Zicam Allergy Relief Homeopathic Nasal Solution - Unfortunately Didn't Work for Me
Written: Feb 03 '05
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Homeopathic ingredients, no side effects
Cons: Didn't work, expensive, feels yucky
The Bottom Line: Natural, homeopathic ingredients, but was totally ineffective at relieving my allergy symptoms.
|
|
|
| amyk49's Full Review: Zicam Allergy Relief Homeopathic Nasal Solution Pu... |
A couple years ago I had a terrible bout with allergies - sneezing, red and runny eyes, itchy nose, stuffiness, the whole nine yards. I was totally miserable. My problem is that I usually experience uncomfortable side effects from most antihistamines, primarily drowsiness or feeling just over-medicated and spacey or jittery. I avoid many over the counter drugs, particularly those geared toward nasal issues, sinus problems, etc. because of this. But this allergy thing was way out of control and was starting to negatively impact my quality of living. I couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe, and I was a wreck. Something had to be done.
Perusing the over-the-counter options at Wal-Mart, I spied Zicam Allergy Relief Homeopathic Nasal Solution. Wow - a homeopathic allergy remedy without all those nasty pharmaceutical ingredients that made me crazy! What a concept. I was hopeful and excited to try it.
~ Product Description
Zicam Allergy Relief Nasal Solution is a liquid nasal gel which provides temporary relief of symptoms of hay fever, sinus pressure, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Since this is a homeopathic remedy, there are no known drug interactions, no odor or bad taste, no drowsiness or jitters, and is non-habit forming. JUST what I needed!
*Note: If you'd like a thorough explanation of what homeopathy is, I'd suggest you do a Google search. Basically the active ingredients are all derived from plants or natural sources.
Zicam Allergy Relief Nasal Solution comes packaged in a .5 fl. oz. plastic bottle with a pump top. The bottle comes completely sealed in plastic (inside a box), so you can be sure it hasn't been tampered with.
The pump top is the kind where you hold the bottle with your thumb on the bottom and the nozzle between your fingers. To use, place the nozzle just past your nasal opening and pump once into each nostril. Then you should gently squeeze or press lightly on the outside of each nostril for a few seconds. Note - you don't sniff, like you might with other nasal sprays. You should use once every four hours.
The packaging tells us that optimal results may not be noticed for 1-2 weeks (!) After 1-2 weeks you may only need to use this 1-2 times a day, instead of 4. For best results though, do start using this up to one week prior to coming into contact with known allergens.
Cautions: Children under 6 years of age should consult a physician. Avoid contact with eyes. Ask a doctor before using if you have ear, nose or throat sensitivity, or are prone to nose bleeds. If pregnant or breast feeding ask a health professional before using.
Here's the ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Luffa Operculata 4x, 12x, 30x, Galphimia Glauca 12x, 30x, Histaminum Hydrochloricum 12x, 30x, 200x, Sulphur 12x, 30x, 200x
Inactive Ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Edetate Disodium, Glycerine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate
~ My Experience
As I mentioned, I was devastated by this sudden bout with some kind of seasonal allergy. I desperately needed relief. The Zicam bottle has a cover over the tip, and a safety clip that just pulls off and on so that the pump can't be accidentally pressed. (Good idea.) The pump had to be primed a couple times, as mentioned in the directions, before the gel would dispense. I put the nozzle in one nostril and pumped. I felt the cold and kind of slimy gel-like liquid go into my nose. It didn't spray up like an ordinary nasal spray. It just sort of squirted this liquid gel into my nostril. I did the other nostril and gently pressed on the outside of my nostril for a few seconds as directed.
I can't say there was a smell or taste really. Nothing to speak of. No overpowering scent or flavor. But the gel was a little icky feeling. Made me want to wipe my nose. Now at the time my nose was very stuffed up, but it seemed the gel/liquid got in there okay. It didn't actually run back out or anything, but I think some oozed out a little bit and I wiped it with a tissue. Okay, not the most pleasant sensation in the world, but if it worked it was not a big deal at all.
I continued to use Zicam as directed every four hours for days - weeks - and sadly, my allergy symptoms did NOT improve. I gave this stuff a lot of time to work. I used it dutifully for three full weeks, and my allergies continued unabated. The Zicam gel felt yucky in my nose, and it did nothing whatsoever for my allergies. And it cost me $11 for the bottle!
I SO wanted this to work. I favor natural-alternative healing and remedies whenever possible. And I was loathe to try the usual allergy medications because of the undesirable side effects. But unfortunately Zicam Allergy Relief just did nothing at all to relieve my symptoms.
After giving up on Zicam, I did try NasalCrom, and much to my (literal) relief, it worked wonders! My allergies cleared up almost immediately, and I experienced no side effects whatsoever. I highly recommend NasalCrom.
~ Final Thoughts
I was extremely disappointed that Zicam Allergy Relief Homeopathic Nasal Solution did nothing to relieve my allergy symptoms. I will often choose natural healing methods, but sadly this one just didn't work. It was uncomfortable to use, which I would have easily put up with if it had worked. But I can't recommend this, as it was totally ineffective.
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.