Allergies?

Is your little one having what seems to be allergies now that seasons are changing? Allergies have many of the same symptoms as colds, except there should be no fever present. And, with allergies, the mucous from runny noses should be clear, not yellow or green tinted (which shows signs of an infection). If you are concerned that either you or your child has allergies, you may want to consult your doctor or pediatrician.

In the meantime, there are a few "all natural" things you can try:

-Many common allergens come from pet dander, dust, and foods. So, try examining each of these. A simple skin test can confirm what the culprits are, but with some extensive cleaning and a few diet changes, you may be able to fix the problem.

-Use humidifiers for congestion.

-Don't open windows in your home, especially in your child's room. If you must open a window, use a box fan with a 3M filter attached to the back to help pull in cool air while filtering it at the same time.

-Invest in a neti pot (approximately $13) for yourself and use saline drops for your baby.

-For adults, try 2 drops of therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil on your tongue.

-Keep linens well washed and don't air dry your laundry.

-For children 2 years and older and adults, try LOCAL honey. Local honey is made by bees pollinating local plants, which can help you combat seasonal allergies. (Remember: children under 2 should NOT have honey.)