A while back, I wrote about surviving food allergies in India. Unfortunately, that is just one of the allergies I am afflicted with. Among the laundry list (metal/nickel, wool, glycerin), the most debilitating one is the allergy to drugs (fever medications, painkillers, antibiotics, local anesthesia, muscle sprays, you name it). Hell, I am even allergic to antihistamines (anti-allergy drugs). The last time I took a homeopathic medication, I was on a liquid diet for three weeks.
Over the past decade, I have come to accept my allergies and found alternatives to most medicines that have helped me live a fuller life. Contrary to popular opinion, allergies are not always a result of packaged foods or an unhealthy lifestyle. Some of us struggle with an auto-immune disease or our white blood cells are just overzealous. Through this series, I am trying to bring awareness to a condition that is considered more of a fad.
A disclaimer. These are the natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals I use since I do not have an option. Please do not try them without consulting a physician first. They might counteract with your current medication. And if you are able to take that painkiller, please do. You don’t know how lucky you are. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are a given.
Holy Basil
Hail holy basil or tulsi as we call it. If not for the herb, I probably would not have survived. It is excellent for fever and infections. Taking a daily dose of tulsi infusion has increased my immunity as well and I don’t react as bad to a few allergens as I did earlier.
Turmeric
Another wonder herb, the benefits of turmeric are all well known. I use the turmeric root that is readily available. I primarily use it for fever since it can get quite messy. It also works well in reducing inflammation and joint aches.
Garlic
Sometimes infections get out of hand and it is time to call the big guns. With its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, garlic works well as an ointment. It is a royal pain but does the job.
Drug Allergies can be Debilitating. Living With Allergies – Natural Alternatives To Pharmaceuticals That I Swear By. #BohoPonderings #MyFriendAlexa Share on XGooseberry (Amla)
Amla is my go-to for a migraine attack. An effective painkiller, it also provides me relief from those torturous backaches.
Bean Sprouts
I suffered a disc prolapse over two decades back. As anyone suffering from it would know, the condition results in damaged nerves and doctors prescribe Vitamin B12. I am allergic to the vitamin, and I have a bowl of sprouts daily to keep the numbness away. It is also extremely effective in the case of acid reflux.
Tamarind
Tamarind is an excellent source of B-complex for me. I can actually feel the numbness reduce after a few pods.
Meditation
Meditation deserves a special mention here. Due to the emotional state of losing my father, my blood pressure shot through the roof. The doctor prescribed medication and I had an anaphylactic shock to it. I could experiment with other drugs but I did not want to put my mother through the wringer. I turned to meditation and it has worked as manna. Meditation has also helped me manage pain. Sound therapy actually works.
So there you have it. Allergies can be debilitating but a bit of research goes a long way. If you suffer a drug allergy or know someone who does, do share this post with them. If it is able to help at least one individual struggling with a drug allergy, the purpose of the post would be solved.
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September 6, 2019 @ 11:51 am
Wonderful! Thanks for this list. During cold & infections, pills & syrups don’t work sometimes. Then we search for home remedies. I often use Garlic & turmeric for different treatments like liver problem, treating menstrual cramps. I would like to add one more which is ‘cinnamon’. Cinnamon & cinnamon tea cure many allergies & infections. Tulsi is a miraculous herb as well.
September 6, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
The issue with most chemicals is that the body develops an immunity to it due to prolonged use.
Thank you for suggesting cinnamon. Similar to fenugreek and cloves, it has been a hit and miss for me though.
September 20, 2019 @ 6:55 pm
I never knew that these herbal alternatives could be so effective in dealing with disease and illness.
Thanks for the list, I am going to start using these for my children.
September 6, 2019 @ 11:52 am
Wonderful! Thanks for this list. During cold & infections, pills & syrups don’t work sometimes. That we search for home remedies. I often use Garlic & turmeric for different treatments like liver problem, tearing menstrual cramps. I would like to add one more which is ‘cinnamon’. Cinnamon & cinnamon tea cure many allergies & infections.
September 6, 2019 @ 11:53 am
An extremely useful post! Most people rely on popping pills for their allergies, its unfortunate how people resort to pumping their bodies with chemicals to get rid of a chemical reaction. #DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter #MyFriendAlexa
September 6, 2019 @ 12:06 pm
Thank you :). When we have a range of natural remedies in place, it is indeed unfortunate that people prefer popping the pill. Although for allergic reactions such as an anaphylactic shock, one does need to resort to the chemical.
September 6, 2019 @ 4:59 pm
I’ve ways rooted for natural remedies over meds! Helps in the long run.
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September 6, 2019 @ 5:14 pm
I agree. Each chemical has its damaging properties.
September 6, 2019 @ 11:31 pm
These natural blessings can be really good. I will make use of this post as my daughter is allergic to quite many things too.
September 7, 2019 @ 4:06 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Saba. Hope these remedies are effective for your daughter too.
September 7, 2019 @ 6:38 am
Meditation is by far my latest and very effective way of getting rid of many ailments along with a concoction of turmeric, nice list here, each one with their own benefits.
September 7, 2019 @ 4:08 pm
Meditation is indeed very effective. Not just for ailments, it helps refresh my mind and get the creative juices flowing.
September 9, 2019 @ 8:55 pm
Thanks for sharing such a helpful post thankfully I am not allergic to many things but I know some of my cousins are really facing so many problems due to allergies this I am sharing this post with them it would be really helpful with so many natural remedies.
September 11, 2019 @ 7:07 pm
Thank you for sharing it, Neha. I am glad the post would be helpful for them.
September 7, 2019 @ 9:18 pm
Lovely compilation. I honestly didn’t know that these basic home ingredients work well for allergies. Thank you!
September 8, 2019 @ 5:40 pm
Thank you Sonia.
September 7, 2019 @ 9:49 pm
That’s sounds healthy alternative for drug allergies
September 8, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
Doctor approved :). Thanks.
September 8, 2019 @ 1:17 am
I am allergic to certain drugs. I do try home remedies for prevention like diluted ajwain/ carom flower water for vomiting, acidity and heartburn. Tulsi and turmeric milk against cold. Garlic also helps in snoring.
This post would help many people. Glad to come across this.
September 8, 2019 @ 5:44 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Pragnya and sharing the remedies you use. I will try out the diluted ajwain water for heartburn. Hope it works for acid reflux too.
September 8, 2019 @ 4:51 pm
Basil leaves and turmeric are must to have in my house for allergies and thankfully it works for all of us. An informative post!
September 8, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
Thank you Disha. Even for those without drug allergies, the two herbs are the best alternative to popping pills.
September 8, 2019 @ 4:52 pm
Basil and turmeric are a must to have in my house for allergies and thankfully it helps us all. An informative post.
September 9, 2019 @ 6:03 pm
Thanks for the list. I rely upon most of the home remedies however meditation is something I really need to improve upon
September 11, 2019 @ 7:02 pm
I cannot recommend meditation enough. Not exaggerating here, but it is indeed a lifesaver for me.
September 16, 2019 @ 11:14 pm
That’s a really helpful post. I also prefer to try home remedies before I resort to any medicine. Unnecessarily popping pills does not help. Can u tell me how do you use amla for migraines?
September 17, 2019 @ 4:37 pm
I am glad you found it helpful :). I eat slices of amla when migraine attacks until the pain reduces. Almost the whole fruit. If you find the taste too coarse, you can pickle it with a bit of lemon juice and salt. But the raw form works best for me.
September 17, 2019 @ 10:05 am
Normally immune system recognises foreign proteins and creates an allergic reaction. Even very large chemical compounds can bind with proteins and act as allergens. But allergic to antihistamines, a relatively small size molecule, is unusual. What kind of reactions you get – hives, breathing difficulty, runny nose ! This is difficult to handle. Glad you found alternative in natural products. But in case of emergency, chemicals work much faster and provide relief easily.
September 17, 2019 @ 4:43 pm
There is only one anti-histamine that works for me. Avil. Most pharmacists do not stock it. I have difficulty breathing with the others such as Cetirizine, Allegra, etc.
I agree about the chemicals providing a faster relief.
September 17, 2019 @ 12:17 pm
Oh dear allergy to anti-histamine must be difficult. The natural immuno-boosters you mentioned here are the best cures.
September 17, 2019 @ 4:45 pm
Luckily not all antihistamines. I agree about natural immuno-boosters.
September 17, 2019 @ 2:10 pm
Excellent resource of herbal remedies that I think should be pretty safe to try. I’m going to try and add Tulsi leaves – I need to boost my immunity!!
September 17, 2019 @ 4:47 pm
Glad you found the post useful, Shinjini 🙂
September 17, 2019 @ 2:24 pm
Very very useful post. I’m a believer in herbal remedies more than the allopathy ones. Thanks for this post and keep writing more and educating more. 🙂
September 17, 2019 @ 4:48 pm
Glad you found the post useful. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
September 17, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
That’s a great post, I was only treating allergy by allopathy till now but i can see combined treatment would be more beneficial. i’ll keep it in my mind from now on.