Chinese Medicine Remedies for Spring Allergies
Currently, we are in the spring allergy season, and people often ask me what the best herb is for their allergies. As a Doctor of Chinese medicine, this is always a difficult question to answer because Chinese medicine is not about using one herb to treat a symptom. Instead, it's about bringing a few herb flavors together to create an action in the body that may vary from person to person. Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to health that views the body as a whole and seeks to balance the body's energy. You have probably heard about yin, yang, and qi, which are about balancing the life force in the body (gas/heat/yang) with the material substances in the body (tissues, blood, body fluids/yin) and how they come together to create movement and vitality, or qi. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of addressing the root cause of health problems rather than just treating symptoms. In contrast to Western medicine, which often focuses on treating specific illnesses or conditions, Chinese medicine takes a more individualized approach that considers each person's unique constitution, lifestyle, and environment. By taking a holistic approach to health, Chinese medicine seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body, which can lead to improved health and well-being.
Benefits of Green Onions, Honey, Ginger, Cinnamon and Pears for Allergies:
If you were to look up Chinese medicine food cures for allergies you might find suggestions like green onions, ginger, honey, cinnamon and pears, which by themselves can be somewhat helpful.
Green onions, also known as scallions. are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and allergic reactions in the body. In Chinese medicine we say they bring a warm yang energy that helps the body process environmental factors better. Consuming green onions raw or cooked can help alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Honey: Is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antibacterial effects. Although it has not been scientifically proven as a natural antihistamine, it has been used medicinally in many traditions for thousands of years. In Chinese medicine we say it brings moistening yin energy that helps treat dryness.
Ginger is also a popular food cure for spring allergies in Chinese Medicine. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce inflammation caused by allergies. In Chinese medicine we say it brings a warm yang energy that helps transform watery fluids, such as a runny nose. Drinking ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to meals can help alleviate symptoms like sneezing and congestion.
Pears in Chinese Medicine are considered a cooling and moistening food that can help to clear heat and alleviate symptoms of inflammation, including allergy symptoms. Pears are also believed to have a soothing effect on the throat and lungs, which can help to relieve coughing and wheezing. Additionally, pears are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to support the immune system and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Overall, incorporating pears into your diet during allergy season may help to reduce symptoms and promote overall health and wellbeing.
Cinnamon in Chinese Medicine is considered an important warming spice that can help to disperse cold, improve circulation, and strengthen the body's defenses, known as Wei Qi. Allergies are often caused by weak Wei Qi, which is unable to adequately circulate the warmth of the body's yang to protect the exterior of the body. This can lead to symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in the body, contributing to allergy symptoms. Additionally, cinnamon has been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can boost the immune system and prevent infections that can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
These single food cures however work best when combined together in various combinations, as each addresses a different issue. For example, ginger alone can help with watery fluids, but when combined with honey, it can humidify fluids back into the system to moisturize dry areas. Adding green onions gives the body a small boost of yang energy to help process the environment. Its sometimes helpful to see Chinese food cures, as well as herbal medicine, like cooking. Alone a flavour can have one note but when brought together with other flavours it creates something new.
I have included a few small recipes below for spring allergies. Please note that while it may be helpful for some, it may not work for everyone. Each person has a unique constitution and underlying cause for their allergy symptoms. For a more targeted approach, it's best to see a Chinese medicine practitioner. However, you can certainly give this food cure a try.
Ginger Honey Green Onion Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 bunch of green onions (scallions), chopped
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon of cooking oil (such as vegetable or grapeseed oil)
Optional: 1/2 cup of diced chicken or tofu for protein
Instructions:
Heat the cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced ginger and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the green onions (scallions) to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
If using chicken or tofu, add it to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, sesame oil, and tamari/soy sauce.
Pour the honey mixture over the stir-fry and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld together and the green onions are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Ginger tea
Another simple cure is simple Chinese medicine food cure for spring allergies is drinking a warm cup of ginger tea with honey and lemon. You can make ginger tea by boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 10-15 minutes, then adding honey and lemon to taste. You can drink this tea throughout the day as needed to help alleviate allergy symptoms
Pear Honey and Cinnamon Soup: For those of you with more dry symptoms
Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
2 pears, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons honey
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups of water
Directions:
In a large pot, combine the chopped pears, honey, cinnamon stick, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and discard it.
Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
Serve the soup warm and enjoy!