Seasonal Allergies

Allergic reactions are more common in the spring when the wood element is in full bloom. The Liver organ becomes more hypersensitive in the spring, potentially causing headaches, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and even spasms. For the most part, allergies are predictable, and it is important to be prepared. Most people already know they are sensitive to a certain allergen because their body always reacts the same way when faced with it.

Allergic reactions happen when the body’s detoxification and protection mechanisms are hyperactive. This state of overreacting causes imbalances in the system. One way to avoid allergies is to stay away from allergens, but that is neither practical nor possible for most of us. What we can do, however, is to lower the body’s overdefensive state. That is best done before the allergy season arrives. We should not wait for the irritants to be in full bloom or for our body to be the most sensitive. It is important to start preparing for allergy season about one month before plants start to bud.

Removing excess acidity and increasing the body’s natural cleansing processes is a path for allergy prevention (for both food and environmental allergies). We can reduce our toxins and our body’s overreactions by drinking a daily cup of anti-acid tea (e.g., cumin/coriander/fennel tea) after breakfast and digestive supplements after meals, such as vitamin C.

Steep 1/8 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/8 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/8 teaspoon of fennel seed powder in 1 cup of warm water (not boiling) for five minutes, and drink as a tea after breakfast (avoid drinking on an empty stomach and if you have a cold). This cooling tea can be drunk for five consecutive days for people wo have a reddish tongue, red skin rash, odorous urine, nervous irritability, or a tongue coating that is thick yellow, green or brown (which indicate digestive weakness and toxins). If the tongue is pale with no coating, this indicates there is not much acidity and the cooing tea should be taken for no more than two days.

Dairy products, oily, rich and sweet foods tend to make allergies worse, while a cleansing diet of acid reducing foods and herbs (steamed green vegetables, white basmati rice and green tea), and cumin/coriander/fennel tea are beneficial to those who suffer from allergies. Additionally, weakness can be an underlying cause of allergies, and proteins, including fish, are important in the diet.

In Chinese medicine, allergies are due to similar patterns as colds, flu and fevers, though they have more wind involvement. Constant explosive sneezing (a wind characteristic in Chinese medicine) from allergic rhinitis or hay fever can be weakening, and be accompanied by tiredness, difficulty breathing, chills and frequent urination. Chinese medicine’s treatment goal is to strengthen the body while removing congestion. A Chinese medicine herbalist could easily give suggestions on herbal formulations for allergic and chronic rhinitis. Cooling, digestive and diuretic herbs reduce symptoms of burning and itching. As a general herbal guide, treat allergies with herbs such as milk thistle, stinging nettles, schizonepeta (Japanese catnip), chrysanthemum, magnolia buds, apricot seed, wild cherry and turmeric.

To remain strong and healthy throughout the year, it is vital to take steps to begin the allergy season with a balanced body, mind and spirit.