Antihistamines may provide temporary relief of some allergy symptoms but they don’t help much for nasal congestion. Many individuals turn to using decongestant sprays in combination with an antihistamine. But nasal decongestants sprays are not recommended in the treatment of allergies because the response to the drug rapidly decreases after only three to seven days. Continued use of the decongestant initiates a vicious cycle of rebound nasal congestion.

Some natural allergy relief products contain natural decongestants. Many of them originally used ephedra, a natural source of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, till it was banned in 2004 due to serious safety concerns. Some of these products now use bitter orange instead.

Bitter orange contains synephrine, a compound related to ephedrine that has decongestant activity. Similar to ephedra’s tainted past, bitter orange supplements have been linked to reports of stroke, heart attack and death in otherwise healthy patients who have taken bitter orange extract alone or in combination with caffeine.

The use of bitter orange is also contraindicated for individuals taking certain prescription medications. Always make a habit of reading the information provided with your prescriptions drugs. If you are not allowed to drink grapefruit juice with any of your medications, then you should stay away from bitter orange as well.

Watch for labels that list bitter orange under other names:
-Citrus aurantium
-Fructus aurantii
-Zhi shi

Safer alternatives to herbal nasal decongestants include homeopathic allergy relief products, daily steam inhalation, and the following acupressure massage technique: Place an index finger on each cheek right next to your nostrils. Press and massage for 1-2 minutes several times a day.

When choosing a homeopathic nasal decongestant, look for a formula with one or more of these ingredients:

Kali Bichromicum (Bichromate of Potash): For relief of chronic inflammation of frontal sinus with stopped up sensation, and pressure and pain at root of nose.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum (Calcium Sulphide): Centers its action on: sore nostrils, sneezing and running nose, pain in right temple and root of nose every morning, infected sinus with pus forming.

Lemna Minor (Duckweed): For inflammation of the air passages of the head and throat, post-nasal dripping and pain from nostrils to ear. Reduces nasal obstruction and dryness.

Pulsatilla (Wind Flower): For nasal congestion and pressing pain at the root of the nose.

Sabadilla (Cevadilla Seed): For relief of inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and profuse discharge from the nostrils.

References:
Natural Medicines in the Clinical Management of Allergic Rhinitis. 2007. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
King, F. SafeCareRx: Physicians Quick Reference Manual. 2007.

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