Topics in Colds Flus Allergies

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Kids and Coughs

January 16, 2010 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies, Topics in Pediatrics | No comments

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This time of year I hear a lot of patients talking about how their kids are coughing constantly. When children catch colds, they often get coughs, sometimes dry, sometimes phlegmy, and especially at night. These episodes are miserable for everyone. Western cough syrups are very strong drugs and many parents don’t want to use them but resort to them so that everyone can get some sleep.

There is a wonderful Chinese Medicine alternative. Blue Poppy Herbs makes a pediatric formula called Lung Qi Jr. that works wonders on those pesky coughing fits. I have been giving it to my children since they were infants whenever they had colds with coughs. Not only does it help to calm the coughing, it has several herbs in it that fight the infection at the source of the cough. It is one of those formulas that I think anyone with kids should have in the medicine cabinet. It comes in a liquid form and contains vegetable glycerin to sweeten it up so that it is more palateable to young tongues. I squirt it directly into my children’s mouths, but it can also be added to juice, milk, yogurt, or anything else.

10% off Cold Remedies

October 31, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | 2 comments

Postcard front fall 2009

Until January 31, 2010 I am offering 10% off cough syrups, Yin Chiao, Yin Chiao Jr., and Gan Mao Ling to current patients and to new patients who make an appointment for acupuncture.

Don’t forget that acupuncture increases immune function and that these and many other formulas can be used preventatively during this cold & flu season. I have a pharmacy full of herbal remedies to stop colds and flus in their tracks, and at the very least, shorten their duration and the intensity of many symptoms including cough, chills, fever, nasal congestion, headache and fatigue.

Ways to Increase Immune Function and Protect Oneself During Flu Season

July 16, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Medicine Theory, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, The Principle: Wind, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

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There many things we can do to help support our body’s natural immune function. Certainly getting enough rest, fluids, and quality fresh food is essential. Acupuncture is also a good option, since one of the proven effects of this therapy is increased immunity, even when this isn’t the focus of treatment. Regular acupuncture helps bring our bodies back into balance, and a body in balance has the ability to fight foreign contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. In Chinese Medicine terms “expel uninvited guests” such as wind cold, wind heat, wind damp, etc.


Aside from acupuncture, many Chinese herbs, including mushrooms, have been proven to increase immune function in several ways. There are herbs that are simply antibacterial and antiviral, helping our bodies to stave off infection when we come in contact with these agents. There are also herbs which increase the number of Killer T and Natural Killer white blood cells which attack microbes preventing us from getting sick, and helping us to recover from illness.

One of the key immune enhancing herbs in Chinese Medicine is Huang Qi, or Astragalus. The root of this plant tonifies the qi and blood of the entire body, especially the Spleen and increases the Wei, or Protective Qi. There are several classic herbal formulas that contain Huang Qi which can be used to prevent illness. There are also formulas, which when taken at the early stages of illness help the body recover quickly and decrease the severity of an illness. These formulas are important to have on hand in order to provide a quick means of protection. That way if you find yourself around people sick people, or if you will be traveling on airplanes, or simply have a tendency towards decreased immune function, you can give your body as much support as possible to keep from getting sick.

Medicinal Mushrooms Are Immune Enhancing Herbs

July 16, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

stamets_7_extractMedicinal mushrooms have been a part of the Chinese Materia Medica for several thousand years. These mushrooms, including reishi, oyster, maitake, shitake, and many more, have a strong effect on increasing immune function.  For instance, Ling Zhi, or the reishi mushroom, has been studied for its immune enhancing effect, and has been found to increase T cell function. Classically, it is said that Ling Zhi tonifies Lung qi, transforms phlegm, and stops cough and wheeze. Additionally, it has been found to have a carcinostatic effect, meaning that it stops the growth of cancer cells. Nutritionally, mushrooms provide fiber while being low in fat and contain several groups of vitamins, particularly thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, ascorbic acid and Vitamin D.

Eating raw mushrooms is not advised, since some are toxic uncooked, and most do not break down enough in our digestive systems to offer much benefit this way. Mushrooms should always be cooked when used as food. A stronger concentrated extract (either capsule or liquid) will give you the most benefit for immunity.

Fungi Perfecti is a locally based producer of medicinal mushrooms and is considered the best source of organic, high quality mushroom extracts by most experts, including Bastyr University and Dr. Andrew Weil. Fungi Perfecti has a number of extract combinations that address a number of immune issues. A popular, general immune tonic is their Stamets 7 formula.

fungi perfecti

Childhood Ear Infections

July 16, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Medicine Theory, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies, Topics in Pediatrics | No comments

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Several years ago Jake Fratkin, OMD (Oriental Medicine Doctor), made waves throughout the pediatric community by declaring on a radio show that the cause of ear infections was antibiotics. Since that time, several studies have been done which indicate that he was right. The likelihood of a recurrent ear infection during the first six weeks after taking antibiotics is significant. Not only is a child more likely to get another ear infection within six weeks if they are given antibiotics, but the recovery time from an infection is the same whether antibiotics are given or not. Even the Washington State Department of Health has issued a statement that most ear infections clear on their own and that overuse of antibiotics leads to drug resistant bacteria. So why are medical doctors still giving antibiotics to children with ear infections? In some cases, they no longer are. More and more doctors and medical institutions are reserving antibiotic administration for extreme cases of infection as a last resort. Here in Seattle, Dr. David Springer of Wallingford Pediatrics received an award from Premera Blue Cross for his use of “evidence-based best practices” in avoiding and limiting antibiotic use for ear infections.

 

So if antibiotics aren’t the answer, what do we do for ear infections? Chinese Herbal Medicine is an excellent choice for the prevention and treatment of ear infections. There are two key formulas which, when administered correctly, can alleviate pain within hours and eliminate the infection within only a couple of days. They are safe, they are effective, and they are easy to administer. Several companies have created liquid extracts of these classic Chinese formulas adding a touch of glycerin or stevia to mask the bitter flavor of the herbs so that they are more palatable to children. I have used them with my own children and have avoided any antibiotic use so far. In addition to Chinese formulas, I have used garlic ear drops, which kill microbes and dry fluid when placed directly into the ear canal, and probiotics which help the immune system fight the infection. All three can be combined and your Chinese Medicine practitioner can help you determine the best course of treatment so you can avoid unnecessary, and potential harmful antibiotic overuse in your children.

Protect Your Windgate

July 16, 2009 in Chinese Medicine Theory, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, The Principle: Wind, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

windgate

While the name “wind gate” refers specifically to a point on the Bladder channel of the upper back, we often use this term to talk about the entire back of the neck and upper back. This area is particularly vulnerable to invasion by wind leading to symptoms of colds and flus such as chills, body aches, nasal congestion, and cough. In the Springtime when the weather starts to turn warm we can be too quick to pull off the winter layers. Exposing the back of the neck and upper back to the elements, particularly the wind, we increase the likelihood of falling ill. Protect your “wind gate” by wearing a scarf, a high collar, or a turtle neck, and you will increase your chances of making it through the spring in good health.

Wind Cold Tea

July 15, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Nutritional Therapy, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Winter, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

ginger

Scallion and Ginger Tea

1 T sliced scallions (cong tou)

3-4 slices fresh ginger root (sheng jiang)

Brown sugar (hong tang) or honey to taste

Place scallions and ginger into pot and sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover with 1 cup water. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid. Drink while warm.

 Traditionally, this tea is taken at the first sign of a wind-cold pattern. It is used to promote sweating and resolve exterior symptoms such as headache, chills with an aversion to cold, body aches and sinus congestion with clear mucus. It is best to drink this formula after taking a hot bath, just before going to bed, so that you can cover yourself with blankets to induce sweating. Be sure to stay warm and away from cold drafts.

What Is So Great About Fishoil?

July 15, 2009 in Chinese Nutritional Therapy, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Season of Summer, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies, Topics in Muscles Bones and Joints, Topics in Pediatrics, Topics in Pregnancy and Postpartum | No comments

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The main reason that fish and fish oils are so important is because they contain two fatty acids that do not occur naturally in any foods other than fish.

These fatty acids are called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Together with ALA (alpha linolenic acid), they are known as omega-3 fatty acids.

They are highest in oily fish such as mackerel, herring, sardine, tuna and salmon.

The average intake of EPA/DHA in the US diet is only 11-20% of the recommended amount.

These two fatty acids from fish oil have been shown in hundreds of studies to be beneficial in a wide spectrum of human health including:

Heart Health

including all types of cardiovascular disease by reducing triglycerides (fat levels) in the blood, reducing VLDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol, Reducing inflammatory markers, which are now known to be very important in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, and by regulating (smoothing out) the rhythmic beat of the heart.

Arthritis, inflammation and allergy

including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease, seasonal and food allergies, and eczema.

Child Development

both before and after birth. DHA and another fatty acid (arachidonic acid) are essential for the correct development of the fetal brain and mental ability. Neural development and eye function may be adversely affected by inadequate supply. 11% of the weight of the brain is the fatty acid DHA. Supplementing DHA in breast fed or formula fed infants has been shown to increase cognitive function including vocabulary and comprehension in 18 month olds.

Mental alertness, cognitive function and mood

due to the fact that EPA and DHA are the building blocks of neural cells. Those suffering from depression have significantly lower levels of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids. Populations with higher consumption of fish have lower rates of depression than those with lower consumption. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly is more common in people with low blood levels of DHA.

So eat your wild caught fish!! Wild caught fish have a significantly lower levels of metals and other contaminants than farm raised fish. If wild fish is unavailable, or unappealing to you, take a fish oil supplement daily. Be sure you get your oil from a reputable source to ensure purity and high potency. High quality oils are tested for mercury, other heavy metals and PCBs. Consider a fish oil with the addition of the fat soluable vitamins A, D and E.

Since Copper River Salmon is in season right now, I highly recommend splurging and treating yourself to a delicious meal. I made this recipe last night from www.westcoastcooking.com and found it to be outstanding!!

Chrysanthemum Tea For Longevity

July 15, 2009 in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Season of Spring, Season of Summer, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

chrysanthemum-flowersChrysanthemum flowers, or Ju Hua in pin-yin, have a long history of use in Chinese Herbal Medicine as a beverage. The flowers are collected, dried, covered with boiling water, and then strained. The liquid is drunk as a light warm tea; alone or sometimes with sugar added.

The Taoists favored this tea the one to

promote longevity,

although to achieve this benefit the tea must be consumed daily over a long period of time.

There is a poem written by the eighteenth-century painter Zheng Ban-Qiao which reads:

 Tasting chrysanthemum tea of old – this flower of longevity!

A man of eighty years picks and sips, assiduous;

Teaching his frosty beard to turn raven black.


Chinese Herbalists consider the Ju Hua flower to be one that disperses wind and heat, calms the Liver and clears the eyes. It is used for treating the common cold and for any disorders related to Liver heat or Liver wind, such as blurry vision, spots before the eyes, dizziness, and headaches.

I find this beverage particularly useful for conditions in which there is a sudden onset of heat in the body, such as for hot flashes or excessive sweating. It is calming and cooling in the moment, and over time.

Chrysanthemum tea might be prescribed by your herbalist, but it is also a safe and tasty non-caffeinated drink for anyone to consume during the warm summer months.

The flowers can be bought in bulk and steeped in the traditional way, or a box of powdered chrysanthemum tea with sugar is sold in individual dosage packages.

Allergy Season is Upon Us

July 15, 2009 in Chinese Medicine Theory, Season of Fall, Season of Spring, Topics in Colds Flus Allergies | No comments

allergy

People who suffer from allergies know that hayfever season has arrived. If your nose has gotten stuffy or runny, and your eyes are feeling itchy and watery, you are likely having an over-reaction to the pollen that is in the air. Allergies are a response by the body’s immune system to antigens found in the environment. The body responds too well, causing all that congestion and itching. There are two main types of allergies, Seasonal and Perennial. Seasonal allergies, also called hayfever, tend to occur in Spring and early Summer, and are a reaction mainly to pollen and grasses. Perennial allergies occur all year and are typically a reaction to animal dander, house dust or dust mites, fungus, smoke or perfume. Both cause much suffering.

The Cause of Allergies

In Chinese Medicine, the reason for both types of allergies is a deficiency of the body’s Wei Qi, also called Defensive Qi. This Qi is like a protective layer at the surface of the body that prevents things from getting into the body, whether it be bacteria, viruses, or allergens. In order to treat allergies with Chinese Medicine we must build up the body’s own protective Qi as well as treat the symptoms that allergy sufferers know so well.

When to Treat Allergies

For Seasonal allergies, the best time to treat the underlying deficiency is at the end of the season of suffering, typically August, September and October. If you are suffering from a stuffy nose and watery eyes right now, see your acupuncturist to get temporary relief of those symptoms, and then even though you may be feeling free of symptoms, continue with treatment in the fall in order to prevent those allergies from returning next year. For Perennial allergies, treatment can take place at anytime.

Herbs to Treat Allergies

In addition to acupuncture, there are a number of Chinese Herbal formulas which allergy sufferers can rely on. Most likely, your practitioner will give you one formula for the symptoms you are experiencing now, and then change that formula to treat the root of the problem once those symptoms subside. If you have been experiencing allergies for many years, it can take more than one treatment season to be allergy free. Your practitioner may advise you to take that Wei Qi building formula for a few seasons in a row in order to be rid of allergies forever.

Sinus Rinsing for Relief from Nasal Congestion

Himalayan Institute Original Neti Pot, CeramicThe Neti Pot or a modern Sinus Rinse can also be helpful to clear nasal congestion. Used every day these tools open the nasal passages by clearing out bacteria and allergens, and calming inflamation of nasal tissues.  Using the Neti Pot takes practice but once mastered, allergy sufferers swear by it. It involves irrigating the nostrils with a salt water mixture using a small pot with a spout, not unlike a watering can. It has a long history of use in Asia, although modern plastic squirt bottles may be easier to use and can be bought for pennies at drug stores.

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