I don't think it has to be taken permanently, nope. When the immune system is overreacting like that it's usually because it's been weakened due to congestion everywhere else. So you have to do a thorough bowel, liver and lymph cleanse, and get plenty of Vitamin C, E, and bioflavanoids for their natural anti-histimine effects. And get plenty of probiotics too, most people who are highly allergic to things have a yeast imbalance or acidophilus deficiency. A couple weeks of Primal defense followed by kefir regularly can bring on lots of relief.