Runny Noses and Antihistamine

Several years back, a doctor told me how to tell the difference between an allergic reaction and a cold. I often experience both in the fall because I am sensitive to smoke in the air from fireplaces, and breathing in cold air tends to irritate my bronchial tube. Therefore, knowing what to take and when to take it is sometimes difficult, especially when I don't feel well.

I have a general rule that I refer to when my brain is foggy and I'm unsure about how to feel better.

It is: Clear phlegm typically indicates it's histamine, suggesting an allergy or sensitivity.

At that point, I know I need an antihistamine.

I usually pull out a few of tea bags of Celestial Season's Tension Tamer . Slow-boiling a pot of water and throwing them in does wonders. Between the moisture added to the air and breathing in the herbs it is often all I need to do to feel better.

I even do this when my grandchildren come over with runny noses. I ALWAYS use a handle-less pot on the back burner so I don't have to worry about anyone or anything catching the handle on the stove.

If my nose is annoyingly runny and I need something more, I also drink the tea. (No sweetener added if possible.) I do not give this tea to the children to drink because they are too young.

Note:

If I miss the stage where my mucus is clear and it starts to turn white or yellowish, I switch to the cold remedy mixture for deep colds. The sooner I realize I am sick, the quicker these remedies work. But, if I get too busy or stressed, I sometimes keep pushing myself deeper into illness without realizing it. It's crucial to prioritize self-care and listen to our body’s signals. By taking a step back and recognizing when we need to rest, we can foster a quicker recovery and prevent further complications.