HEALTH REPORT
Symptom relief for mild sinusitis Another herbal formula has traditionally been used to help clear the sinus passages and manage mild sinusitis symptoms like catarrh (mucus) and sinus headaches for hundreds of years in TCM. Called Cang Er Zi San , it’s a blend of the following herbs: Xanthium, which is traditionally taken in Chinese medicine to help manage mild sinusitis symptoms like a blocked nose, sinus congestion with thick, sticky discharges, sinus headaches, and irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes Magnolia flower, which is traditionally regarded as having decongestant properties in TCM, where it’s used to help relieve runny nasal discharges when they’re a symptom of mild sinusitis, as well as to help relieve hayfever symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes White angelica, which is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help relieve symptoms of pain and pressure in mild sinusitis Asian wild mint, which helps relieve headaches associated with mild sinusitis, based on its traditional use in Chinese medicine Also consider houttuynia , which is traditionally regarded as having anti-infective and immune- stimulating properties in Chinese medicine.
Hayfever FAQs
What causes hayfever, and what are its symptoms? Hayfever is triggered by environmental allergens coming into contact with the nose and/or eyes. The resulting inflammation of the affected mucous membranes is responsible for the ensuing symptoms, which can include: A runny and/or itchy nose Sneezing Why do some people get hayfever only at certain times of the year, while others suffer all year round? Broadly speaking, hayfever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is triggered by one of two forms of airborne allergens: Pollens from grasses, weeds or trees, which tend to be problematic for hayfever sufferers at certain times of the year when the plant in question is flowering Indoor allergens like dust mites, mould and animal dander, which don’t have seasonal variations and consequently can cause hayfever at any time Which plants are most likely to cause hayfever? Plant allergens vary from region to Nasal congestion Itchy, watery eyes Itchy or scratchy throat
region, but can include a range of grasses, weeds and trees. Common examples include Paterson’s curse, pellitory weed (also known as asthma weed) and ragweed. For the most part, species that have been introduced to Australia are more likely to cause hayfever than our own native plants, however notable exceptions include casuarina trees (also known as Australian oaks) and white cypress pine trees (also known as Murray pine trees). Why is my hayfever worse when it’s windy? Unlike flowers, which tend to be pollinated by birds, insects and animals, many grasses and weeds rely on wind for pollination. Their tiny pollen particles are spread far and wide with the goal of creating a new generation of plants. It’s a common-sense strategy that helps plants survive, but unfortunately does mean that on windy days in high- pollen season, hayfever sufferers have an increased likelihood of experiencing the dreaded sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes of allergic rhinitis. Reference: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Pollen Allergy, 2019: https://allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_ Pollen_allergy_2019.pdf
White angelica
Xanthium fruit
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ISSUE 55 • 2019
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