Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) are called 'Bi Yuan' (nose pool) in TCM. They occur when Wei Qi (defensive energy) is weak, allowing external Wind to invade. The Lungs (which govern Wei Qi and open into the nose) are the primary organ involved. Spleen deficiency creates Damp/Phlegm that accumulates in the nasal passages, making symptoms worse.
During acute allergy season, treat the branch (symptoms): Clear Wind, open nasal passages, reduce inflammation. Between seasons, treat the root: Strengthen Lung Qi, boost Wei Qi, tonify Spleen, regulate immune function. This dual approach provides both immediate relief and long-term prevention.
Acute phase (clear Wind-Heat): Mint tea, chrysanthemum tea, mung beans, pear, radish. Acute phase (clear Wind-Cold): Ginger tea, cinnamon, green onion soup. Prevention: Sweet potato, pumpkin, mushrooms (immune support), walnuts, ginger daily. Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric, green tea, omega-3. Avoid: Dairy (increases mucus), sugar (weakens immunity), cold raw foods (weakens Spleen).
Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower): Opens nasal passages. #1 for nasal congestion. Cang Er Zi (Cocklebur Fruit): Opens nose, dispels Wind. Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica): Opens nasal passages, relieves headache. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia): Disperses Wind, guards against invasion. Huang Qi (Astragalus): Strengthens Wei Qi when taken preventively (before allergy season). Classic formula: Bi Yan Pian (Nose-Inflammation Tablet) for acute symptoms.
LI20 (Yingxiang): Beside nostrils — the #1 point for nasal congestion. Bitong: Top of nose crease — extra point for rhinitis. GB20 (Fengchi): Base of skull — dispels Wind. LI4 (Hegu): Between thumb and finger — opens the head and face. LU7 (Lieque): Strengthens Lungs and dispels Wind. ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens overall immunity. Yintang: Between eyebrows — relieves sinus pressure.
Start 6 weeks before allergy season: 1. Take astragalus (Huang Qi) daily — 3g powder in warm water. 2. Local raw honey: 1 tsp daily (desensitizes to local pollen). 3. Stinging nettle tea: Natural antihistamine. 4. Quercetin-rich foods: Onions, apples, capers. 5. Probiotics: 70% of immunity is gut-based. 6. Reduce sugar and dairy. 7. Nasal rinse with saline daily. 8. Press LI20 morning and evening.
SEASONS provides seasonal allergy prevention protocols with TCM immune support.