Cocklebur Fruit and Seasonal Allergy Relief

By Tamara Wolfson

There is often great medicinal value in what we think of as our weeds.
 

The Girl with the Cockleburs in Her Hair
By Robert Michael Pyle

We were talking about how children don’t
get out any more. She showed me
her daughter on her cell phone:
big pout, and four big burs
caught up in her hair.
That girl, I said, is
going to be
okay.

— from Evolution of the Genus Iris

As the warm days and early spring weather is triggering pollen bursts in the plants of the Bay Area, it’s time to collect our natural remedy allies to help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of hay fever; red, drippy, itchy eyes, congested sinuses, sneezing and runny noses, headache, dizziness. One of our effective Chinese medicinal herbals for this is cocklebur fruit, Fructus xanthii or cang er zi. It is one our amazing go-to plants to help clear and dry nasal passages, in addition to itchy rashes, and even pain.

 
Vitamin C

Decreases the permeability of cells, has a powerful anti-histamine action and detoxifies foreign substances entering the body. Recommended dosage is 1,000-3,000 milligrams daily.
 

Quercetin Quercetin is a bioflavonoid, a plant pigment that gives fruit, flowers, and vegetables their color, and an antioxidant that helps reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. It also provides anti-inflammtory properties. Quercetin may also help allergy symptoms because it stops immune cells from producing histamines, which can trigger allergic reactions. Recommended dosage is usually 500mg three times a day for the most benefit.

Honey, Pollen, and Propolis A mixture of local honey, pollen, and propolis is an excellent antioxidant and effective tool for supporting immune function and also reducing the menacing symptoms of hayfever. These work by desensitizing your body’s immune system to other pollens. They also contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that give relief from various symptoms of hay fever. Recommended dosage is 2 teaspoons daily.

Bromelain Bromelain is an enzyme found naturally in pineapples and is helpful in reducing nasal swelling and mucus, making it easier for you to breathe. Bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, bromelain supports normal mucosal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin. Recommended dosage is 500 mg and 2,000 mg a day divided into two doses.

Stinging Nettle The leaf is used for respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies. Nettle is an effective histamine blocker as well as an inflammation reducer, and it has been used successfully to treat allergic rhinitis. Stinging nettle is great to take as a strong herbal tea throughout the day.

 
Nutritional Recommendations

Eat probiotics
Increase consumption of green leafy vegetables
Avoid sugar, dairy, fried foods, and grains

Tamara Wolfson graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in research psychology and completed a second major in mental health psychology at Southern Connecticut State University. She attended Tristate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine; a three-year Chinese medical institute in New York City and received her first diploma in acupuncture.

Tamara's clinical work included a collaborative effort of both Chinese and Western medical physicians and interns working together at the Sidney Hillman Healthcare Clinic in New York City. Her training encompassed acupuncture, Chinese and Japanese massage, herbology, Chinese dietary therapy, guasa, and moxibustion.

She obtained a second degree, an M.S. in Oriental Medicine after attending a four-year program at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Her osteopathic training has been an integration of two Japanese-based neuromuscular reeducation systems, Sotai-ho and Anma, and the powerful Chinese system of Tui-na. These modalities are all focused on returning natural body alignment by working with the breath and moving toward comfort rather than adjusting toward pain while untwisting muscular holding patterns.

During Tamara's oriental medical training she studied healing foods from an energetic perspective with a highly respected teacher, Jeffrey Yuen, who is the 88th-generation lineage holder of the Jade Purity school of Taoism. Master Yuen discussed defining and categorizing food as a healing tool much the same way we Chinese practitioners categorize and treat with Chinese herbs. She found this approach to food to be absolutely fascinating and over the past two decades has devoted herself to understanding how we heal through food. She has incorporated recipes and lifestyle suggestions into her healing work to support eating the best foods possible according to seasonal changes and constitutional health.

Tamara has brought this information to the San Francisco Culinary Academy where she taught vegetarian cooking classes in addition to places like Whole Foods Market, Rainbow Grocery, and Good Earth Natural Foods. In addition, she has taught for San Francisco State University’s department of continuing education at the Embarcadero Farmer’s Market and for University of San Francisco General Hospital’s Cancer Awareness, Resources and Education Program.

Click here to visit Tamara’s website.