Herbal Medicine for Allergies

If you suffer from allergies it’s likely that tickle in the throat, post-nasal drip, coughing, sniffling, sneezing and itchy eyes are likely to be around for the next few months.

I struggled with allergies when I was a teenager. After further respiratory complications including chronic sinus infections, asthma and pneumonia, I became driven to find a natural solution. I tried antihistamines and other allergy medications and eventually allergy shots, which all left me feeling lousy. I eventually found solutions through acupuncture and herbal medicine therapy including dietary changes. Over the years I was so impressed with the results I decided to become an acupuncturist and herbalist. The study of these age-old and traditional Chinese therapies also includes an in-depth study of food and therapeutic dietary practices.

I found one herbal formula called Bi Yan Pian (pronounced Bee Yon Pyon) to be very helpful for allergy symptoms. Bi Yan Pian, literally translated as “nose inflammation pill”, acts as an all-natural antihistamine for acute and chronic sinus conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a pattern-based medicine that treats each person individually according to their unique pattern of presenting signs and symptoms and root-cause. A professional consultation and evaluation will be necessary to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Bi Yan Pian (An alternative to anti-histamines) is a natural and effective herbal formula that clears acute sinus-nasal congestion especially with the Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis of wind-heat.

Pattern of Signs & Symptoms may include:

• Chronic & Acute Sinus Pain
• Sinus pain & Congestion
• Frontal or Sinus headache
• Dizziness [from head, sinus pressure]
• Excessive tearing
• Excess phlegm
• Red & itchy eyes
• Sore throat
• Swollen & inflamed mucus membranes
• Watery or thick purulent & malodorous nasal mucus
• Sneezing
• Reduction or loss of sense of smell
• Nasal voice

Treatment strategies in TCM are analogous to parts of a tree – branches (presenting signs and symptoms) and root (cause). One patient will require a different therapy from another because each patient’s pattern or presenting-branches and root-cause is unique to the individual. A different formulation of herbs will be required for different branch and root conditions. This is why it is important to seek the professional advice of an acupuncturist and herbalist trained in TCM. Consultation is also necessary if you are under other medical treatment to determine any concerning interactions.

Did You Know Acupuncture Can Also Help?

In a study published in the November 2004 issue of Pediatrics on children with hay fever, those who received acupuncture twice a week for eight weeks displayed fewer symptoms and more symptom-free days — both during treatment and for about 10 weeks after – compared to the kids who did not receive acupuncture.

Temporary relief of allergy symptoms are a start but having a long term plan to strengthen your body and it’s immune defenses is even better. Consider herbal formulas and acupuncture together as part of a safe, effective plan to help treat allergy symptoms and boost your immune system naturally.

If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms call today to schedule a free consultation to find out if an herbal formula, acupuncture or dietary changes can address your health concerns: Call: (401) 219-6446

Additional Tips to Help Cope with Seasonal Allergies:

Saline Nasal Rinse

Mix 8 ounces of water with half a teaspoon of table salt in a squirt bottle. Squirt the solution up each nostril every morning when you wake up and in the evening to clear the allergens out of your nose. Note: You can also buy a saline-solution nose spray at your local drugstore if you don’t feel like making your own solution.

Prevent Pollen from Entering Your Home

Opening your windows only invites all the pollen into your home. The pollen and dust will invade your bed, blankets, pillows and clothes. This tip may not be practical if you don’t have AC but If you can hold off opening windows until after the major dusting of pollen from large trees like oaks have fallen, you can limit exposure within your home. Ever notice the thick layer of pollen dust covering your car during the spring? I find April, May and June to be the worse months. There are other time periods throughout the summer and fall for seasonal allergies that affect some and not others as well.

Vaporize to Eliminate Dryness

Dryness during the winter can irritate the sinuses. You’ll find running a vaporizer in your bedroom will moisturize the mucous membrane within the nasal cavity to provide relief.

This information does not replace the professional advice of a health practitioner in regards to your individual health concerns. Before acting on any of this info you should always consult a health professional.