Chinese Herbal Formulas For Allergies: Part 3

Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Ren Shen)
Western researchers have studied ginseng root for its many effects, including mental improvement, fatigue relief, and stress reduction through stimulation of the adrenal and pituitary glands. In the case of allergy, ginseng in an antihistamine and is able to inhibit tissue swelling and inflammation, as well as tonify the lungs. Overuse of ginseng can lead to headaches, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. Chinese medicine considers this a slightly bitter, warming herb.

Magnolia Flower (Magnolia Iiliforae or Xin Yin Hua)
The flower of the magnolia tree is an acrid, slightly warming herb used to treat symptoms of sinus infection, inflammation, nasal congestion, and headache. It is a hypotensive and also has sedative effects.

Perilla Seed (Perillae semen or Tsu Su Tsu)
The extracted oil of the seed of the perilla plant is frequently used in formulas to relieve asthma symptoms, including cough and phlegm. It is an acrid, warming herb. Perilla seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. In a clinical study, seven asthmatic subjects were fed perilla seed oil supplements for four weeks while a control group consumed corn oil (omega-6 EFA) supplements. At the end of four weeks, the perilla seed group had a significant increase in peak expiratory flow, indicating that airway constriction was greatly reduced. Levels of leukocytes (which cause inflammation during an allergic reaction) were also diminished in the blood of the perilla seed group, while they increased in the corn oil group. The researchers concluded that perilla seed oil is useful for asthma due to its leukocyte suppression and pulmonary improvement functions.

Xanthium (Xanthii or Can Er Zi)
This slightly bitter, warming fruit of the xanthium (cocklerbur) plant is used in formulas to treat headaches, sinus discharge, pain, arthritis with numbness, skin disorders, and itching. It is effective for chronic allergic rhinitis and is also an antibacterial. Among its active constituents are linoleic acid (an omega-6 EFA) and vitamin C. Many people are sensitized to cocklebur pollen.



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