After trying medications, seeing specialists and going for allergy testing, we found Acupuncture to really help reduce the symptoms of the allergies last fall. We found an authentic acupuncturist and between his treatments and some herbs that he prescribed, the symptoms disappeared in about a month.

What did the acupuncturist actually do, Louise? I would love to hear a description of a session with an acupuncturist...

I have taken my son to our chiropractor and that has helped him stay healthy in many ways, including his allergies. His were mild, Spring reactions, but he does not have them any longer. Our chiropractor swears by adjustments to reduce the severity. There is also a holographic "sticker" that works on the same principal as acupuncture, which I would also agree with Louise, a great way to go. The sticker is from CieAura and it is non invasive, no medicine, and works on acupressure points in your body to reduce sinus problems. It's kind of like a miracle! And finally, for sinus woes, I use Dr. Neil's squeeze-bottle solution thing (that is, of course, not its real name, but the name Dr. Neil will get you the right product.) It is like a netti pot only MUCH easier! My doctor friends use it with their kids. Very mild and works!

My brother has terrible hay fever. He takes about a tablespoon of local honey a day and says it helps ease his symptoms.

Every year when the temperatures hit 70 for the first time and the trees start budding, I'm grateful for the change in weather but still groan internally, because it means that my allergies are about to kick in. This morning they had appeared in full force, leaving me with the desire to scratch my eyes and the back of my throat with a fork. If I don't take medication, this will continue through the summer. This morning I took zyrtek when I woke up. By 11 AM I was exhausted and slept for almost three hours in the middle of the day. I also felt ravenous with an out-of-control appetite. Since the fatigue and increased appetite are abnormal, I did a search on the side effects of zyrtek. I was shocked to see many people posting about mood changes, appetite increases (weight gain), and fatigue. I am a teacher and an after-school coach, so it's really difficult for me to take time off to see a Dr., or even a chiropractor or acupuncturist as mentioned above. Does anyone have any suggestions for some type of an allergy med with little to no side effects. I'd prefer a non-prescription drug but my dad is a Dr, so I could easily ask him to prescribe something. Any suggestions?

Hi Meghan, well, an acupuncturist (maybe this summer?) could actually eliminate your allergies once and for all, as could several sessions with a chiropractor, depending on what you are allergic to. I have two other suggestions. One is a product called CieAura -- please look it up at cieaura.com. My boss and my mom swear by them! I will find out which one helps with sinuses. The other is the daily use of a product called Dr. Neil -- you can get it at CVS, etc. It's like a netti pot only MUCH easier. It comes premixed with a solution and the bottle for like $20, and then you can buy the little mix to put in water when you run out. I just had my first sinus infection EVER and my doctor and a friend of mine who is a doctor both told me to use this, and it helped tremendously the FIRST time I used it. If you are in Atlanta, I highly recommend Dr. Sidney Barnes, chiropractor, who will tell you in a couple of times whether she can help you or not. I know this must be very frustrating, and I hope you are better soon.

Louise, we would love the name of your acupuncturist if he/she is in/near Atlanta.

Thanks so much, Emma. My two allergy symptoms are incredibly itchy eyes and throat. I don't usually get congested but do sneeze quite a bit. I'll look into the 2 products you suggested.