alternative treatments anyone?

My own experiences started with migraines as a teenager and so many allergies I just literally answer the question "do you have any allergies?" with "yes, Earth". Certain times of the year I just sneezed and sniffled through every day no matter what antihistamine I was on.
A few years ago the headaches peaked, but I honestly thought it was just my yearly sinus infection and so did my doctor. After a month of antibiotics we all knew something else was up. Many months went by before one doctor figured it out and put me on steroids. My headache vanished overnight. But when the drugs stopped so did my relief. I went through the vertigo, nosebleeds, watery eyes, the headaches over and over again before it all finally let up. It might have helped that I stopped taking the toxic birth control that was the underlying cause, but that's a whole different story.
In my years of misery with both migraine and sinus headaches I found many alternative treatments for the headaches and sinus issues and allergies I still have, mostly because I have so many drug allergies (there are less than a dozen antibiotics made that I can take safely) What I'm curious about is what kinds of alternative measures you guys(and gals) have tried for sinus problems and what kinds of results you've had?
Just to name a few I've used poultices of nutmeg, cloves, and other herbs that worked surprisingly well, nasal irrigation,vit C, and an array of essential oils. The oils seem to be what helps me the most as of late mixed good old Claritin-D and the just added today Astelin.

[PlateletGal]

What a great post ! I have also had sinus/allergy problems and discovered a way to stay off the antibiotics and prevent sinus infections for good.

What works for me:

Bi Yan Pian is an inexpensive way to get rid of sinus infections and/or help allergies. It has helped me tremendously. It is a combination of Chinese herbs and it helps with inflammation in the sinuses, reduces phlegm, clears nasal passages and fights infections.

J's Nose Drops -- sting like you know what, but they also work and get rid of sinus infections. I found out aobut these drops from a Naturopath physician.

Homeopathic remedies for specific allergens.

[PlateletGal]

P.S. --- The allergy shots make me sick. I remember I was the only one who didn't get a red bump on my arm after I had my injections. They kept lowering the dose, but every single time, the next day I would be so sick.

Europeans have used sublingual drops for allergies for many years. They are much safer than allergy shots and I believe they are now available in the U.S.

[geee]

I have heard of using that one. I have used a few Chinese remedies, I actually prefer them to other kinds. I have one called Cold Quell sent to me from Colorado that is hands down the best thing I have ever found for a cold. I'm not kidding, it knocks them out in a day or two every time.  I also use Zhong Gan Ling to help with the congestion from colds/URI's.

Have you used Olbas oil at all? It's a nice mix of six essential oils that does wonders for a sinus headache.

I used to take a homeopathic allergy treatment that I swear worked for animal allergies. I've been off the shots for about a year after over 3 years on them and I think it might be time to go back on them so my eyes will stop with the ceaseless itching. Any clue if these oral treatments are available in the US yet?

[PlateletGal]

I'll have to purchase some Cold Quell to have on hand. I notice that Airbourne is popular now and a lot of people claim that helps them get over their colds faster.

I'm not sure whether or not the sublingual drops are available now in the U.S. Here's a link on sublingual immunotherapy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sublingual_immunotherapy

[hava]

Breathing is a definite alternative treatment.Do the following breathing everyday and it will help very much. I will mention more after you have started doing this.
Anulom Vilom - Deep Breath-in through left nostril keeping right nostril closed
then  - Breath-out through right nostril keeping left nostril closed
then   -Deep Breath-in through right nostril keeping left nostril closed
then   - Breath-out through left nostril keeping right nostril closed
and repeat this cycle for upto 15 minutes. Maximum 3 times day.
--

[ejh]

Since alternative treatments are up for question, I'll suggest Candida.

If you've not familar with it, google it. Its a digestive problem that can run out if control throughout the body. Suspect it if you have a history of taking a lot of medication and/or poor diet (high in sugar, etc), also if you have a bunch of various symptoms that you can't seem to root cause. Allergies and excess mucus are high on the list of common symptoms.

Some people deny the condition, others will claim its a problem in a very large percentage of the population. I'll not take a stand one way or the other here, but only suggest
it if you need something else to try...at the end of the day, doctors can only help with what they have experience in, which at best is a crapshot. Take your health in your own hands and if you aren't happy with what you hear, try another doctor or alternative therapies.

[sypher]

Take a 'look' at your physical environment as well. I know a woman with a ten year old daughter that had been on allergy and asthma medications, for eight years of her life. Her mother tried a highly advanced air sanitizer to improve the general air environment in their home. After about a week, the mother went to dispense her daughter's daily meds, and was shocked when her daughter replied, "Mom, I don't need them now". About three weeks after, at her regular check up, the daughter's doctor asked "How are things going with your medication?". When she told him she wasn't taking it, the Dr. stated "That's impossible, I've been treating you for years, what has changed that you now no longer need your medicine?". Three months after this persisted, the Dr. discontinued all of the daughter's medications. If the girl went to her grandmother's house, some of her previous symptoms (difficulty breathing, undiagnosable stomach pains, severe allergies) would begin to show. After the grandmother installed one of these machines, the girl had no further difficulties. To find out what they are using, try www.freshairliving.com/tomp passcode:guest.

[jennyice]

Hi, I am interested in what you meant by "toxic birth control"?  Did your symptoms go away after you went off it?  I have been on the pill for 11 years, but have had unexplainable migraines and sinus polyps for the last 7 years.  I have always wondered if it was related. Thanks!