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/2010/01/chinese-food-therapy-herbal-trail-mix/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2010/01/chinese-food-therapy-herbal-trail-mix/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:20:59 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=450

Ever thought that your morning muffin or stir-fry lunch contained not just sustenance, but healing properties? Ancient Chinese medical theory has ascribed certain energetics and functions to many common foods, that still remain true today. Such properties are very different from nutritional values (vitamins, calories, fats, fiber, etc), which came later in the evolution of the nature of food. Let’s take watermelon (Xi Gua) as an example of this idea: our analytical mind knows that this delicious fruit is sweet, refreshing and nutritious with its high water content and fiber. The energetics of this food according to Chinese theory are cooling and damp draining, and therefore can prevent heat stroke on a hot summer day and promote healthy water metabolism by ridding edema. A more relevant example for the winter season would be lamb (Yang Rou), which is warming to the system and promotes optimum functioning. 

Food therapy is considered to be the number one treatment in preventative care and healing therapy. In modern China, there are special restaurants where one can go to receive tailored medicinal meals. After a visit with the Chinese medicine doctor, a pattern diagnosis is ascribed which can then be brought to the chef at such a restaurant. Food will then be prepared in accordance with individual needs – to nourish, eliminate or course any given imbalance. This notion contradicts the idea that one particular diet is best for everyone, but rather tailors nutritional choices based on individual need. What may help one person lose weight and feel energetic, may not be the right fit for someone else. I had the fortune of experiencing this model for myself at the medicinal food restaurant across from the hospital during my one-year clinical rotation in Hangzhou, China.  

Chinese herbal medicine utilizes the combination of roots, barks, leaves, stems and berries to promote health and vitality.  It only makes sense that Chinese Herbal Medicine and Food Therapy often overlap, with many herbal ingredients ending up on typical supermarket shelves. The following is a delicious trailmix you can make at home, as your own “herbal formula prescription.” In addition to curbing hunger between meals, or giving an energy boost before a work-out, this mix is high in antioxidents, essential fatty acids and protein. From the Chinese perspective, it is nourishing to the kidneys; promotes mental clarity, memory function; improves libido, energy and digestion. Enjoy!

Herbal Trail Mix – Common Names with Chinese Names and Functions           

Goji Berries/Wolfberries                                    

Gou Qi Zi -Nourishes the kidney energy, enhances fertility, memory, and sexual function

Walnut Halves                                                          

Hu Tao Ren -Promotes brain function, mental clarity

 Black Sesame Seeds                                                      

Huo Ma Ren -Nourishes blood, improves vision and sluggish digestion.  Black sesame has the additional benefit of promoting lactation in breast-feeding women.

*I like Mrs. May’s Black Sesame Crunch Squares, they are slightly sweetened with honey that provides a great flavor and also aids digestion.

This post is a proud participant in the Kathleen Show’s Prevention Not Prescriptions Blog - a great place for other resources to stay healthy.