It’s no secret: Pollen seasons are getting worse, not better.  According to Pollen.com at the time of this writing, “Pollen levels are 'medium' across much of the country,” a statistic which given that pollen seasons are lengthening in duration due to climate change and that one-in-five Americans suffer from pollen season woes, might make your eyes water even more than they already are. 

Does the prospect of loading up on more over-the-counter solutions or supplements to combat these woes sound good? Or does a natural, time-tested herbal solution that’s been used for nearly 800 years make more sense given your affinity for yoga, desire for mindfulness, and path to more natural health solutions in your life?

Spring Discomforts & My Path to Herbal Balance

I’ve historically suffered throughout pollen season – scratchy eyes, sneezing fits, runny nose.  Eye drops were a constant as a child, and as I aged, over-the-counter solutions that were binge-advertised on television took the drops’ place. 

But given my path through the world of Chinese herbal medicine, along with speaking regularly to acupuncturists throughout the U.S., Canada and China, I’ve learned the practical and powerful options that Chinese herbs provide.  It should come as no surprise that Chinese herbal medicine provides seasonal support for overall wellness and balance during high pollen times, and in some cases, the solution is three simple herbs.

Three Herbs – That’s It.

I’ve talked extensively about the power of an 800-year-old Chinese herbal medicine formula called Yu Ping Feng San. If you explore reputable sources or consult with a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), you’ll discover that this centuries-old herbal formula is highly regarded by those who have experienced its benefits. From supporting the body's natural defenses during seasonal challenges to promoting overall wellness, many have found it to be a valuable addition to their health regimen.

While I’m no longer surprised by the versatility of Chinese herbs, I sometimes forget how quickly they can work.  Last weekend, during our first warm day in Minneapolis, I was overcome with a sneezing fit that signaled the start of spring.  I grabbed our company’s version of Yu Ping Feng San (we call it Immunity Support– more on that below), and in as much as I can remain unbiased, I felt more balanced and comfortable outdoors, even during high pollen counts.

No trip to Walgreens, no box with lengthy fine print, no eye drops – three herbs, and that’s it.  I was outside the bulk of the weekend, and I truly felt great.  One dose a day, blended in a cup of water, supported my body’s natural defenses and helped me enjoy the outdoors more fully.

From Pollen Season to Natural Immunity

What’s great about Yu Ping Feng San, and Chinese herbal medicine in general, is its versatility.  We could have called our take on this formula “Pollen Season Formula”, but we opted for Immunity Support given the core benefit of the herbal blend: Yu Ping Feng San translates to “Jade Windscreen”, given the core belief that the herbs create a “screen from the wind” around your body that’s as powerful and precious as jade.  So in a way, it makes sense that the herbs are formulated to help maintain a healthy response to environmental stressors

And with increasing consumer focus on immunity health not just during flu season (with nearly $14 billion in immunity supplement sales in 2017, with projected growth to $25 billion by 2025, according to the  Nutrition Business Journal) and favorable trends in herbal solutions in general, a primary goal of ours is to keep amplifying the power of this beautiful practice.  Chinese medicine is not just about acupuncture needles to combat aches and pains – it’s a lifestyle that offers so much more in very practical ways that are based on balance and nature. 

I invite you to try Immunity Support for your pollen woes, to keep healthy when those around you are sick, or when you’re about to get on an airplane, just like I invite you to try acupuncture and other Chinese herbal solutions for other health needs in your life. We’ve got a network of acupuncturists across the U.S. whom we’d be more than happy to introduce you to, or email us with questions.  It’s life-changing (in how it supports my seasonal wellness routine.

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.

John G. McGarvey is a co-founder of DAO Labs and a regular contributor to The Way. A frequent visitor to China and Asia for both business and pleasure, he is an avid consumer of Chinese medicine. He can be reached at john@mydaolabs.com.