Allergy season is upon us. Many of my patients suffer with some degree of allergy. Spring brings a wave of pollen from trees and grasses.

While the use of over-the-counter allergy meds is okay in the short term, using natural remedies with herbs combined with nasal rinsing is much better for reducing symptoms and healing the underlying nasal and sinus inflammation.

Those with auto-immune conditions are prone to recurrent sinus problems and allergic reactions. A periodic sinus-relieving formula is advised.

Nasal Rinse:

Combine 1 tsp of salt with 1 tsp of baking soda and mix with 1/2 cup of water. Mix well. Put a puddle of the solution in the palm of your hand. Gently inhale into each nostril, swirling the liquid around in your nose and taking small inhalations like little snuffs to gradually let the solution penetrate the back of the nose and throat. Let the water drain out of your nose, or spit it out; gargle with the remaining solution.

Follow this routine once a day.

Acupuncture can go a long way towards allergy relief.  Treatments help open the nose, strengthen the Wei Qi (immune response), clear phlegm, and combat infection.

There are a myriad of formulas made up of Chinese herbs that can effectively relieve allergies.  There is some overlap between formulas for colds, flu and allergies. I have put together a short list of the some commonly used formulas for common ailments. An individual diagnosis is helpful in choosing the appropriate formula in order to obtain the best possible results.  Some of the more common formulas are safe to use for everyone, such as Gan Mao Ling for the common cold.
For common cold, allergies, infectious disease:

Gan Mao Ling is THE common cold remedy used in Asian countries for headache, stuffiness, aching neck and warmth or light fevers.  It clears congestion, stops runny nose and eliminates headache without side effects such as drowsiness and dryness.

Yin chiao san is another remedy for cold and flu, taken when there are more heat signs such as fevers, sweating and chills that alternate, and sore throat.  This was the formula of choice to ward off epidemic toxin such as avian flu.

Chuan xin lian pian is a patent formula for sore throat that is on verge of ulcerating, or has ulcerated, as well as for diarrhea and gastrointestinal flu.  It contains chuan xin lian, andographis, an herb that is also well known for its antiparasitic activity and has been used to treat Lyme.

Chuan xiong cha tiao san is used for headaches, and migraine.  This is especially good for the type of headache accompanied by dizziness, poor memory and aura.

Pe Min Kan Wan is for allergic rhinitis and will reduce or eliminate allergic symptoms during seasonal allergies.