Hay Fever Hell

Hay Fever season is upon us and if you are one of the 26 million people suffering from seasonal allergies, Chinese medicine may be your salvation.

Hay Fever from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Point of View

Lung Qi:
The lungs are responsible for transmitting oxygen and Qi throughout the body like a tree emits oxygen into the atmosphere. You can even think of the lungs as a microcosm of a tree canopy needing ample moisture, fresh air and avoiding drying pollutants such as smoke. A famous Doctor in China described the lungs as the "rhythm maker" of the body as they are responsible for the circulation of Qi.

The Lungs are associated with the color white, metal, easily damaged by dryness and grief, and related to autumn. Considered the 'tender" organ in Chinese Medicine because of their proximity to the outside world, it is very important to eat foods that nourish the lungs.

Foods to alleviate congestion:
· Onion
· Mustard
· Mustard greens
· Grapefruit peel

For Heat:
· Apple
· Fig
· Kelp
· Pear
· Persimmon


Other possible issues that are related to hay fever are:

Spleen Qi Vacuity type of hay fever:
Digestive issues that create a build up of phlegm and dampness in the body. Phlegm and dampness are primarily related to diet. People who suffer from dampness usually feel headaches during damp weather, are unable to loose weight even though they don't seem to eat as much as others. These people often feel bloated and gassy after eating and have sputum that can be expectorated especially in the morning.

Kidney Yin Vacuity hay fever:
People suffering from kidney yin vacuity type of allergies usually suffer from night sweats, have a lot of energy but crash in the mid afternoon, may have trouble sleeping usually waking between the hours of 4am-6am. This hay fever usually manifests as itchy eyes and throat.


Western information:

Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucus membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages.

Symptoms include: itchy eyes, watery discharge from the nose, eyes, sneezing and nervous irritability.

Many of the symptoms of hay fever are like the common cold except that the discharge from hay fever is clear, while secretions from colds can be yellow or greenish. Colds usually resolve in a week or two while allergy sufferers can be affected for weeks on end.

There are three hay fever seasons:

* Tree pollens appear first usually from Feb through May
* Late spring through summer: tree and grass pollens
* Fall: ragweed pollen season


Nutrients for boosting the immune system:
all info comes from Phyllis Balch: Prescription for Nutritional Healing

* CoQ10: improves oxygenation
* Quercetin: stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine
* Vitamin B complex
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C: also an anti-inflammatory
* Zinc
* Alfalfa: supplies chlorophyll and vitamin K. use liquid form. 1 tablespoon in juice or water 2x a day
* Vitamin E
* Goldenseal for an itchy throat. Hold a dropperful in your mouth for a few seconds and then swallow. Do not take for more than one week at a time. Do not take if you are pregnant.

Also:

* Local honey
* Bee pollen

Western Herbs:

* Horehound: decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus and bronchial tubes and lungs.
* Mullein Leaf
* Stinging nettle
* Wild cherry bark


Dietary Suggestions:
Eat more fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, grains, and raw nuts and seeds.

Eat yogurt or soured products 3x a week.

Avoid sugary cakes, coffee, chocolate, dairy products other than yogurt, packaged or canned foods, soft drinks, sugar, tobacco, white flour products and junk food.

Shower and change your clothes after coming indoors as pollen can stick to your hair and clothing.

Try an air purifier