Female 65, with springtime allergic rhinitis (hay fever) successfully treated with 2 weeks of herbal medicine

About the Author

Nicholas Kimble, N.D.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Interest in Traditional Medicine & Eastern Medicine

Main Signs and Symptoms

Patient presenting to my clinic during the onset of spring with allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

On inspection: itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, redness, runny nose

The patient in previous years had been given rounds of steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs for the issue. However, due to recent clinical successes in my clinic she was wanting to try herbal medicine.

After 2 weeks of treatment, her symptoms had completely resolved. This was a successful treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

This is hay fever to to exogenous Wind invasion. Where the Wei Qi is weak, Wind can penetrate causing Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold.

My treatment objective was to tonify the Wei Qi and secure the Exterior. Additionally, I sought to release Exterior Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat, unblock the nasal passages and reduce swelling. The standard combination of formulas I use for these cases are:

Bi Min Gan Wan (Magnolia & Scute Formula)

plus

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen Formula)

The patient reported 2 weeks later at her next consultation that her symptoms had completely resolved and she did not require medical intervention.

I advised her to take Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen Formula) for the duration of Spring, to prevent recurrence of the issue.

Note: higher doses are required to achieve a good clinical effect, especially in acute phases.