A review of allergic rhinitis in traditional Chinese medicine

Allergic rhinitis comes within snuffle in Chinese medicine. For generations, physicians have believed that the internal factors that cause this disease are pulmonary tuberculosis, splenic hypofunction and loss of virility, and its external factors are a cold, an uncommon atmosphere and an uncommon flavor. From the viewpoint of Chinese medicine, this symptom was fundamentally cured by "abidance by individuality, locality and seasons", on the basis of demonstration. In result, visceral function was recovered. In Chinese medicine, a disease is etiologically cured by the principles of Wholism and by discriminating among symptoms. In particular, "method for replenishing Qi and securing Exterior" has been widely used among the foregoing therapeutics. According to modern pharmacology, Astragli Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Ledebouriellae Radix all have antihistaminic effects and strengthen of the masticating and swallowing function of the recticuloendothelial system. This disease can be cured by controlling immunity and allergic reactions. Besides, it is necessary to take moderate exercise, to strengthen constitution, to avoid causative substances, to control ingesting flesh, meat and shrimps, to eat little, and to avoid what is cold and raw.