How to Treat Allergies in Kids
We are in the Spring allergy season again. The good news is that there are proven holistic remedies to prevent and treat allergies in kids. Both children and adults can take supplements to manage allergies.
First, read the 3-step holistic method for treating allergies and asthma in kids.
Probiotics
Since the health of the small intestine is critical for maintaining healthy immune function, probiotics are especially important. The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri has proven to be a very effective preventive and treatment for allergies (Primadophilus Reuteri by Nature’s Way, and chewable or liquid Reuteri by BioGaia).
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 promotes healthy immune function. Dosage should be at least 35-40 IU per lb of weight.
Depending on weight:
Infants: 400-1,000 IU/day
Toddlers: 1,000-2,000 IU/day
School-Age Children: 2,000-3,000 IU/day
Chinese Herbs
In Chinese medicine, there are excellent herbal formulas to treat allergies in kids. A Lung tonification formula forms a base for immune system and respiratory function (e.g. Strengthen Metal by Chinese Modular Solutions, KanHerb). An herbal formula that relieves the surface can treat acute hay fever type symptoms (e.g. Xanthium Relieve Surface by Health Concerns).
Allergy Supplements
Other herbs and supplements can help prevent allergic reactions. These include quercetin, stinging nettle, propolis, n-acetyl cysteine, and vitamin C. An excellent formula that contains these supplements is Natural DHist for adults and chewable DHist Jr for children (Orthomolecular Products).
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathy provides remedies for relief of allergy symptoms. Allium cepa is very effective to treat sneezing and itchy watery eyes and nose. Euphrasia can treat allergies with predominant eye symptoms (itching, burning, and redness). Apis mellifica treats more pronounced swelling around the eyes that often occurs in children with allergic reactions. Of course, constitutional homeopathy can provide the boost that the immune system needs to overcome allergic tendencies.
HEPA Air Purifier
A good HEPA air purifier will remove the particles that can trigger allergies and asthma. Consider buying one for your home is someone is having a difficult time with allergies.
Thank you for the information – we’re utilizing some of those supplements already. Have you researched what impact use of essential oils could have in this regard?
Excellent article! Utilizing the probiotic strategy in my son. Will definitely employ some if the other strategies in this article!
I have tried Vitamin D3 in the past with my kids. I have not tried other supplements, though. Probiotics are more readily available now, and I may try those if I have additional trouble controlling my kids’ allergies.
Great article!!! I’m going to try these tips!! (I’d also love to win the air purifier, it would help so much in our dusty old house)
There is so little I feel like I can control because of costs and mindset. This article gave me reasonable approaches that I can use with my kids.
Great strategies to treat allergies! One of the best ways to support the immune system is breastfeeding, thus I would discourage supporting the company BioGaia (your probiotic recommendation). They have recently partnered with formula making company Nestle, “As of November 2012 BioGaia has an agreement with Nestlé Mexico, for the exclusive rights to sell BioGaia’s probiotic drops in Mexico from 2013.” Formula needs to be available, however Nestle’s history of aggressive marketing strategies and incentives to doctors/nurses to promote their formula has not given many babies their ‘best chance’ at optimal immune system development.
Chantelle, thanks for the heads up on BioGaia partnering with Nestle. I didn’t know that, but I’m aware of Nestle’s formula marketing strategies and how it interferes with breastfeeding. I will check on other recommendations for probiotics.
Excellent article! I have been looking for information regarding natural treatment of allergies. Have you heard of using nettle tea?
Yes, nettle can also be helpful in treating allergies.
Some interesting things to think about in this article. We have had great results using a combination of Chinese Herbs, acupressure, and acupuncture to help with allergies. They have made all the difference in the world in getting many of our family members off of allergy medications.
My son was born with multiple allergies. At one point is was only able to eat 4 foods. He couldn’t even tolerate the basic building blocks such as probiotics and vitamin D. We have worked on helping him heal his allergies through many methods including high quality air purifiers, GAPS diet, NAET, NMT, Allergy Antidotes, acupuncture, and homeopathy. While he is not yet completely healed (and only 4 years old), his diet has expanded tremendously, and we can fairly easily go out to eat now! What a journey!
Toby, thanks for sharing your journey! I’m sure it’s been challenging, but glad to hear he’s improving. It’s wonderful that he’s getting this deep healing at a young age so he doesn’t have to go through the struggle of medication and further health issues. Hang in there and kudos to you!!!
What about using a humidifier? We live in a very dry climate and though it’s not a homeopathic remedy I think it does provide relief to my son when he’s stuffed up from outdoor allergies.
The added moisture can sometimes relieve a stuffy nose, but you have to be careful with humidifiers since they can increase bacteria and mold growth. And dust mites thrive in humidity, so the humidity may make his allergies worse, depending on what he’s allergic to.
We are a family of five with one more on the way in August! We give our children (ages 5 3/4 yrs, 4 yrs and 23 months) Cod Liver Oil every day with their breakfast and use essential oils. Lavender oil on their feet every night not only helps them sleep, but keeps their immune system on guard! Also a little bit of local raw honey with their breakfast (age appropriate ofcourse) has worked well for seasonal allergies.