I drink 1 cup of raw milk a day to combat hay fever, which I have had for over 25 years. I take Allegra, a prescription antihistamine, every day; but during the heavier pollen seasons (spring, summer and sometimes late winter) it does not control my allergies the entire day. I end up first with a sinus headache, then sometimes sneezing, and finally itchy eyes to the point that they are blood-shot and the skin around them is swollen and red.
Other treatments tried:
During those seasons I have tried supplementing the Allegra with over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants. The decongestants disturb my sleep, keeping me from getting a good nights rest… not good when you already have a sinus headache. The antihistamines wire spaces me out ... also not good esp. when I’m driving and I find myself going through the motions of checking mirrors but not really seeing what’s in the mirror. I am an accident waiting to happen with over-the-counter hay fever medications.
I finally tried acupuncture treatments to supplement the Allegra; they were quite effective and a welcome relief even though I do not like needles. But four years ago, my then 57-year-old PhD husband was laid off from the computer industry; and we could no longer afford the acupuncture. He has since been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease; and I have become the bread winner for our family of four working at the local school district office, which doesn’t cover acupuncture treatments and as you know does not pay much in general. The $8 per week for the raw milk does not strain our budget as acupuncture would and is a small price to pay for relief.
You might ask if pasteurized and/or homogenized milk would help me. They do not. I went to a physician who specializes in allergies and has both western and eastern medical degrees. He found that I was allergic to the milk that I was drinking back then. We did not know to check my reaction to or need for raw milk. I only discovered raw milk’s benefits years later on the advice of a friend.
Please do not take this life-saver away from me and countless others who depend upon its benefits to their health. Being the primary caregiver of a dementia loved one, I my body is already stressed. My life-span is shorter than the average person by 4-5 years just by being a caregiver. Please do not add to the strain on my system by taking away my rights to purchase and drink raw milk.