Spring and early summer is hay fever season. Many people suffer from the pollen allergies in spring, and have the flu like symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, itching nose, eyes and throat, watery eyes, nasal congestion and a heavy sensation in the head.
Hay fever (hayfever), also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways with signs and symptoms of sneezing, congestion and runny nose. It is very similar to a cold or flu. Allergic rhinitis triggered by the pollens of specific seasonal plants is commonly known as hay fever. Allergies are common. It is reported that, in Western countries about 10–25 percent of people annually are affected by allergic rhinitis.
Hay fever occurs when an pollen is inhaled by the person who has a sensitized immune system. When allergic rhinitis is caused by pollens of any plants, specifically caused by grass pollens, it is known as hay fever.
Though Claritin and Zyrtec are effective in treating hay fever, but they have long-term side effects. Today, more and more people are seeking natural remedies for hay fever treatment.
Pollen allergies can be treated by acupuncture, which restores and balances the function of the affected organs. Some people only need a couple of times of acupuncture treatment to cure the disorders.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, hay fever has the internal causes: Lung weakness and coldness, spleen weakness, kidney yang deficiency, kidney yin deficiency, lung and liver fire. Based on the different causes, Chinese doctors may choose different herbal formulas to treat the problems:
1. Lung weakness and coldness – using Yu Pin Feng San (玉屏风散);
2. Spleen weakness – using Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子湯);
3. Kidney yang deficiency – using Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (金匮肾气丸);
4. Kidney yin deficiency – using Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (六味地黃丸);
5. Lung and liver fire – using Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang (辛夷清肺湯).
