Are you suffering from pollen season woes this spring?  You're not alone.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly 50 million Americans are affected by nasal allergies - and the numbers continue to increase.  To date, allergies are the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Anaphylactic reactions are typically triggered by medications, food, and insect stings, with pharmaceuticals causing the most allergy-related deaths. The cost of allergies exceeds $18 billion per year! 

There are ways to deal with allergies, though. Obviously, with life-threatening allergies, a person needs to know what they are allergic to and be very adamant about avoiding those substances.  For others who deal with seasonal allergies, things aren’t as typically as dire and the inconvenience of allergies can be navigated using many natural remedies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.            

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare system that has been practiced for thousands of years. Its core principle is to support overall well-being by addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory utilizes many modalities to support the patient, including acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, formulas, cupping, and nutrition.

For addressing pollen season woes like scratchy eyes, sneezing, etc., there are some wonderful herbs and formulas that can be implemented. Here’s a short list of herbs commonly used to support relief from non-life-threatening seasonal discomforts related to allergies.

1. Reishi or "Medicinal Mushrooms": Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to help with everything from balancing blood sugar to decreasing inflammation. But they are also well-known for their immune-boosting properties. Reishi mushrooms are adaptogenic, and they help maintain stress in the body. This may be a helpful option for those with seasonal sensitivities, as stress is known to influence the body's immune responses. 
   
2. Huang Qin: Huang Qin is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to promote respiratory wellness. Some of its natural compounds have been researched for their role in supporting clear breathing and a balanced immune response.
3. Fang Feng: Fang Feng is a traditional herb commonly used in Chinese medicine practices to support the body's natural response to seasonal changes. It is often chosen by practitioners to maintain respiratory comfort, especially when dealing with occasional headaches and nasal discomfort. 
4. Magnolia Flower or Xin Yi Hua: Flowers are used a lot in Chinese Medicine due to their aromatic nature. Xin Yi Hua is a traditional herb often used in Chinese medicine to support sinus and nasal health. It's commonly selected to promote clear breathing and ease seasonal discomfort during times of high pollen exposure.
5. Cang Er Zi San: Cang Er Zi San is a traditional herbal formula commonly used in Chinese medicine to support upper respiratory and sinus health. Practitioners often recommend it during the spring season to promote clear nasal passages, reduce occasional congestion, and support comfort for the eyes and nose.

Herbs can be very beneficial and help keep the body healthy. The herbs and formulas mentioned above are just a few examples that would be good to have around if you suffer from allergies. Ask us to find out more about these herbs, we can help you navigate the world of medicinal herbs and find the exact combination right for you.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Lydia is a heart-centered healer and a music-loving mother of two adventurous boys who practices acupuncture with Wellness Within Acupuncture in Orange, CA. She received her BS in Health Science at Purdue University and studied Naturopathic Medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. She graduated Summa Cum Laude at South Baylo University with a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2009.  Lydia is grateful to be apart of each patient’s healing journey and assisting their progress. 

Dr. Lydia Au, DACM is the founder of The Beauty Within in Southern California. After practicing as an acupuncturist for a decade, her interest in holistic facial rejuvenation began when she started experiencing issues in her own skin. Experimenting with different holistic skin care modalities, she was astonished at the amazing results she yielded without invasive procedures. She has trained with cosmetic acupuncture experts such as Dr. Martha Lucas or MeiZen, Amanda Shayle of Acuregen and much more. She has also obtained certifications in various modalities such as guasha, cupping, facial sculpting, microneedling and LED light therapy. At The Beauty Within, experience a collective of ancient beauty rituals with modern technology to bring forth holistic yet effective results.