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Many thanks to all the kind people who responded to my query about Sudafed
and dealing with sinus problems. I now have a plan of attack! At first I got
constipated, but then I had the runs (no cramps) while I was taking Sudafed,
and they stopped when I stopped taking it. One person who responded had
researched it and found it is gf, another researched it and found it wasn't.
I called the company myself and they said their products are not gf, which is
vague but, since I don't have a chemistry set, I'm moving on.

I'm going to try a combination of some of the suggestions. I was very
impressed by Bill Lucas' confidence in Allerelief, which I found in a couple
of catalogs (inexpensive). I called the manufacturer and it is gf. I'm also
allergic to mold, which is a problem in herbs. They said they would refund my
money if it bothers me. The person I spoke with at the company said she gives
it to her young son, and that he sees relief after one dose. In the catalogs
I saw a lot of promotion for Quercetin Bromelain for allergies. One person
who responded to my post said she had a terrible reaction to it, and that it
takes a long time to take effect.

I hope that the following info will help others, too. I received 18
responses. Here are the suggestions:

[This first is from Carol McKay in Australiaxfull of good ideas!] "There is a
capsule called Karvol (at least that is what it is called here) with pine
extract and other goodies that you snip the end off and use the oils from to
rub around your neck and chest so that the vapours can work on your sinuses.
 Applying this before getting in the shower and before going to bed may help.
Instead of the karvol you may simply like to try eucalyptus or tea tree oil,
which are very similar to each other.
   Echinacea can be useful in fighting of bacteria, a naturalpath prescribed
this along with the tablet chloride to clear up my lymph nodes which I had
had problems with for years, and they cleared up.
   Also, lots of garlic, both fresh in salad dressings (homemade), and in
cooking, works as a wonderful antibiotic and helps the sinuses.  I also find
chilli dishes help (if you can tolerate them)."

Two people said to try the store brand version of Sudafed.

One allergy sufferer got relief from Claritan D and Entex LA Generic produced
by Sid Mac.

"the one I swear by is "Allerelief" by Nature's Herbs (Power-Herbs) A TwinLab
Co." [Bill Lucas]

For an antibiotic try eurythamyacin [I did. I'm allergic to it.]

Add a pinch of salt to an eyedropper bottle, put a couple of drops in each
nostril.

Do nasal lavage to avoid infection. [I'll put the instructions at the end of
this post.]

"I find that 2 capsules  stinging nettle every 4 hours really helps my sinus
headaches, with no other side effects. I've read as much as I can about it,
and it is apparently non-toxic. There's a good Web site that includes info.
on herbal remedies: www.drweil.com  Choose the "database" option, and look up
allergies, sinus problems, etc."  -Karen L. Carter-Schwendler

Talk in person to your pharmacist about which remedies contain gluten.

Health food stores carry natural remedies for sinus problems.

Robitussin DM is gf.

Nasal Lavage from Lynda Swink:
1.  Fill a two cup measure with luke warm or tepid water.

2. Add 1 level teaspoon of salt and stir till disolved.

3. Using an adult bulb type ear syringe (the one with the long
nozzle), squeese out the air, and then fill it with the salt water soulution.

4. Leaning over the sink so that your head is level and face down,
insert the long nozzle into your nose and squeeze the solution into your
sinus. (as I warned this will give you the shivers!)

5. Repeat from one nostril to the other until all soulution is used.

6. Helpful hint:  Lean head back to drain excess, and avoid surprise
drainage.

Thanks again to all,
Mara Levin, Holliston, MA  USA