Treat dust allergies naturally - Ask the experts: answers to your questions from the leaders in natural medicine

Natural Health, August, 2003 by Carolyn Dean

CAROLYN DEAN, M.D., N.D., REPLIES: You've taken an important first step toward treating your daughter's allergies. Wall-to-wall carpeting collects tremendous amounts of dust. However, you can do more: In your home, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and scented products like laundry detergent, don't smoke, and limit perfume use. These substances can irritate sensitive mucous membranes and trigger allergic reactions. Keep pets, which spread allergy-causing dander, out of her bedroom. I also recommend the following three simple, safe steps to reduce dust allergies:

1. Skip Problem Foods. In some people, an allergy or sensitivity to sugar, wheat, and dairy products can increase mucus production. Eliminating these foods helps relieve congestion and other allergy symptoms, which will make her problems with dust allergies less severe. Have your daughter avoid these foods for two or three weeks, and if her allergy symptoms improve, only allow them every three or four days. In place of possible problem foods, you can substitute foods sweetened with honey, maple syrup, or the herb stevia (Stevia rebaudiana); grains like quinoa or spelt; and dairy alternatives like soymilk.

2. Try a Natural Remedy. Homeopathic remedies--highly diluted plant, mineral, or animal substances that boost your body's healing powers--may help as well. You can find combination homeopathic-dust-allergy medicines in many natural food stores and some drugstores. Follow the package directions. If your daughter doesn't feel better after two or three days, have her stop taking it.

3. Take Potent Supplements. Vitamin C will help strengthen your daughter's immune system so her body will produce fewer of the chemicals that cause itchy eyes and a runny nose; have her take 500 mg twice a day with meals for two weeks. If her symptoms don't improve, add bioflavonoids (250 mg twice a day with meals), which will help heal the inflamed capillaries in her nose. If your daughter's main symptom is congestion, magnesium oxide and evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) might also help. Have her take 250 mg of magnesium oxide and 500 mg of evening primrose oil twice a day with meals in addition to the vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Once her allergy symptoms improve, she can reduce her dose of vitamin C and bioflavonoids by half. If she is taking magnesium oxide, have her stay at the 250 mg dose. If she is taking evening primrose oil, she should switch to 1 or 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day, drizzled on cereal or salads.

CAROLYN DEAN, M.D., N.D., conducts Body Rejuvenation Cleanse Programs in New York City several times a year. She is the author of five books including The Miracle of Magnesium (Ballantine, 2003).