How Chinese Herbal Medicine Treats Spring Allergies
By Dr. Matthew Fellner, DACM, L.Ac.
Last year, I wrote about how acupuncture can be effective at treating Spring allergies. Regular acupuncture treatments can help following 3 ways. However in addition and crucial element to ensuring relief from all those irritating symptoms is herbal medicine. Check out the helpful tips below.
Open the nasal passages
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Regulate the overactive histamine response that causes a majority of those irritating symptoms
Acupuncture is very powerful but not meant to be done every day. Herbal medicine can be equally powerful and usually requires a consistent, daily routine to see the best results. When managing allergies, the balance of regular acupuncture treatments with the right herbal formula can make a dramatic difference in how you feel. The following three formulas are part of a strategy that we use at Acuworx to help manage your progress before and during allergy season. It is important to note that these formulas should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed practitioner. The formulas may not be right for everyone, and if taken incorrectly, can cause worsening of symptoms.
The Build Up to the Season
Preparing yourself for allergy season is one of the best ways to ensure that you don’t suffer endlessly when plants finally start to bloom and release pollen. The classic formula Yu Ping Feng San has been used for centuries in China to regulate the immune system response. It is used frequently as a preventative herbal formula for cold and flu season and for allergy season. It is a very simple formula with three herbs that works best if taken for about a month before the allergy season kicks into high gear. It is often added to formulas that treat acute symptoms to further enhance the effect. It is very mild and can be taken for a longer period if necessary.
2. The Height of the Season
Once symptoms start to be pronounced, it’s time to switch to a formula that packs a little more punch. Bi Qiu Tang is used to combat the most common symptoms that wreak havoc on us, including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and foggy brain. It contains the Yu Ping Feng San formula in it, but at a smaller dose. You still get the effect of regulating the immune system, which is the underlying root of the problem, but the updated formula switches the focus to address the acute symptoms more directly. It is meant to be taken when the symptoms are most prevalent, not long term.
3. The Immediate Relief
Sometimes the best way to treat acute nasal congestion is to hit it nose-on. Bi Yan Ling spray is meant to supplement the previous two ingestible herbal formulas and provide a dose of herbs directly to the nose. It is very powerful and will immediately open the sinuses and allow you to breathe. It only contains herbs that address the most acute symptoms, so it only requires a small amount to be effective. A quick spritz in each nostril can provide instant relief that may even last several hours.
We hope these at-home TCM solutions help manage your allergies this season. Remember, herbal medicine must be prescribed by a licensed herbalist and/or practitioner. These formulas are general guidelines and not meant for everyone. We provide highly individualized healing for each unique person and their specific needs. Happy Spring!