so far this year. Since his primary symptom is shortness of breath (which would mean the typical allergic asthma drugs) this has been a huge relief. It’s also been less expensive than the typical 2 inhaler drug regimen.
Pascallerg is indicated for all types of allergic reactions, from skin to respiratory. It is not recommended for patients who have a chromium sensitivity – but is otherwise suitable for all ages.
