Hay Fever in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hay fever patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This condition is characterized by symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose, often accompanied by itchy, watery eyes. While not life-threatening, hay fever can significantly impair quality of life, disrupting sleep, and daily activities. The condition varies in severity and can be seasonal, depending on the presence of specific allergens.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hay fever is seen as a manifestation of imbalances within the body, particularly due to the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, along with underlying weaknesses in the body's Defensive Qi. TCM doesn't just address the symptoms but seeks to identify the root cause of the disharmony, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of imbalance. This holistic approach allows for treatments that aim to restore the body's natural balance and strengthen its resistance to external pathogens.
Herbal Formulas for Hay Fever
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hay fever
Bu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Stabilizes the Exterior
Cang Er Zi San
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves pain
- Unblocks the nose
Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs
- Strengthens the Stomach
Ge Gen Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
- Forms Body Fluids
Gui Zhi Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
- Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Li Zhong Wan
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Su He Xiang Wan
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Warms and aromatically opens the sensory orifices
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Transforms turbidity
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Warms the Lungs
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Xin Yi San
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Unblocks the nasal passages
Yu Ping Feng San
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Stabilizes the Exterior
- Stops sweating
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for hay fever
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing