Lian Qiao / Forsythia Fructus

Forsythia is recognized for its ability to clear toxic heat from the body – be it a sore throat accompanied by fever and chills or chronic skin eruptions, acne, or dermatitis. These hot, swollen and inflamed pathogens are precisely what Lian Qiao can quell.

In Chinese medicine, we refer to such afflictions as “contraction of wind-heat” which literally translates to a quick manifestation of something red, hot, painful, swollen or all of the above. The nature of heat-diseases in this case are ones that show up quickly and severe. Possible manifestations could include common cold, strep throat or something more severe like meningitis. Lian Qiao can also be used when long-term heat disorders build up in the body and lead to chronic, more toxic inflammation. Possible manifestations of this include cystic acne, boils, or chronic sore throat.

Contagion had it correct, as the precise nature of the virus in the film caused sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, fever and chills. Forsythia could have been the perfect cure – but maybe not alone…

Friends of Forsythia

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbs are most commonly utilized in formula combinations. Friends often paired with Forsythia include Lonicera, Arctii Fructus and Fresh Mint – all of which amplify the action of cooling heat toxicity and venting it from the body. Translate this to Western Medicine, and you could call this team anti-viral. While formulas are often created for the presenting individual, a quick and common patent remedy called Yin Qiao San can be used to address the symptoms described earlier and is a good one to have at home in the medicine cabinet:

Yin Qiao San

For Fever, with or without chills, Sore Throat, Headache, and Thirst.

Ingredients: Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera), Jie Geng (Platycodi), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Bo He (Menthae Herba), Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae), Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri), Lu Gen (Phragmitis), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae)

It is that time of year for cleaning out all the cobwebs, reorganizing the closet, vacuuming under the couch – all the spring cleaning duties that make our homes and lives feel fresh and light. The same holds true for the body. Springtime is analogous with the liver element, who is the emperor of detoxification, and is especially responsive to purging toxins this time of year. You can help your liver accomplish this important task with some simple herbal remedies. Meet the plants responsible after the jump!

Pu Gong Yin – Dandelion (pictured above)

Pu Gong Yin is the same plant often referred to as an “inconvenient weed”  (or, Dandelion) that sprouts up in the middle of gardens or sidewalk cracks. The resiliance of this plant to grow in the most obscure of places is part of the signature of use in medicine. It has an innate ability to dredge through obstacles like cement and toxins like runoff exhaust and other chemical waste, in order to flourish.

The leaves of the dandelion plant are wonderful liver detoxifiers and help promote healthy liver function, release gallstones, support digestion, reduce inflammation, treat viruses, promote urination and clear acne from the skin.

This herb can be used as food as well, and is often found in supermarkets and farmer’s stands. The plant leaves are potent sources of Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin A and Calcium. Many people enjoy sauteing fresh dandelion greens or adding a bunch to a spring salad. Fresh leaves can also be steeped in hot water to make a nourishing tea. Because dandelion can grow in toxic places, it is best not to consume or harvest dandelions from lawns that aren’t specifically trying to grow the plant.

In Chinese Medicine, Pu Gong Yin (dried Dandelion) is used more in cases of severe heat toxicity. That is, clearing viruses and infections from the system. It is an especially common herb for relieving (and preventing) post-partum mastitis as it clears heat trapped in the liver channel, which runs through the breasts.

Pu Gong Yin can be taken in whole plant form, as tea or in a formula.

Qian Ma – Nettle

Nettle is another common plant that can be found on the tincture shelves in most health food stores, as well as sold fresh at the farmers market in the springtime. The plant itself is often referred to as “stinging nettle” as the plant is equipped with little hairs that release an acid and literally sting the skin when handled. Cooked and cleaned, the sting goes away making this plant a great addition to stir-frys, salads or pesto.

Nettles are most commonly used in the Western Materia Medica, and are said to be great liver detoxifyers and nervines (anxiety reducers). The plant contains a large amount of protein, and is also a great source for trace minerals, iron and fats. Nettles can ignite the liver function to propel toxins out of the body, in addition to nourishing deficiencies like fatigue or anemia. Nettles are also key in the removal of uric acid from the body, relieving Kidney Stones, Eczema, Skin Rashes and Gout.

While Nettles have a less prominent place in Chinese medicine, they are said to Drain Dampness through the Urine, Cool the Blood and Release Toxic Heat through the Pores. In short, Qian Ma (Nettle) clears out toxicity from many avenues. Because of this strong clearing function, it is important to take care in not consuming too much, especially if there is a constitutional deficiency. An interesting post on the use of Nettles in classical Chinese Medicine can be found here.

Nettles can be used in whole plant form as food, in tea or tincture.

Spring is in the air! While most of us can excitedly embrace the changing seasons, for many, the winter thaw brings about much strife as pollens and blossoms burst into the air. I can sympathize with them as I suffered from seasonal allergies for many years – to the point where my symptoms became almost year-round allergies rather than “seasonal.” Why do some people have seasonal allergies, while others remain unaffected? Why do allergies worsen or improve when people move to new cities? How can symptoms improve? Chinese medicine has the answer after the jump.

Unique Treatment

Individual constitution can lay the foundation for health, immunity and our unique ability to exist with (or react to) our environment. Imbalances in this delicate system can occur as a result of genetic history, diet, lifestyle, chronic illness, emotional upset or environmental pollutants. Whatever the etiology of imbalance, it is important to find the root of the cause. In Chinese medicine with respect to the treatment of allergies, we often look to the energetic meridians of Spleen, Lung, Liver or Kidneys. Often, a combination of imbalances may exist and more than one meridian will need to be treated, and often utilizing both a dispersing and/or nourishing treatment principle.

Which Are You?

Appropriate diagnosis can be determined through symptom presentation, pulse and tongue evaluation. Below are some general characteristics of potential allergy etiology – which are you? Keep in mind that it would be best to verify any inquiries with an experienced practitioner, and these are meant to be general informative guidelines.

Liver Fire/Liver Wind

• Sudden dry, itchy, red eyes (that may or may not tear-up)
• Feeling irritable, anger or emotional constraint
• Thick, yellow nasal discharge
• Flushed Face
• Headache at the top of the head

Spleen Deficiency

• Copious and Nasal Mucous (may be thick or runny)
• Digestive complaints such as nausea, loose stool or bloating after meals
• Fatigue, low energy
• Foggy-headedness, or dull sinus headache
• Pale complexion

Kidney-Lung Disharmony

• Difficulty taking a deep breath, or asthma associated with allergies
• Cough
• Low Back Weakness
• Feelings of sadness or on-edge, fearful
• Clear nasal discharge, easy to expectorate

What You Can Do

The pivot of health and feeling your best begins with diet, exercise and sleep – almost all schools of medicine will agree on that fact, and TCM is no different. When that is not enough, medication, herbal formulas, acupuncture and other modalities are there to support your body back into balance. To best support your system, the following are general dietary/lifestyle guidelines for different constitutional types.

• Liver Constitution - Avoid greasy, fried foods. Indulge in fresh citrus fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Yoga, brisk walking, or jogging are good choices, and getting plenty of rest at night.
• Spleen Constitution – Avoid raw, uncooked foods and too much bread. Enjoy yams, soups, stews, lightly steamed vegetables, whole grains and all protein. Brisk or leisurely walking, and sleeping long hours at night with perhaps a short nap during the daytime.
• Lung/Kidney Constitution - Avoid foods that are too drying (dehydrated foods, overly roasted or baked foods). Enjoy hearty meats, lentils, all vegetables and fruits. Gentle yoga and pilates are good choices to strengthen the core. Sleep plenty, especially in the winter and during seasonal transitions.

Individual herbal formulas are also a great way to support your system, along with the Xanthium formula to get you feeling better fast. Seasonal allergies don’t have to be a curse, and they don’t have to be expected! You can feel better, year after year.

Other Possibilities

We can’t exist in bubbles, and Chinese medicine is a great way to supplement your system so you can enjoy the environment you live in without discomfort. Sometimes, structural problems such as a deviated septum exist, which can lead to chronic inflammation of the sinus cavity resulting in improper drainage. The relief that acupuncture and herbs can offer for this may be minimal (although some patients have had enough reduction in inflammation to reduce their symptoms dramatically). In cases of severe structural deformity, it may be wise to utilize a combination of both western and eastern therapies.

Xanthium Sibricum Fruit, Xanthii Fructus or Cang Er Zi, is a potent herb for unblocking the nasal passages in people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Along with its powerful plant partners, Magnolia Flower and Angelica Dahurica Root, this trilogy can un-clog even the most stubborn sinus congestion. Unlike over-the-counter anti-histamines, these herbs drain congestion by moistening and nourishing the sinus passages, and won’t leave sufferers dry and inflamed. While herbal formulas like these can be safely and effectively used to treat uncomfortable symptoms in adults and children alike, Chinese Medicine offers a treatment strategy that can address individual constitution as well – for lasting relief. Find out more about this herbal allergy formula after the jump.

Cang Er Zi

Or, Xanthii Fructus as the Latin’s would call it, is the small fruit that comes from the Cockleburr Plant. It is bitter to the taste, and covered in sharp prickles once dehydrated into herb format. In addition, it can lead to digestive upset if taken in too large of quantities (but this would need to be a LOT of Xanthii Fructus). It ‘s claim to fame is unblocking the nasal passages, but is also good at alleviating itchy skin reactions or sinus headache.

Bai Zhi

Is a form of prepared angelica root, which smells a lot like maple syrup and is soft to the touch. Also a good nose-opener, Bai Zhi really shines in its ability to dry up and expel mucus, leaving sinus passages free and clear. Bai Zhi can also be used to expel pus from sores on the skin.

Xin Yi Hua

Or, Magnolia Flowers, these little puffs of soft buds work very similar to Cang Er Zi. but Xin Yi Hua specifically propels the other herbs to the head. This feature augments the formula’s ability to clear nasal passages, sinus headache and ear congestion.

All Together Now

Chinese Herbal Medicine, unlike Western Herbal Medicine, rarely uses herbs individually in treatment patterns. An example would be three herbs listed above. All are unique to opening the nose, but it is their ability to work together that makes them so potent. The power of Cang Er Zi, the directional movement of Xin Yi Hua and the phlegm-dissolving properties of Bai Zhi make this triad what it is.

When I am treating a patient for seasonal allergies, which I almost always do with herbal medicine in conjunction with some acupuncture treatments, I will most likely add the above herbal combination to a base formula that addresses the patient’s underlying constitutional diagnosis. This way, we can address the root and the branch (symptom). In a pinch, or if the formula is not appropriate for mixing in this group of herbs, there are some great patent remedies that include these guys and others to help allergy sufferers find relief fast and easy…like the one in the photo at the beginning of this post. It is a great addition to any medicine cabinet. Tinctures are also available in pediatric doses for children suffering with seasonal allergies.

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/03/sinus-allergies-try-xanthium/feed/ 0 http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/01/the-soy-story/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2011/01/the-soy-story/#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:57:53 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1503

Over the past decade the soybean has been heavily marketed in this country for its healthy effects and as a  low-fat, high protein substitute for dairy and meat products. But recent research is saying that there may in fact be a real case to support “too much of a good thing.” With breast cancer, obesity, thyroid and autoimmune disorders on the rise – some scientists are seeing a relation to these health problems (and more) in connection with excessive soy consumption.

Simultaneously, other reputable experts in the field of health and wellness continue to zealously proclaim the wonderful benefits of soy. What is a consumer to do? Patients are always asking my opinion – to consume or not consume soy – and my reaction is always the same (except on rare occasion): everything in moderation. But that statement doesn’t really answer any questions. So, in this post, I’ve compiled my research and quoted reputable sources for both pros and cons in the soy debate so you, the consumer, can help make an informed and empowered decision for yourself.

The China Study

While I have heard endless recommendations for the book, The China Study (and plan to read it one day), this section is referring to another “China Study” – my own. During my year-long clinical rotation at Zhejiang Hospital in Hangzhou nearly ten years ago, I chose to eat vegetarian. Whether that choice was right or wrong for my health at the time is neither here nor there, but I did create a unique relationship with soy foods in the land from which they came.

Soy is a staple in the diet of vegetarians and carnivores alike across Asian cultures as an inexpensive, healthy and sustainable food. It is not surprising that when low rates of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer were also found amongst this population that the primary differentiating factor was attributed to soy consumption. Somehow, lost in translation, that meant that if everyone the world over consumed more soy we would be healthier and live longer.

How they prepare soy in Chinese supermarkets is so vastly different than here. I remember walking up to the soy counter, much like the deli or dairy counters here, and ordering whatever form of fresh soy I wanted. There was a variety to choose from – from skins to beans to paste to freshly squeezed soy milk. All items were served in small portions, were local and almost always fermented.

Fermented vs. Non-Fermented Soy

Soybeans, like all other beans, contain the anti-nutrient phytic acid, which binds to important minerals in the body and leeches them out. To neutralize this component, and thus elevating the nutritious aspect to soy products, soaking or fermenting the beans must be part of the preparation. Miso, Soysauce  and Tempeh are common forms of fermented soy products that are easily found in our supermarkets. Most tofu and other overly-processed soy products like soy-cheeses, most soy-milks, soy ice-creams, soy burgers and soy “meats” are not fermented products (and are overly processed with non-food ingredients to boot).

In summary, consuming a fermented soy product will decrease toxic effects and increase nutrient absorption…and, in my humble opinion, taste better. If you buy fresh, dry soybeans, be sure to soak them first (see link to recipe below).

The Cons: Genetically Modified and Over-Processed

There is much evidence to support the ill effects of over-processed foods on health and vitality. The anti-soy campaign is more linked to the inappropriate, over-processed and genetically modified soybean vs. an actual attack on the bean itself. The soybean, much like corn, in this country is extremely inexpensive to produce and therefore often over-produced, genetically modified and processed in a way that makes it a common preservative or filler added to many packaged products. In short, you may be consuming a lot more soy (and poor forms of it) than you think you are in  packaged products. Investigate the foods you eat, read labels of packaged foods if you eat them or feed them to your family on a regular basis.

The Weston A Price foundation has done a significant amount of research on the topic, and have published a slue of informative articles. While many in opposition of the Guild’s strong anti-soy stance may read into their articles as radical, they are essentially saying the same thing as the rest of us. Eat whole foods. Eat organic, eat local and (in this case) eat fermented. Check out some of their literature here.

The Pros: Dr. Hyman Presents the Facts

Dr. Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in the field of Functional Medicine, recently published a fascinating read on the Huffington Post about the myths and truths revolving around including soy in the diet. He argues that the research showing that soy is connected to a rise in thyroid disorders and breast cancer is only in cases of excessive consumption of overly-processed soy products. A further case for prudent label-reading. He further continues that when consumed in minimal amounts, and in organic and fermented forms, that soybeans can be included as part of an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer diet and provide a number of other healthy benefits like: stabilizing blood sugar, promoting hormone balance, mitigating menopausal symptoms and lowering cholesterol.

My Take From a TCM Perspective

I believe in the whole-food way, and since my nutritional education stems from an East Asian approach to foods, soy is most certainly a medicinal food when prepared correctly. For example, we use fermented black soybeans in Chinese herbal formulas and soups to alleviate high fever, vent colds in children and quell emotional irritability.

If you have a chronic health condition or a history of a chronic condition in your family, do not consume processed soy or simply avoid it all together. There is no real health claim to soy that you cannot find in other foods. If you enjoy soy and choose to incorporate it in your diet – do so sparingly, as part of a diet rich in other proteins and consume it with the appropriate preparation. If you can, buy whole and dried soybeans and prepare them yourself by soaking them overnight. You can follow my easy recipe for that here.

Was this helpful? Please comment with more questions or info on the soy debate!

During my undergraduate degree I was fortunate enough to write my dissertation while living with a lovely family in Heredia, Costa Rica. I remember Maria, the host mother, making fresh black frijoles (beans) almost daily. The process appeared exhausting: Hours of rinsing, soaking, rinsing again and boiling – careful not to over or under cook them. I was truly thankful to incorporate this lovely food into my diet at the time, but never learned the process for preparing them myself. Once I moved out of that lovely haven of home-cooked food, it was back to canned beans for ease and convenience (but certainly not taste). Until recently…

I’ve been reading about all the important nutrients lost in the canning process, and how cooking beans at home is actually not all that complicated or time consuming. And, probably the most encouraging news of all, in addition to being better for you and a more cost-effective option – they taste WAY better. So here is what I’ve learned over the past month about cooking beans from scratch, enjoy after the jump.

Incredible Powerful Food

Legumes, or beans, are an important part to any diet – wheather vegan to carnivore – as they supply an array of trace minerals, folate, vitamins, fiber, protein and carbohydrates. They are nearly a complete food in and of themselves, and can be prepared in a multitude of ways – such as boiling into soup, pureed into spreads, sauteed into stir-fry, chilled into salad or simply scooped onto the plate as a healthy side dish. In Chinese nutritional therapy, beans are deeply nourishing to the kidneys and a great way to supplement essential nutrition from a vegetable source.

However you choose to enjoy them, the preparation in the beginning is the same. Dried beans in their unaltered state are inedible – much like brown rice or other grains. Begin preparing your beans in the format below, and adjust the final cooking time as appropriate for your desired dish. You’ll notice that unlike the soggy counterpart often found in canned beans, home-cooked beans retain their texture and flavor better. They are also easier to digest as the soaking process reduces gas and increased nutritional availability.

Step One: Soaking The Beans

No matter what type of bean you choose, they will need to be soaked for 8-12 hours before cooking. On a very basic level, this will help to soften the hard bean and reduce cooking time and also deeply clean any debris or tannins from the food. More importantly, this step increases nutritional absorption by breaking down anti-nutrients such as phytic acid and indigestible complex sugars (oligosaccharides). Phytic Acid is found in the hulls of seeds, nuts and grains. It is not harmful in and of itself, but is binds with essential minerals in foods such as zinc and iron rendering those unavailable to the body that consumes them. Soaking, cooking and fermenting foods containing phytic acid neutralizes its binding effect so the minerals are left available to the body.

1)  Pour 2 Cups of Beans into a large mixing bowl

2)  Add enough filtered water to cover the beans by 3-4 inches

3)  Add 2 Tbsp of Cider (or other) Vinegar, Lemon Juice or fresh Whey to the liquid and briefly stir

4)  Let the beans soak on the counter overnight (8-12 hours) – add more water if needed (this will depend on the type of bean your using)

Cooking The Beans

Once the beans have soaked, you’ll notice that they have expanded in size and left a murky color to the water. At this time, it is important to drain the beans thoroughly and rinse them – clearing away all the junk. Once well rinsed, place the beans in a large pot and cover with clean filtered water by about an inch. Add salt, seaweed, or other spice as desired. Bring to a low boil and cook for an hour to an hour and a half. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of bean and quantity. Once your beans have reached your desired tenderness, store and prepare them as you choose. I like to strain them and fry in a little coconut oil, garlic and fresh vegetable. To save time and enjoy your beans later, store a portion of the cooked beans in the freezer for a later recipe.

Beans truly aren’t as putsy as I thought – they can soak while I sleep and cook while I answer emails. And there are leftovers for all week long. Enjoy!

The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) is an empowered way for women to determine their fertility each day of the month, and utilizes tools such as Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting, cervical mucus and cervical position. This method provides important information to any menstruating woman, and empowers her to make informed decisions about her health. Charting your cycles is not just about trying to get pregnant, but can reveal important health information like imbalanced thyroid function, endometriosis and serve as a natural – and scientifically proven – way to prevent pregnancy. Check out some things you may not have known about natural family planning after the jump.

Did You Know??? Top 5 Reasons to Chart:

• To Prevent Pregnancy (when done correctly, FAM is as effective as the birth control pill – however, this method will NOT protect against STD’s)
• To Conceive a Healthy Pregnancy
• To Reveal Important Information about Gynecological Health
• To Reveal Important Information about Thyroid and Hormone Function
• To Build Trust and Understanding in The Body and with Sexual Partner(s)

3 Basic Principles To Knowing Your Fertility

1. BBT (Basal Body Temperature)

BBT refers to a woman’s waking temperature, and must be taken the same time each day (within 1 hour), before beginning any activity and after at least 3 hours of sleep. Once taken, the temperature can be recorded on the following chart. Any digital thermometer that provides temperature to the tenth degree will do. The chart can give important information about ovulation, gynecological and hormonal health. It cannot predict ovulation in advance, however.

2. Cervical Fluid

Mucus or fluid is produced by the cervix each month before and during ovulation. The function of this fluid is to keep sperm alive for up to 5 days, when they would otherwise survive a mere 4-6hours in the vaginal environment. Arousal fluid looks similar to cervical fluid, but cannot keep sperm alive. Cervical mucus is crucial for healthy conception.

3. Cervical Changes

The cervix is a dynamic organ at the opening of the uterus. It can be palpated by inserting two fingers into the vagina to note important changes throughout the month. When a woman is fertile, the cervix tends to be soft, high, round and open. When she is not, it is low, angled, firm and closed.

**Note: it is not appropriate to chart menstrual cycles while taking hormonal birth control or are no longer menstruating. The clinical information this would provide is insignificant. Charting with a non-hormonal IUD may appropriate if you are experiencing severe discomfort with your cycle and are working with practitioner to alleviate such symptoms.

BBT & Chinese Medicine

A completed BBT chart can give a woman important information about her health and the state of her hormones. It can also give her acupuncturist important clues into pattern differentiation and diagnosis that might not otherwise be apparent. For example, a woman with luteal phase insufficiency or PMS may be experiencing this due to Spleen Deficiency, Kidney Deficiency or Liver Stagnation by Chinese medical standards – and the chart will often clearly note which pattern is most present in each individual so appropriate treatment can be administered. Imbalances in the chart are often easily treatable by acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and treatment can be verified by noting monthly improvements in the chart and minimized symptoms such as less PMS or cramping.

Preventing Pregnancy with FAM

Contrary to popular thought, FAM is a scientifically based (and proven!) method to preventing pregnancy. When used correctly, it is as effective as the birth control pill – that’s 99%! And best of all, there are no side effects like hormonal birth control or IUD’s can cause. But it’s important to know the facts, however, and work with a certified instructor. Please contact us if you would like more information about an instructor in your area. Some organizations experienced in the field include:

Fertility Awareness Center NYC: www.fertaware.com

Couple to Couple League: www.ccli.org

Justisse Healthworks for Women: www.justisse.ca

Conceiving Pregnancy with FAM

If you are trying to get pregnant, or better yet planning to get pregnant in the near future, beginning to chart your cycles is an important and indispensable way to understanding your fertility so you can make informed decisions about supportive care. Begin charting today! We are always available to briefly consult with patients on charting facts and questions and there are wonderful resources for keeping track of your fertility on your smart-phone app or on the web:

www.fertilityfriend.com |       www.myfertilitycharts.com

More Info

Here are some great resources for investigating how this method can best serve your individual health priorities:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, By Toni Wechsler   |    www.tcoyf.com

The Garden of Fertility, By Katie Singer   |    www.gardenoffertility.com

Tumeric Rhizome; Curcumae; Yu Jin

The active ingredient in Tumeric is cucumin, long known for its anti-inflammatory effects – an important factor in many modern ailments. More recently, the herb has been discovered to be useful in the treatment and prevention of various types of cancer (melanoma, breast and prostate have the most statistical research), Alzheimer’s, psoriasis, fat metabolism, depression and pain management. In Chinese medicine, Tumeric (Yu Jin) is often used in gynecological formulas for the treatment of painful periods, fibroids or endometriosis. Thanks to the modern spice cabinet, you can incorporate this herb into your diet without a prescription.

Tumeric Chicken

2 Organic Chicken Breasts, Sliced into 1-inch strips, and placed in a ziplock bag

Add to the bag:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Tamari Sauce

1 Tbsp Agave Syrup

1 tsp Ground Tumeric

1 tsp Freshly Cracked Pepper

1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds

Salt to Taste

Mix the contents of the ziplock bag thoroughly and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Pour entire contents of the bag onto a heated skillet/frying pan and saute until chicken is cooked through.

Veggie Option:

For those eating a vegetarian diet, try the above recipe with cauliflower florets instead of chicken. The flavor is amazing, and the cauliflower will boost anti-cancer effects.

This year has been a tough one for allergy sufferers in NYC, as environmental allergens have been at an all time high. If you are suffering with chronic seasonal allergies, acupuncture and herbs have some wonderful solutions for your symptoms – without the nasty side effects. While many over-the-counter allergy medications can help people through the muck so they can get through their day, there are often side-effects of nasal dryness and low energy that have their own set of downsides. After the jump, see what Chinese medicine has to offer and what you can do at home to optimize your enjoyment this (and every) season.

Immune Boost

Studies have shown acupuncture to not only have a stress-relieving effect on the body, but also boost the immune system. Allergy symptoms, especially adult-onset seasonal allergies, result from a delicate balance of external irritants and internal deficiencies. This is good news! Because the ragweed causing your sneezing fits probably isn’t going to disappear from the planet anytime soon, the stronger the immune system the less likely such an irritant will have its power over you.

Besides acupuncture, some other ways you can boost your immune system at home:

• Increase your daily Vitamin C intake to 1 gram/1,000mg per day for its immune boosting and histamine-lowering effects.
• Increase antioxidant rich foods, which will reduce existing toxicity and inflammation in the system. Such foods include: all berries (especially blueberries), pomegranates, plums, pineapple, kale, peppers, ginger, red beets, dried apricots, dried dates, prunes, nuts and seeds (especially dry-roasted peanuts), and parsley.
• Take a high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement daily to boost cellular nutrition
• Take Fish Oil high in DHA daily to clear inflammation and support health

Drain Phlegm

That ooey-gooey stuff running from your nose, clogging your thoughts and creating all that sinus pressure is phlegm. It is the bodies reaction to the inflammation its experiencing as a result of an allergen – believe it or not, it is trying to help. But with all that inflammation and now with all that phlegm, a vicious cycle is created which must be stopped. Lucky for us again (our health is in our power!), we can have great impact on reducing systemic phlegm and inflammation through some simple remedies:

• Herbal Supplement – tailored for individual constitutions, this is the best and fastest way to quelling inflammation and draining phlegm. Best of all, it will often improve energy and promote restful sleep so you actually feel better all around.
• Acupuncture – local acupuncture points can be life-changing for draining the sinuses, clearing congestion, reducing headache and improving energy. Combine this with your Chinese herbal formula and you’ll be in good shape.
• Avoid Dairy and Soy Dairy Products – they cause more phlegm! If you already have too much stuck in your head, avoid these products during the allergy seasons or when your symptoms are at their worst.
• Avoid Refined Sugar and Flour – for the same reasons as dairy products, plus refined flours and sugars also add a great deal of inflammation to the body – that other factor we are trying to get rid of.
• Drink plenty of water. Phlegm is not created from too much water in the system, but is often a result of the body fearing dehydration – so drink up!
• Netty Pot – a simple device used for centuries in India to effectively clean out the sinus cavities. It looks like a teapot, which is then filled with water and rinsed through the sinuses. Instructions and product information are available at local health stores or online.

Guard Yourself

Be mindful during allergy seasons of reducing exposure to anything that may trigger a potential reaction (even if it is not a typical “allergen” for you). If you anticipate suffering from allergies year to year, implement some of these tips and start a treatment plan before you feel the symptoms – it will set you up for the best season yet!

• Keep windows closed on days when allergy counts are particularly high
• Avoid using products with strong scents and harsh chemicals, which produce inflammation and can magnify allergic responses (cleaning products, shampoos, body washes, laundry soap, perfumes, cologne, air fresheners)
• Although they look great – keep fresh cut flowers out of the house during allergy seasons. If you need their calming effect, try the colorful fake ones and bring the fresh ones back once you are feeling better.

Various aspects of life and industry have begun to adopt a Slow Movement policy to yield sustainable quality and equitable results. The principle foundation of “Slow” is to counter the “hurry up!” mentality of modern society and help bring awareness back to the present moment. Fast food, fast life, non-sustainable farming and the eroding of local economies fueled the urge to slow down. This type of awareness cultivates individual, community and global sustainability. It allows us to make conscious decisions about our actions, and reminds us that basic human needs are actually not all that many nor do they require abundant momentum. After the jump, find out the most popular of these movements and how to apply the concept to your health.

Slow Movements

One of the first (and the most popular) slow movements was first developed by Carlo Petrini in 1986, in a response to the globalization of fast food chains (such as the infamous ‘Golden Arches,’ which he and his followers protested in Rome armed with bowls of Penne Pasta). The goal of the movement-now-turned-organization was to preserve local and traditional cuisines and promote the farming of plants and seeds and livestock in agreement with local ecosystems. Since its inception, Slow Food chapters have popped up all over the world – from Slow Food International, Slow Food USA and as local as Slow Food NYC.

Sound familiar? In protest of the big-bad-food-industry providing citizens with less-than adequate nutritional and actual “food” within produce and meat distribution around the country – lobbies have popped up all over the place and movies such as “Super Size Me” and “Food Inc” are making an effort to educate the masses about the corruption behind what they find on their grocery store shelves.

But I digress…

Many other dimensions of “Slow” have developed over the years, including Slow Money, Slow Travel, Slow Parenting and the one I’m more recently introduced to: Slow Fashion – a response to the disposable clothing produced by high-end designers. Slow fashion supports local communities, aims to provide fashionable clothing items that will outlast more than one season, affordable prices and even learning to sew your own. Burdastyle, co-founded by Nora Abousteit, is an online community for experienced and novice people who sew to share patterns, designs and ideas. If you ever had an interest in cultivate this side of your creative self, definitely check it out.

Slow Health

Slowing down, in general, can help in staying healthy. Adopting certain slow practices like eating local, organic, fresh and home-prepared food will yield a healthier body. But I propose an attitude for slow-ness in health and healing above and beyond already established movements. I often have patients walk into my office hoping for immediate relief from their aches and pains, discomforts, weight loss goals or what have you. To yield sustainable results, healing can take time and can’t be rushed. In many cases, it is the constant hurry that has us not feeling our best in the first place. Especially in a place like Manhattan, where the energy frequency is amped up way beyond sustainability, our bodies need the space and time to heal and unwind.

This theory, of course, is not applicable to all areas of health and healing. Acute injury, trauma or emergency situations require immediate attention – stat. Stress, chronic illness and the myriad of unhealthy states we find ourselves in (such as obesity, which can lead to so many other serious illnesses), can be softened with enough time, attention, patience and appropriate treatments. Physiological processes like childbirth is another area that thrives when allowed to move at its own pace, which from a standardized modern medical model means to slow down.

Slow Medicine

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine theory supposes that dis-ease or illness arises over a period of time, and therefore will take time to set right again. While there may be a pill out there to alleviate a symptom quite quickly, for example, it may not solve the problem. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work to slowly ease your symptoms by rectifying the root problem – essentially a Slow Medicine – yielding lasting results. Slow can equate with powerful, remarkable changes.

In addition to re-balancing the body from the root cause, Chinese medical theory assumes its position on health before symptoms or discomfort have actually surfaced. Preventative medicine is the most sustainable way to keep yourself healthy, and the  majority of preventative techniques are within your own power. Diet, Lifestyle, Exercise, Sleep and Stress Management are key factors in staying healthy and preventing disease.

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