Chinese medicine has a rich history of “patent medicines.” This is the term commonly used in the United States to refer to pre-made, over-the-counter herbal remedies. In China, these are referred to as “cheng yao”, or “prepared medicine”. The use of these types of remedies dates back at least 2,000 years. Even the great doctors of Chinese medical history recognized the value and the need for medicines that were readily available, easy to transport, and proven effective for particular complaints.
Seasonal allergies are one of the most common complaints in my practice and amongst the general population. Reaction to flowers, trees and grasses can produce typical symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, etc.
Western therapies most often involve antihistamines and decongestants. While generally effective at relieving symptoms, they tend to produce drowsiness and dryness. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, halting the histamine response and drying out the mucus membranes and fluids of the respiratory system is incorrect treatment.
Allergies represent a compromise of the surface defensive Qi of the body; in loose terminology, the immune system. This in turn is the result of various potential underlying imbalances. Improper treatment may temporarily alleviate symptoms, but has the potential to cause long-term damage and perpetuate the problem. Remedies such as Bi Yan Pian are formulated to more safely and effectively reduce symptom presentation, while individualized treatment can focus on the underlying imbalances that cause them. In this way, over time allergy symptoms may be eliminated.
Magnolia Flower and Honeysuckle Nose Inflammation Pills are based on the common Chinese patent medicine called Bi Yan Pian, or Nose Inflammation Pills. These in turn are largely based on the Chinese formula called Cang Er Zi San, or Xanthium Powder. This simple formula first appeared in 1253 CE in the Chinese medical text written by Yan Yonghe named Ji Sheng Fang, or Formulas to Promote Health. There are many similar versions of Bi Yan Pian available online, in Chinese grocery stores, and through distributors of Chinese herbal medicine. I have formulated my own version based on clinical experience in a geographic region that produces high levels of pollen, and where people have great difficulty with seasonal allergies.
The ingredients of Xin Yi Jin Yin Bi Yan Pian are: magnolia flower (xin yi hua), honeysuckle (jin yin hua), xanthium (cang er zi), ledebouriella (fang feng) angelica (bai zhi), chrysanthenum (ju hua), xanthium (cang er zi), platycodon (jie geng), schizandra berry (wu wei zi), ophiopogon (mai men dong) and scutellaria (huang qin). These herbs relieve the surface, expel wind, open the nose, stop itching, alleviate wheezing, astringe fluids and moisten dryness. From a biomedical perspective, the herbs have anti-allergy and anti-histamine properties. In contrast to stronger and more targeted pharmaceuticals, the herbal actions are mild and more balanced, producing alleviation of symptoms without the negative side-effects.
Magnolia Flower and Honeysuckle Nose Inflammation Pills can be safely used as needed to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies. If allergy symptoms are severe, additional individualized treatment should be incorporated.