Allergies of the Nose

Allergies of the nose, such as hay fever, pollen rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis, can significantly impact the quality of life. Chinese medicine offers a different approach to treating these ailments by addressing the underlying energy imbalances in the body. This article explores the various types of energy deficiencies and the corresponding Chinese medicine treatments, as well as the recommended foods for each deficiency.

I. Lungs Energy Deficiency and Cold

Symptoms of lungs energy deficiency and cold include breathing difficulty, common cold, copious and watery sputum, cough, excessive perspiration, fatigue, fear of cold, frequent sneezing, impaired sense of smell, light wheezing, low and weak voice, nasal congestion, severe itch in the nose, shortness of breath, smooth urination, and feeling too tired to talk.

Treatment for this condition aims to warm and strengthen the lungs and expel cold and wind. Prescribed herbal formulas include Wen-Fei-Zhi-Liu-Dan or Yu-Ping-Feng-San with Cang-Er-Zi-San. Recommended foods include cheese, Job's-tears, yam, grape, longan nuts, maltose, mandarin fish, Irish potato, sweet rice, apple cucumber, bog bean, gold carp, carrot, chestnut, ham, horse bean, hyacinth bean, royal jelly, string bean, whitefish, yam, red and black date, mutton, squash, and rock sugar.

II. Spleen-Lungs Energy Deficiency

Symptoms of spleen-lungs energy deficiency include abdominal swelling, clear and white nasal discharge, cough, coughing out and spitting of sputum and saliva, decreased appetite, decreased sense of smell, diarrhea with sticky and muddy stools, discharge of copious and watery sputum, eating only a little with indigestion, fatigue in the limbs, fatigue with lack of power, prolonged cough, rapid panting, shortness of breath, and being underweight and weak.

Treatment aims to strengthen the spleen and tone up the energy and lungs. Prescribed herbal formulas include Si-Jun-Zi-Tang with Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San. Recommended foods include grape, longan nuts, maltose, mandarin fish, Irish potato, sweet rice, apple cucumber, bog bean, gold carp, carrot, chestnut, ham, horse bean, hyacinth bean, Job's-tears, royal jelly, string bean, whitefish, yam, red and black date, mutton, squash, rock sugar, chicken egg yolk, cheese, and beans.

III. Kidneys Yang Deficiency

Symptoms of kidneys yang deficiency include abdominal swelling, clear and white nasal discharge, allergies all year round, cough, cold feet or cold loins and legs, coughing out and spitting of sputum and saliva, cold sensations in the genitals or muscles, decreased appetite, decreased sense of smell, diarrhea before dawn, diarrhea with sticky and muddy stools, diarrhea with sticky and thin stools, edema, discharge of copious and watery sputum, fatigue, eating only a little with indigestion, fatigue in the limbs, fatigue with lack of power, frequent urination at night, frequent sneezing with clear nasal discharge, impotence in men, infertility in women, lack of appetite, palpitations, panting, perspiration on the forehead, retention of urine, ringing in ears, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Treatment aims to tone the lungs and warm the kidneys. Prescribed herbal formulas include Shen-Qi-Wan or Wen-fei-Zhi-Liu-Dan.

Recommended foods for kidneys yang deficiency include kidney, lobster, sardine, shrimp, sparrow, clove, dill seed, fennel, pistachio nut, sparrow egg, crab apple, raspberry, and walnut.

IV. Kidneys Yin Deficiency

Symptoms of kidneys yin deficiency include allergies all year round, cold hands and feet, cough with sputum containing blood or coughing out fresh blood, deafness, dizziness, dry sensations in the mouth particularly at night, dry throat, fatigue, feeling miserable and hurried with fever, fever at night with burning sensations in internal organs, hot sensations in the middle of palms or soles of feet, night sweats, pain in the heels, pain in the loins (lumbago), retention of urine, ringing in ears, sleeplessness, spots in front of the eyes, and thirst.

Treatment aims to nourish the kidneys yin. Prescribed herbal formulas include Zuo-Gui-Wan. Recommended foods for kidneys yin deficiency include abalone, asparagus, chicken egg, cuttlefish, duck, duck egg, white fungus, oyster, pork, royal jelly, chestnut, chicken liver, and pork kidneys.

Conclusion

Chinese medicine offers a unique and holistic approach to treating allergies of the nose by addressing the underlying energy imbalances in the body. By understanding the specific energy deficiency and symptoms, individuals can find the appropriate herbal formulas and dietary recommendations to help alleviate their allergies. As with any medical treatment, it is essential to consult with a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner before starting any treatment plan.