Chinese herbs for hay fever: five simple combinations
Hay fever, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose? Discover how Chinese medicine approaches hay fever and which herbal formulas, along with the mushrooms Reishi and Cordyceps, are used to support immunity and respiratory health.
Hay fever is an annoying condition that, fortunately, we can do a lot about with Chinese herbal medicine. In this article, we focus on 3 formulas and 2 mushrooms to tackle your allergy naturally. Read on!
What is hay fever
Hay fever is a seasonal allergy to pollen and causes symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Red, itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itching in the palate or throat
- Rhinitis (inflammation)
- Clogged sinuses
- Heavy feeling in your head
- Shortness of breath
- Etc.
People often suffer from this in spring, especially with warm, dry, and windy weather. It can be particularly bothersome for people with respiratory problems like asthma, as their breathing can become even more disrupted. If the symptoms are intense, there may also be consequences such as poor sleep, fatigue, and concentration problems. In short: a troublesome condition!
Hay Fever and Chinese Medicine
Hay fever is often seen as an issue with immunity (Wei Qi). Energy is incredibly important for good immunity. The Lungs, along with the Spleen/Stomach, are responsible for energy production.
When there is an energy deficiency in the Lungs, the respiratory system functions less effectively. This reduced function leads to more waste products (Damp), diminished circulation, and Heat. This creates an unpleasant cocktail that causes the areas of the sinuses, eyes, and nose to become irritated and triggered by the pollen present.
The cause of this energy deficiency lies partly in predisposition and partly in lifestyle. Being out of balance for a long time with work/rest and healthy eating and living weakens our Spleen/Stomach, causing us to lose energy and also the ability to rebuild sufficient energy.
Then the entire body performs worse, waste products accumulate, and the circulation of energy is blocked: a vicious cycle.
Solutions for hay fever
To effectively resolve hay fever, we need to restore balance and thus address all the aforementioned issues. The extent to which fatigue, Dampness, and stagnation are factors varies per person. Additionally, there's an individual predisposition or situation that we take into account during treatment.
Hay fever responds well to treatment with acupuncture, herbs, or a combination of both. Below, we provide a few examples of herbs we frequently use. We keep the herbal formulas in stock at our practice. The mushrooms are available within approximately 2 days.
Herbal Strategies
Prevention
If you don't yet suffer from hay fever, but you feel your energy and resistance are not optimal, then Yu Ping Feng Wan (Jade Screen) is an excellent formula (a composition of 3 herbs). You could use this preventatively for 3-4 weeks at a medium dosage.
Ling Zhi (Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom used in Chinese herbal medicine to support immunity and Lung energy. Mushrooms have a wonderful harmonizing and supportive effect. Additionally, they are often very effective at building energy (also from the Spleen and Stomach) and eliminating waste products.
Compared to Jade Screen, this is a broader and more general supportive herb. For this reason, you could use it for a longer period, for example, 2-3 months, at a low dosage.
You can also combine Jade Screen and Reishi: you could dose each at 50%.
Another interesting mushroom is Cordyceps. In Chinese herbal medicine, Cordyceps is used to strengthen the Lungs and Kidneys when immunity is low and when recovery from illnesses or complaints is poor.
For sensitivity to allergies or hay fever, Cordyceps is often chosen when there are symptoms of Qi or Yang deficiency, such as Cold, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath, or low energy levels.
Cordyceps can also be combined with Jade Screen.
Acute Phase
In the acute phase, you could also use the herbs mentioned above, but more action is likely needed now to address the symptoms effectively.
If the symptoms are not too intense, you could partly work on your immunity with the herbs mentioned above and also take the herbs we are about to discuss.
To effectively address the symptoms (and in a natural way!), we often work with Pollen Form (Hua Fen Qing Pian). The formula primarily focuses on the Lungs and nose, helps clear Wind and Heat (itching, irritation, sneezing), and helps move energy around the nose and reduce stagnation there.
Additionally, the formula clears waste products and thus helps keep the nose clear and open.
For allergies where people also suffer from a blocked nose, Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium powder) is often effectively used. This is a classic formula used for nasal and/or sinus congestion after a cold (Wind-Cold).
The formula focuses on opening the nose, expelling Wind, and restoring free circulation in the nose and sinuses.
During the acute phase, you take the full daily dosage of the herbs.
Even in the acute phase, especially with the addition of a mushroom, you could both boost your immunity and combat your symptoms.
Also great for allergies
We also have a very effective nasal spray (excellent for a blocked nose: Nas Open) and eye drops which help with red, itchy eyes (Wind-Heat)) available at our practice. Both are natural.
In summary
- Jade Screen: preventive, focused on strengthening immunity
- Reishi: preventive and gently strengthening
- Cordyceps: preventive, gently strengthening for Qi deficiency (fatigue) and Cold
- Xanthium powder: acute phase, naturally reduces symptoms of nasal congestion
- Pollen Form: acute phase, naturally reduces symptoms
- Eye drops: for Heat and irritation in the eyes
- Nasal spray: for a blocked nose
Support and advice
Unsure which formula is best for you? Feel free to contact us, we're happy to help!
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The photo shows chrysanthemum flower, a beautiful herb you can brew into a delicious tea that helps relieve your eyes.
