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)

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/2010/10/5-reasons-to-chart/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2010/10/5-reasons-to-chart/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:43:11 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=1389

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.

I invite you to join me as I take you on a tour of the small beginnings that are my first (city) garden.

You have to get creative when planting a garden in the city. There is no out-door patio to make a mess on, so certain precautions are necessary when working indoors (like newspapers and properly aligned trash bins). A window-sill is about the only place where sun-happy plants will thrive, and it just so happens my New York City apartment windows face east so they can soak up some nourishing rays.

The San-Diegan Passion Flower

The large pot you see in the above photo is a Passion Flower plant, given to me as a junior plant sprouted from a larger mother-plant owned by my good friend Grace. Her mama-plant travelled all the way from San Diego, and has since thrived in New York City. This beautiful vine has sweet nectar, curly-cue sprouts and the most beautiful flowers (I’ll be sure to post some photos once mine finally bloom). I am happy to say that I have had this plant for nearly a year now, and it continues to grow and thrive.

The Lily

The second pot was my first attempt at growing a Chinese herb (Bai He/Lili Bulbus) and also my first attempt at growing a plant from a seed (which I obtained from a Chinese Herbal garden upstate). Although you can’t tell from this photo, after months of watering and a lot of love, the seed has sprouted! In Chinese medicine, we use the bulb of the lily plant to nourish the lungs – and find it especially helpful when recovering from an upper respiratory infection, in cases of chronic asthma or a restless spirit (ie: insomnia) which can present after a prolonged period of grief.

Aloe Vera

The third plant (and also pictured here) is aloe vera, one of the most useful plants to have around the house. Sun-burns, cuts, scrapes, scars, dry skin, rashes, skin irritations, acne – the jelly in the center of the big cactus leaves can be used for so many things. It can even be taken internally for dry constipation. I remember when I was a kid and I had a huge scar on my forehead from tripping and falling head-first into the corner of the piano (ouch!). My uncle Bill was visiting from Big Sur, California, and got me an Aloe plant. I walked around the house and slept every night with an open leaf taped onto my forehead for probably a month. It looked silly at the time, but to this day you can only faintly see the scar if I crinkle my nose – it works.

My fourth and final plant is a simple rubber plant, which I basically just got because I liked the deep-purple leaves (and my friend Krystie insured that it would endure anything). 

My next addition to the city garden coming soon: Culinary Herbs ~ Stay Tuned!

Leaving Your Analytical Mind at the Door

Although receiving a degree and license in traditional Chinese medicine means completing a rigorous four-year masters program, this ancient science is built on a foundation completely different from the one we grow up with in the Western world. Scientific algorithms and molecular biology will not serve to understand the complexities of something like acupuncture. The first step is leaving what we know to be true at the doorstep, in order to open up space for a second foundation to be built – one stemming from such eastern philosophies as Taoism and Confucianism. For this reason, acupuncture can be difficult to understand from a western medicine perspective. It is like trying to understand the flavor of an orange by eating at a pizzeria – an inappropriate model for comparison.

It has been said that acupuncture affects nerve communication, blood flow and conducts electrical impulses within the fascia muscle layer.  But, as I said, try and leave your analytical mind at the door. At the risk of sounding esoteric, acupuncture connects to the energetic pathways in the body known as meridians. These pathways are inherent in nature, and flow through every living thing (much like matter at its molecular level). They are typically unseen, and unfelt, yet ever alive and flowing with Qi – vitality.  Qi is what gives us life. Without it, there is no movement, no fullness and therefore no life. When Qi cannot flow smoothly, we feel it in the form of pain, illness or distress. Acupuncture directly manipulates the flow of Qi by way of the meridians of the body.

It’s All Connected

There are over 400 points on the human body throughout 12 different meridians, each with a specific function. Over the thousands of years that it took to develop Acupuncture, such functions were tested and agreed upon – having shown clinical efficacy based on experiential findings. Such findings were not based on disorders like “diabetes” or the ”flu,” because those labels were not yet invented at that time, but rather on individual pattern disharmony. Chinese medicine asks the question: “what does the person presenting with XYZ discomfort need?” not “what is the XYZ discomfort called so I can treat that.”  The latter form of question is more common within the Western medical model, which is in my opinion a strong case for the need to employ both models of care in public health for optimum results.

Back to the topic: how acupuncture works.  As I said, it is all connected. For example, if a person presents with knee pain it may be very beneficial to place needles at the knee joint to relieve it. However, needles placed on the elbow, low back or abdomen are also commonly used for strengthening the knee and depend on individual pattern differentiation. Likewise, several points around the knee are great for digestive problems, and often those points will be needled on individuals with no inherent knee pain at all. To understand how the energetic pathways run is to go to school for a very long time. To make sense of it otherwise, is to accept that there is plenty happening in life that we cannot see – not all that dissimilar from Western molecular biology.

The Web Around Us

Take cellular phones and the Internet. There are direct, real, pathways of communication between carrier towers and individual devices that are always open and able to travel at instantaneous speeds. We walk around among and through these pathways all day long - without knowledge of their existence except through the end result: our web browser working or receipt of a text message. When this system is slightly out of whack, the connection is lost and our devices malfunction. The pathways need to be re-opened and cleared so that proper functioning can occur. Imagine that the meridians in your body are the pathways and the commander keeping them open is the Qi. It is the job of an acupuncturist to open up such communication within the body, so there are no glitches.

Different People, Different Treatment

Unlike the technical support team looking for the predictable piece to fix an Internet malfunction, the human body is far  less predictable. The acupuncturist must look deep at individual constitutional patterns to develop proper and effective treatment. This takes time, a detailed history, and oftentimes ongoing treatment. Acupuncture works well alongside western medical treatments as it can offer great relief for side effects (as in Chemo Therapy) and without adverse reactions. It is also very beneficial for health maintenance (much like exercise), boosting the immune system, and can be used on a seasonal basis as preventative medicine once uncomfortable symptoms have resolved. Many people find that acupuncture is very relaxing, promoting an almost meditative state, an added bonus. 

To find out more how acupuncture can help you maintain or acheive your wellness goals, please contact me. 

Winter, Water, Kidneys & You

In Chinese medicine, winter applies to the Water Element in 5-element theory. Although it comes in the form of snow and ice, water is truly an abundant part of the winter landscape. When transcribed to the human body, the kidneys and urinary bladder are responsible for water metabolism (both energetically and physically) and are a pivotal part of the Water element. Yin and Yang are interdependent forces prevalent in all aspects of life, but winter is rooted in a strong sense of yin. In this regard, yin can be understood through the cool and still nature of the season. A teacher of mine once explained the water element as the bottom bedrock on the ocean floor – the deep, dark, solid root of something so powerful and majestic. I like to translate this metaphor to the body, with representation to the powerful root to within each of us – our individual potential.

Aside from the physiologic function we know from Western medicine, the kidneys represent our root essence (genetic makeup) and the urinary bladder has relevance to the nervous system. Memory, brain function, reproductive function, bone growth, and systemic development are also important aspects of kidney energy in the body. The emotion of fear or fright is ascribed to the Water element, and is often a relative factor in someone with constitutional tendencies toward this element. The winter is a perfect time to strengthen and nourish these energetic organs.

Nourishing the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder

Nature gives us the tools we need for nourishing the ascribed element and organ systems, and the number one way to do this in the winter months is to hibernate. Rest, warmth, sleep. This is the time to slow down, and nature forces us to do that with the gifts of cold and snow. The weather change literally forces us to move inward – into our homes, into the warmth, into ourselves. It is a time for introspection, meditation, and conservation of resources.

During winter, the land is frozen and there is no growth or harvest. That which is leftover from the fall becomes nourishment for the winter. Canned vegetables, sauced apples, gourds, squashes and meats for hearty stews are important for building the root aspect in ourselves. There are plenty of herbs and teas for nourishing the kidneys during this time, and depending on individual constitution will depend on the formula focus. Even if you are feeling healthy, the beginning of winter can be a great to time for visiting your acupuncturist to help guide your body into the energetics of the season and promote tonification.

Enjoy the beautiful season of winter. Take a moment to listen to the quietude outside and reflect into the depths of yourself. Use the space provided to cultivate that which satisfies and nourishes you, regenerating the resources necessary for the coming spring and summer.

The leaves have turned color in New York City, the clocks turned back and the slight chill of winter lurks around the corner.  As our internal thermostats adjust to accommodate the external environmental changes during the fall, we often find ourselves fighting colds or catching the flu (beyond the hullabaloo of H1N1, there are many strains of simple colds out there – remember those?).  Much to my loving outdoor-hockey-playing boyfriend‘s approval, these “natural alternatives” deliver potent relief when the time is right.  Don’t get me wrong, I am certainly a fan of the occasional Advil or Tylenol PM (also harbored in my medicine cabinet), but sometimes these other things get the job done better.  Yup, that’s right, better.

Chinese medicine offers great remedies to knock out that bug that hasn’t quite become full-blown illness, or strengthen the system to prevent an attack.  Acupuncture works to detoxify the body, and tonify the immune system.  Herbal medicine can do the same and work at a very deep level to re-balance during seasonal shifts and either treat or prevent common ailments. The following are some remedies you can try at home to stay healthy and out of the doctor’s office as winter gingerly approaches.

Gan Mao Ling

A very common patent-herbal remedy for knocking out an on-coming cold before it has the chance to set in is Gan Mao Ling. It is most effective when you feel just on the brink of getting sick.  Take 8-10 pills (they are small, if you are used to taking Chinese herbs, you know what I mean) 3 times daily to nip a cold in the bud.  Take until you feel better, up to a week. If the illness has already sunken in to produce specific symptoms like headache, nasal congestion or cough, this formula is no longer the right one, but it certainly will not make anything worse if you are unsure.  If symptoms do not improve or begin to incorporate chills, try the next step.

Immune Tea

Prepare this tea while taking the Gan Mao Ling, and especially if you are starting to feel fatigued and a slight chill. The warm water will help to clean out bacteria in the mouth and throat, and the herbs will help strengthen the immune system. If you are feeling a chill, drink this and wrap up in a warm blanket - in an effort to break a small sweat, venting the pathogen.

In 4 C water, Boil Together for 10 min:

4-5 Slices Fresh Ginger

The Rind of 1 Tangerine, Cut in Slices

2 Green Onions, Sliced (using both the white & green parts)

Steep for 5min in either 1 peppermint teabag or in chopped fresh peppermint leaves

Pour into a mug with 1 Tbsp honey.  Enjoy several cups.

Other Patents

If your generalized-think-you’re-getting-sick symptoms begin to get more specific, Chinese herbs may still be able to help.  There is a wide variety of time-tested formulas for chest congestion, runny nose, headaches, foggy-headiness, muscle-aches, queasy stomach, sore throat and cough.  It may be too late to avoid getting sick, but such formulas can help your body fight it faster, and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms you feel in the process. Any Certified Chinese herbalist would be able to recommend the right formula for you, which can be purchased in a chinatown pharmacy or herb shop – usually at minimal cost.

If you have the opportunity to speak with a Certified Herbalist for a consultation, they may even combine formulas, or give you something more individualized for your symptoms. Although many Chinese herbs have anti-microbial, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal effects, it is always important to check with your doctor to see if something more serious is going on.

Stay Covered

It is the same as grandma said, and ironically enough it is the same in Chinese medical literature from thousands of years ago: stay covered! On windy days and as the outside temperature fluctuates, it is important to keep vulnerable areas like your neck, the top of your head, abdomen & feet covered.  When exposed, these areas are likely to ‘trap’ external factors in the superficial layer of the body’s defense, thus making you more susceptible to other ailments.

Sleep

In preparation for the hibernation of winter, your body may need more sleep than it did in the hot summer months.  This is actually a healthy sign, and it is important to listen to.  During sleep is when our bodies repair and strengthen, an important part to staying healthy.  It is the easiest prevention technique, so try and make time for a good-nights sleep as part of your health care regime.

Eat Warm Food

There is a reason behind mother-natures seasonal vegetables this time of year, and their need to be cooked (raw sweet-potato or butternut squash is not a delicacy that I know of). Eating cold or raw food causes your digestive system to work harder. Rather than immediately absorbing the nutrition just taken in, it must “cook” the ingested food first, then break it down for energy and nourishment. This takes vital energy away from other parts of your body -like your immune system that is working overtime as the days waver between a chilly 40 and a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit- trying to prevent you from getting sick. Help your immune system by giving your digestive system a break.  Eat easy to digest, seasonal, cooked foods.

This post is proudly a part of Prevention Not Prescriptions Tuesday @ The Kathleen Show.  For more information and to check out some other great health blogs, check this site.