Rhinits

See Also Common Cold

Western Diagnosis
Acute URI w/ edema of nasal mucous membrane, nasal discharge & obstruction

Etiology
-Resp. Viruses: Rhinovirus -Bacteria: strep, pneumo, staph

Signs & Symptoms
-Nasal Discharge -Nasal Obstruction -Erythematous, edematous mucosa

Diagnosis
Culture & Sensitivity Allergic Rhinits by Hx & eosinophils in nasal secretions

** Allergic Rhinitis: ** Sneezing, rhinorrhea, congestion, lacrimation, **pruritis of nose, mouth, pharynx, eyes** -Frontal H/A, irritability, anorexia, depression, insomnia -Injected conjunctiva, swollen pale or gray nasal mucosa

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IBIS:

Definition:
Edema and vasodilatation of the nasal mucous membrane, nasal discharge, and congestion.

Etiology:
Rhinitis is the most common expression of an URI. It occurs acutely usually as a result of the common cold; however, other infections may be associated (staph, strep, and pneumococcal). The common cold is due to a number of rhinoviruses as well as a general toxic state in the body that creates favorable conditions for the viruses to replicate and grow. Chronic rhinitis can occur in many conditions, from benign to serious: hay fever and perennial allergic rhinitis; leprosy; syphilis; TB; rhinosclerosis; histoplasmosis, etc.

Types of rhinitis include: • Atrophic rhinitis: This is a chronic condition recognized by an atrophic and sclerotic mucous membrane, crust development, foul odor and patency of the nasal cavities. The patient loses the ability to smell and suffers from recurrent, severe nosebleeds. • Vasomotor rhinitis: This is also a chronic condition recognized by episodic vascular engorgement of the nasal mucous membrane, watery nasal discharge and sneezing. The condition is generally considered idiopathic. • Allergic rhinitis: See "Hayfever". • Perennial allergic rhinitis: The condition is present in the patient throughout the year, although in various degrees of severity. The patient typically complains of chronic nasal congestion and, in children, there is often a loss of hearing. The patients have an allergic history, eosinophilia, and are (+) to testing for multiple common allergens. Patients may have a tendency to develop sinus infections or nasal polyps.

Somatic Therapies:
• deep breathing exercises: at first sign of cold; inhale deeply, hold breath for slow count to 20, exhale deeply, hold for slow count to 10, repeat 40-50x daily (Thrash, 1981, p. 107) • vigorous exercise: to induce sweat, stop and switch to hydrotherapy if headache, pain, muscle soreness(Thrash, 1981, p. 107)

Nutrition:
eating principles: • eat as little as possible • increase Vitamin C foods • increase fluids • short fast

therapeutic foods: • increase foods rich in Vitamin A and C • garlic, onions, oranges, grapefruit, horseradish, lemons, elderberries (Jensen, p. 61) • garlic, onions, leeks, turnips, grapes, pineapple, honey, green leafy vegetables (Jensen, p. 61) • chicken soup: aids in expelling mucus and quickening recovery. (Saketkhoo K, et al. Chest. 1978 Oct;74(4):408-410.)

fresh juices (common cold): • celery and grapefruit (Jensen, p. 50) • watercress and apple with 1/4 tsp. pure cream of tartar (Jensen, p. 50) • coconut milk and carrot (Jensen, p. 50) • celery and grapefruit with 1/4 tsp. pure cream of tartar (Jensen, p. 50) • carrot • carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 131) • carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 152) • carrot and parsley (Walker, p. 152) • carrot, celery, and parsley (Walker, p. 152)

therapeutic foods: Wind-Cold: • ginger, garlic, mustard greens, grapefruit peel, cilantro, parsnip, scallions, cinnamon, basil, soupy rice porridge (Ni, p. 116)

specific remedies: • boil for 5 minutes: garlic, ginger, green onion, basil, mustard or cinnamon, drink and go to bed (Ni, p. 116) • cilantro and ginger tea (Ni, p. 116) • scallion and basil tea (Ni, p. 116) • tea from mustard greens, cilantro and green onion (Ni, p. 116) • tea from parsnip and ginger (Ni, p. 116) • miso soup with ginger and scallions • eat 2 or 3 cloves of raw garlic two to three times per day. (Shefi) • chopped raw onion covered with honey or sugar, cover for 6 hours and take 1 tsp. every hour or as needed for cough

therapeutic foods Wind-Heat type: • mint, cabbage, chrysanthemum flowers, burdock root, cilantro, dandelion, apples, pears (Ni, p. 117)

specific remedies: • cabbage broth (Ni, p. 117) • cilantro and mint tea (Ni, p. 117) • mint, chrysanthemum, and dandelion tea (Ni, p. 117) • mint, dandelion, and licorice tea (Ni, p. 117)

avoid: • heavy protein foods, fats, meats, vinegars, shellfish, cow's milk and other dairy products, white bread, refined foods, processed foods, sugar and sweets, catarrh-forming foods: tofu, meat, ice cream

Botanicals
• Abies canadensis: catarrh with pallid, relaxed mucosa (Felter HW, Lloyd JU. 2) • Achillea millefolium: diaphoretic • Asclepias tuberosa (toxic): use carefully, for breaking a cold (NCNM Botanicals) • Allium sativum: anti-microbial • Artemisia absinthium: hot tea, several cups per day (Weiss RF. 228.) • Baptisia tinctoria: (Beuscher N, et al. Planta Med. 1989 Aug;55(4):358-363; Beuscher N, Kopanski L. Planta Med. 1985 Oct;(5):381-384; Egert D, Beuscher N. Planta Med. 1992 Apr;58(2):163-165.) • Beta vulgaris: stimulant, enhances resistance, need large amounts of juice over time (Weiss, p. 232) • Commiphora myrrha: anti-microbial • Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea: enhances resistance, stimulates lymphatic vascular system (Weiss RF. 229; Melchart D, et al. Phytomedicine 1994;1:245-254; Schilcher H. 1997, 43-45; Dorn M, et al. Compl Ther Med 1997;5:40-42; Melchart D, et al. Arch Fam Med 1998;7:541-545; Grimm W, Mueller HH. Am J Med 1999;106:138-143.) • Eucalyptus spp.: catarrh (Felter HW, Lloyd JU. 735; Schulz V, et al. 1998, 146-147.) • Eupatorium perfoliatum: enhances resistance to infection (Weiss RF. 229.) • Filipendila ulmaria: Meadowsweet contains salicylates; used historically to break fevers and promote sweating during a cold or flu. (Zeylstra H. Br J Phytotherapy 1998;5:8-12.) • Grindelia spp.: allergic rhinitis • Hydrastis canadensis: internally and as a nasal wash to mucosal tissues; berberine and canadine exert a demonstrated antimicrobial and immune-stimulating effect (Felter HW, Lloyd JU. 1027; Bradley PR (ed.) 1992, 119-120; Murray MT. 1995, 162-172.) • Mentha piperita • Myrica cerifera • Nepeta cataria • Pilocarpus jaborandi (toxic): atrophic rhinitis: increases secretions (Ellingwood F. 467.) • Salvia officinalis: apply oil over sinuses, drink infusion 1-2 cups a day (NCNM Botanicals) • Sambucus spp.: hot infusion • Sanguinaria canadensis: burning, itching, tickling of nasal passages with super-abundant secretion (Felter HW. 616) • Sticta pulmonaria: acute coryza with profuse watery secretion (Felter HW, Lloyd JU. 1836; Priest and Priest, 95.) • Stillingia sylvatica: deficient secretion, mucous membranes red and tumid or glistening (Ellingwood F. 376.) • Verbascum thapsus: rhinitis, allergic rhinitis

Chinese Formulae
• Xanthium F. (Cang Er San); Bi Yan Pian (patent): Wind-Heat: acute or chronic rhinitis with copious, purulent and foul-smelling nasal discharge, frontal headache. (Xanthium: Hsu, 1980, p. 196; Yeung, p. 52; Bensky and Barolet, p. 51; Bi Yan Pian: Zhu, p. 53) • Cong Chi Tang: mild Wind-Cold: slight aversion to wind, sneezing, fever (Bensky and Barolet, p. 32; Yeung, p. 59) • Xin Yi San; Chuan Qiong Cha Tiao Wan (patent): Wind-Cold: nasal congestion and pain, persistent copious nasal discharge, loss of smell, headache. (Xin Yi: Yeung, p. 266; Bensky and Barolet, p. 51; patent: Zhu, p. 41) • Jade Screen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San); Lapis 16 (patent): Lung Qi Xu (Deficiency): may be used preventively (Jade Screen: Yeung, p. 280; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 415; Bensky and Barolet, p. 352; Lapis 16: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 48) • Jade Screen (patent) (Dharmananda, 1992, p. 102) • Minor Blue Dragon C. (Xiao Qing Long Tang): Lung Invaded by Wind-Cold with Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency): fever and chills (more chills) without sweating, coughing, wheezing, copious white stringy sputum that is difficult to expectorate, generalized sensation of heaviness. (Flaws, p. 121, Hsu, 1980, p. 43; Yeung, p. 261; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 127; Bensky and Barolet, p. 38) • Cinnamon Combination (Gui Zhi Tang): Wind-Cold: muscle aches, sweating, aversion to wind, fever, headache (Bensky and Barolet, p. 35; Yeung, p. 1156; Hsu, p. 63) • Schizonepeta and Siler F. (Jing Fang Bai Du San): Wind-Cold-Damp: head and body feel heavy, headache, aversion to cold, fever, no sweating (Bensky and Barolet, p. 54; Hsu, p. 609; Yeung, p. 140) • Lonicera and Forsythia F. (Yin Qiao San) (available as patent); Forsythia 18 (patent): Lung Invaded by Wind-Heat (Lonicera: Hsu, 1980, p. 83; Yeung, p. 275; Bensky and Barolet, p. 44; Yin Qiao: Zhu, p. 46; Forsythia: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 67) • Apricot Seed and Perilla F. (Xing Su San): Wind-Cold: cough with thin white phlegm, slightly itchy throat, sneezing, no sweating, headache, general aching (Hsu, 1980, p. 46; Bensky and Barolet, p. 158; Yeung, p. 267). • Morus and Chrysanthemum F. (Sang Ju Yin): Cough with Wind-Heat: cough with sticky or yellow phlegm, dry mouth, painful throat, sweating, aversion to wind, headache (Bensky and Barolet, p. 44; Hsu, 1980, p. 78; Yeung, p. 191) • Ginseng and Perilla C. (Shen Su Yin): Wind-Cold with Phlegm in weak constitution: fever, aversion to cold, headache, stuffy nose, cough with profuse sputum, chest fullness (Bensky and Barolet, p. 54; Yeung, p. 202; Hsu, p. 126) • Ma Huang and Asarum C. (Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang): Wind-Cold in Yang Xu (Deficiency) patient: fever, severe intolerance of cold, pale face, hands and feet cold, deep pulse, pale and plump tongue (Bensky and Barolet, p. 55; Yeung, p. 155; Hsu, 1980, p. 72) • Pueraria C. (Ge Gen Tang): Wind-Cold: stiff and rigid neck, fever and chills without sweating. (Flaws, p. 121, Hsu, 1980, p. 51; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 125; Yeung, p. 105; Bensky and Barolet, p. 51) • Bamboo and Ginseng C.: Heat in the chest: common cold with insomnia, nightmares, palpitations, copious sputum, lingering fever. (Hsu, 1980, p. 90; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 247) • Ilex 15 (patent): Wind-Heat and Fire Toxin (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 70)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: External influence: Lung Invaded by Wind-Heat; Lung Invaded by Wind-Cold; Wind-Cold-Damp; Wind-Cold with Phlegm Internal influence: Lung Qi Xu (Deficiency); Lung Yin Xu (Deficiency)

» therapeutic notes: • with recalcitrant, chronic or recurring condition, see also: "hayfever syndrome", food sensitivities", "sinusitis" and/or "bronchitis" • Rhinitis may be a part of a general pattern of glandular/lymphatic exhaustion that is often often rooted in or at least exacerbated by a chronic, often subclinical, infection in the sinuses and irritation in the oropharyngeal mucous membranes. This area is a common site of primary focal infection from which secondary infections derive. Palpation at reflex sites in proximity of TW-16 ("East Wind") and LI-10.5 and above and below the eyes will confirm this hypothesis. If tender and/or painful points are found, consider needling Lu-7 and the reactive points in the areas of "LI-10.5", "St-2.5", yu yao, east wind/TW-16, and "St-43". Sinus irrigation with saline solution is usually also helpful - see "patient handout: sinus wash". (Matsumoto)

» illustrative combinations: • Lu-7, LI-4, GB-20 and TW-5: disperse External Cold; to release the Exterior and abort common cold, influenza or other initial stages of acute illness, esp. if characterized by sneezing, headache, shoulder and neck tension, aversion to cold, and a floating pulse • GB-20, LI-4, Lu-7 and GV-14 for the common cold; also add LI-20 for nasal obstruction; add GB-20 and tai yang for headache; add LI-11 for high fever; add CV-22 and UB-13 for cough; bleed Lu-11 for sore throat (Liu, p. 246) • GB-20, UB-11, UB-12 and UB-13 for the common cold (Shanghai, p. 168) • GB-20, GV-16, GV-14, GB-1, LI-11, St-36, TW-6, St-44, UB-36/41 and UB-37/42 for the common cold (Shanghai, p. 575) • GB-20, tai yang, yin tang and LI-4 for the common cold or headache • UB-13 and GV-13 for the common cold (Shanghai, p. 575) • UB-7, GV-23, yin tang and LI-4 for rhinitis (Shanghai, p. 143) • LI-20 joined to bi tong with GV-23, LI-11 and LI-4 for nasosinusitis (Shanghai, p. 154) • LI-4 and Lu-7; GB-1, UB-2 and LI-20; GB-20, GV-14, GV-16, GV-20 and GV-28; PC-8 and SI-2; St-3 and St-45; TW-17, GB-15 and GB-19 for nasal catarrh (Mann, p. 141-142) • Lu-5; GB-4, St-8 and UB-12 for sneezing (Mann, p. 142) • Lu-7 and LI-20 for sneezing, nasal obstruction, runny nose and loss of smell • LI-20 and GV-23: treat "nasal congestion impeding the sense of smell" (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 106) • Sp-4 and Lu-9; UB-3, UB-4 and UB-1; UB-56 and UB-60; UB-17 and St-12; LI-20, LI-19, GV-25, GV-16 and UB-10 for anosmia (Mann, p. 142) • PC-6 and PC-7; GV-16, GV-12 and GV-24A; TW-5 and Kd-10 for rhinorrhea associated with tension (Mann, p. 142) • GB-20, GV-23 and LI-20 (can also add: LI-4 and GB-40) for purulent rhinorrhea due to Wind and Heat (Mann, p. 141) • UB-13, Lu-9, LI-20 and LI-4 for allergic rhinitis with nasal discharge due to Lung Qi Xu (Deficiency) (Jirui and Wang, p. 214) • UB-12, GB-20 and GV-16: reduce Wind (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-13 and UB-12: dispel External Evils from the Surface to liberate the Exterior, broaden the chest, and regulate Lung function, esp. Lung Qi (Finkelstein, p. 39; Flaws, 1989, p. 86); for productive cough (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 201) • UB-13 and Lu-1: adjust Qi in the Lung, regulate respiratory tract, and liberate the Exterior (Finkelstein, p. 39) • Lu-7 and TW-5: disperse the Exterior (Finkelstein, p. 3) • GB-20 and GV-14 (-): expel Wind with or without Heat; clear headache • UB-12 (+) and UB-13 (+ and D): tonify Lung; expel Wind; relieve the Exterior • GB-20, Lu-7 and TW-5 for Wind-Cold; GB-20, GV-14, LI-11 and LI-4 for Wind-Heat invasion (can also add: LI-20, bi tong, yin tang, tai yang, CV-22, St-40, UB-12, UB-13 and hua tuo jia ji of C5 to T4) (Shanghai, p. 574) • GV-14 and Lu-7 for Wind-Cold invasion (Shanghai, p. 575) • TW-5, Lu-7 and GB-20: disperse Exterior Cold (Finkelstein, p. 62) • GV-14 and Lu-11 for Wind-Heat invasion (Shanghai, p. 575) • Lu-7 and UB-13: clear Heat from the Lung (Finkelstein, p. 3) • UB-13 and LI-4: clear Heat of the Upper Warmer and moisten the Lung (Finkelstein, p. 39) • Lu-7 and Kd-6: nourish Yin; induce Xu (Deficiency) Fire downward; clear Lung; ease throat; stop cough (Finkelstein, p. 3) • TW-5, LI-4 and GB-20: remove Wind and Heat (Finkelstein, p. 62) • UB-13, Lu-9 and St-40: regulate the Lung (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-13 and CV-17: regulate function of Lung and smooth Qi circulation (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-13 and Lu-5: reduce Heat, clear the Lung, and stop coughing (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-13 and St-40: treat productive cough (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-13, GV-12, Lu-9 and St-40: regulate the Lung, extrude Damp, and dissolve Phlegm (Finkelstein, p. 39) • St-40 and CV-12: regulate the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach so the Spleen can distribute the essential substances and the Water will not be coagulated to Phlegm (Finkelstein, p. 22); • St-40 and PC-6: dissolve Phlegm, expand chest, harmonize the Center, and relieve congestion (Finkelstein, p. 22) • PC-6, St-40 and Lv-3: expand the chest (Finkelstein, p. 22) • UB-20, PC-6, CV-12, CV-14 and St-40: to treat chest, epigastric distention, plentiful, suffocating Phlegm (Flaws, 1989, p. 97) • UB-13, GV-12, Lu-9 and St-40: regulate the Lung (Finkelstein, p. 22) • St-40 and CV-22: dissolve Phlegm, smooth Qi circulation, and pacify breathing (Finkelstein, p. 22); • St-40 and CV-14: dissolve Phlegm (Finkelstein, p. 22) • UB-20, St-40 and CV-12: regulate the Qi, dissolve Dampness, and reduce Phlegm (Finkelstein, p. 22) • GV-12, St-40 and Lu-9: restore order to the Lung and still cough (Finkelstein, p. 22) • Sp-9 and GB-20 with St-40: will enhance effects of St-40 (Finkelstein, p. 22) • UB-13 and UB-38/43 (D): strengthen the Lung (Finkelstein, p. 39) • UB-20 and/or UB-23 (+): tonify Spleen and/or Kidney Yin

Homeopathy
• Aconitum napellus: best remedy at onset, feverish with dryness and tingling in the nostrils; restlessness • Aesculus: dryness of posterior nares and throat; sneezing, followed by severe coryza; stinging and burning pain, dull frontal headache; thin watery discharge, sensitive to inhaled air, mucus drops down and causes choking • Allium cepa: excoriating discharge from nose and bland discharge from eyes; sensation as if hooks were in the larynx, < in a warm room • Ammonium carbonicum: dry stuffed coryza, < at night; breathes with mouth open; inability to blow the nose • Arsenicum album: thin watery discharge from the nose with irritation and sneezing; restlessness • Arsenicum iodatum: frequent sneezing, copious watery nasal discharge that burns the lips; burning watery discharge from the eyes like ars. but in open air and cold application • Belladonna: smell acute, at other times dull; frequent sneezing; tickling, esp. in left nostril; one side stopped; suppressed catarrh with maddening headache • Bryonia: nose blocked with congestion in the head; cannot breathe through the nose; dry cough with pain in the chest; excellent remedy for flu • Benzoicum acidum: seems to smell dust, cabbage or something stinking; coldness in head from every exposure to cold; sneezing with lightness of head and hoarseness • Carbo vegetabilis: watery discharge with irritation extending into chest accompanied by hoarseness and rawness • Causticum: hoarseness and catarrhal aphonia; frequent sneezing with pains in chest; fluent coryza with pain in chest and limbs; itching of tip of nose and alae, as well as inside; rawness and burning under sternum • Eupatorium perfoliatum: coryza with aching in every bone; lassitude; fluent coryza with sneezing and hoarseness; weight over head and forehead, nose and eyes both streaming with water at intervals • Euphrasia: reverse of all-c., the discharge from the eyes is acrid whereas from the nose is bland • Ferrum phosphoricum: it is specific for colds at early stages; use 30C • Gelsemium: bland discharge from the nose which is thick; sneezing; headache, chilliness in the back and aching pains • Graphites: frequent discharge of thick, yellowish, fetid pus from nose; painful dryness of nose, bleeding of nose; periodical attacks of fluent coryza, with continual stoppage and breathing through the mouth; dullness and heat in head, face, esp. the nose; soreness of larynx with tickling cough, obstruction of nose with badly smelling slime, sometimes discharge of bloody mucus • Hepar sulphur: after partial relief from merc-s., generally when every breath of cold air causes a new attack of catarrh or headache, or when it remains confined to one nostril and headache < by motion; nose swollen and sore to touch, sensation when swallowing as something sticking in throat • Kali carbonicum: opening up of the nose in open air with burning and headache which is very severe; the nose stuffs up in warm room; headache disappears when the discharge appears • Kali iodatum: nose red and swollen externally, discharge cool (ars. hot), irritating, acrid, watery; tightness at root of nose, < least cold; chilliness alternating with feverishness; rheumatic pains, < evening, preceded by chilliness • Lachesis: coryza preceded for one or two days by a feeling of soreness, rawness and scraping in the throat; excessive sneezing; extremely copious watery mucus; swelling and soreness of the nares and lips; plugs in the nostrils; instead of discharge, obstruction of the nose, ill-humor; inability to drink, intense throbbing headache relieved as soon as coryza is established • Lycopodium: catarrh of nose and frontal sinuses, discharge yellow, thick; frontal headache, yellow complexion, nose swollen, discharge acrid, posterior nares dry, nose stopped at the root, breathes with open mouth and protruding tongue, especially at night; burning headache when shutting eyes • Mercurius corrosivus: nasal catarrh thick, acrid and glue like, excoriating • Natrum arsenicosum: dull supraorbital headache, feeling of fullness of head and face; eyes heavy and at times soreness of eyeballs, burning of eyes and congestion of conjunctiva; watery discharge from one or both nostrils, or stoppage of nose; dry cough, < mornings, must breathe with mouth open at night • Natrum carbonicum: violent sneezing, profuse discharge of rather thin white mucus, < from least exposure to air or removing an article of clothing; loss of smell and taste; nose stopped up at night, < on alternate days, > after sweats (merc. < after sweat); removes disposition to catch cold • Natrum muriaticum: catarrh of frontal sinuses with neuralgic pains, involving the sinus and eye, often extending down to the cheek-bone, with puffiness of the eyes, < when moving the eye, especially when looking downward; squirming in the right nostril as of a small worm; sneezing < undressing at night, or rising in the morning; loss of smell and taste; great liability to catch cold; discharge of clear mucus alternating with stoppage of nose; hoarseness and tickling cough; nose sore and interior swollen, fever-blisters • Nitricum acidum: coryza, especially when associated with some malignant disease, as scarlatina of diphtheria; discharge watery, offensive, excoriating every part it touches; fetor in throat, with sensation of a splinter there • Nux vomica: stuffing up of the nose in a warm room • Phosphorus: coryza fluid or dry; dullness of head; sleepiness, esp. during the day and after meals; blowing blood from the nose; frequent sneezing; dry crust adhering firmly; profuse discharge flowing down into fauces; neck swollen, eyes staring, cold begins in chest and runs up nose (ars. nose first, runs down chest) • Phytolacca: total obstruction of the nose, when riding, so that he has to breathe through the mouth, not relieved by blowing the nose, flow of mucus from one nostril, while the other is stopped; thin watery discharge from the nostrils, increasing until the nose is stopped up, mucus discharged with difficulty, constant hawking • Pulsatilla: coryza fluid or dry; loss of taste and smell; nostrils sore, wings raw, later yellow-green discharge, < in-doors; chilliness, face pale, head confused, frontal headache; chronic, thick yellow, bland discharge or later yellow, green and offensive • Rhus toxicodendron: copious coryza with redness and edema of throat; severe aching in bones; sneezing, dry cough, < from evening till midnight, and from uncovering body • Rumex crispus: dull headache < by motion; sore feeling in eyes, without any external sign of inflammation; fluent coryza; painful irritation in nostrils; violent and rapid sneezing; feeling of dryness in posterior nares; cough excited by tickling in throat-pit and < by least current of air; hoarseness • Sabadilla: hay fever, coryza, with severe frontal pains and redness of eyelids, violent sneezing, and copious watery discharge from nose and eyes • Sanguinaria: post-nasal catarrh; chronic bronchitis and laryngitis • Sepia: dry coryza, nostrils sore, swollen, ulcerated and scabby, discharging large green plugs; very sensitive;to noise, music and odors, smell of cooking nauseates • Silicea: nasal catarrh due to suppression of foot sweat • Squilla: nasal discharge fluent and corrosive; absence of sweat; internal chilliness with external heat, or intense heat followed by chilliness and soon as patient uncovers; painful stitches in different parts of chest; loose morning cough, more fatiguing than dry evening cough • Staphysagria: violent coryza, one nostril is stuffed up; much sneezing and lacrimation; with nasal voice, dull feeling in head, with inability to perform any mental labor • Sticta pulmonaria: excessive dryness of the nasal mucous membrane, which becomes painful; secretions dry; rapidly forming scabs difficult to dislodge, swallowing painful, from dryness in the throat, < at night; incessant sneezing; burning in the eyes; dull frontal headache, with feeling of fullness at the root of nose; hard, dry barking cough • Sulphur: profuse discharge of burning water, fluent burning coryza out-doors, nose stopped up in-doors; frequent sneezing; discharge of blood from the nose on blowing; loss of smell, soreness and ulceration of nostrils

Subtle Support
• notes: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, G, G#

• chords: dominant 7th, diminished 7th, diminished 8th, A Major, A# Major, C Major, G Major, G# Major (Gimbel, p. 116)

Mind/Body
• The common cold is not a disease so much as institution. It is employed by those who don't want to be particularly ill, but want a period of incapacity. (Harrison, p. 138) • A study of 128 patients with allergic rhinitis were divided into two groups: those with hay fever (91 patients) and those with perennial allergic rhinitis (37 patients). Conclusion was that psychogenic factors are practically of no importance in hay fever but play a great involvement in perennial allergic rhinitis. (Locke, 1983, p. 89) • Emotional dysfunction; susceptible, as result of emotional exhaustion brought on by living 'busyness.' (Shealy, p. 211) • Any minor respiratory complaint is used to rebalance the psyche and internal organs. (Harrison, p. 138) • Rhinitis or influenza permits us to withdraw somewhat from the particular situation that is oppressing us and devote all of our attention to ourselves. Now we can give full vent to our sensitivity on the bodily level. The nose is blocked and makes all communication (as a form of contact) impossible. We get further impressive backing to this defensive attitude by sneezing, and expiration is turned into a highly aggressive defense-weapon. Even language's role as a means of communication is reduced to a minimum by a sore throat, and if the tonsils swell up, one might wonder what it is that we are not longer prepared to swallow, to accept. (Dethlefsen, p. 123) • Too much going on at once; mental confusion, disorder; small hurts; belief system that it happens every winter, etc. (Hay, 1984, p. 160)

• Lung ~ Fei is the home of the Po (Corporeal Soul); governs the Qi; facilitates the immune function by assisting the dispersal of the Wei (Protective) Qi; regulates the rhythm of respiration, the pulse, and all bodily processes; relates to strength and sustainability; includes the throat; and opens at the nose. » Healthy expressions are righteousness and courage. » Weakness, dysfunction, and illness associated with excessive grief, sadness, worry, and depression. » Lung Xu (Deficiency) signs include cold shoulder and back; changing complexion; and inability to sleep (Seem, p. 28); shortness of breath; changes in urine color; rumbling in the bowels with loose bowel movements; pallor; malar flush; chills; sniffles; sneezing; light cough; and sensitivity to cold. Chronic Lung Yin Xu (Deficiency) increases susceptibility to acute Shi (Excess) conditions such as Phlegm, Wind, Heat and Cold. » Lung Shi (Excess) signs include panting; yawning; sneezing (Seem, p. 28); pain in the upper back, shoulder, and chest; colds with stuffed nose; hoarseness; wheezing respiration; frequent urination with small amounts; heavy chest; reduced lung capacity; coughing; and nasal discharge.
 * Chinese psychophysiology:**

» Mental signs of Bladder channel disorders include changeable moods, over-enthusiasm, suspicion, jealousy, lack of confidence, and mental lassitude. (Seem, p. 28)

» Mental signs of Gall Bladder channel disorders include bitterness, lack of control, irritability, unfaithfulness, lack of courage, timidity, and hypochondria. (Seem, p. 28)

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; and muscular weakness. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines. » Spleen Shi (Excess) signs include heaviness (excess "form"); large abdomen; great sighing; sadness; obsessions and nightmares (Seem, p. 28); abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips; red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; and constipation. Dampness and Phlegm Shi (Excess) usually derive from Spleen Yang and/or Qi Xu (Deficiency). » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.

Integrative Therapies
The common cold is an infection that usually involves the nose and throat. The symptoms are sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and sometimes joint aches and a sore throat.

Many factors can decrease the ability of the immune system and cause a person to catch a cold. These factors include improper diet, stress, not enough rest, lack of exercise, and abuse of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs.

Nasal discharge, coughing, and fever are ways in which the body re-establishes its balance and eliminates the virus and waste products. Therefore, symptoms should not be simply suppressed. Instead, attention should be focused on strengthening the immune system and speeding up healing.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Beta-carotene – 100,000 Units twice daily. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of Beta-carotene a day.

2. Vitamin C – For adults, 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. For small children, 250 milligrams every 2 hours. Decrease the dose if diarrhea results. It's better to use vitamin C with bioflavonoids, which improve its action.

3. Zinc – 15-25 milligrams every 2 hours only while symptoms are present. Zinc lozenges, which coat the throat when it is sore, can be used. Zinc gluconate and zinc gluconate-glycine are the forms which have demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in studies.

4. Thymus Tablets – 1 every 2 hours.

THE PROPER DIET FOR COLDS AND FLU WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Increase liquid intake to at least 10 cups a day for an adult. Drink water, soups, herbal teas, broth, and citrus fruits, especially grapefruit. Note: Grapefruit juice may interact with some medications so check with your physician or pharamacist.

2. If you do not have much appetite, it is not essential to eat solid foods for 2 or 3 days unless you are pregnant. If you do wish to eat, have light meals of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

3. At least while symptoms are present, eliminate milk and dairy products, which lead to mucus production.

4. Try to eliminate sweets such as pastries and candies, which slow down the white blood cells, the part of the immune system which fights the virus.

HERBS USED FOR COLDS AND FLU:

1. Garlic – 2 capsules or 1 clove, 3 times a day with a meal or beverage.

2. Onion-honey syrup – Chop an onion in a bowl and cover with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Allow it to sit for 8 hours, then mash and strain. For an adult, 1 teaspoon every 2 to 3 hours. Half a teaspoon for small children.

3. Onion and Garlic can be made into a tea with the herb Sage and lemon and honey. Use 2 cups of boiling water, 1 teaspoon onion or garlic, 1 teaspoon Sage leaves, and lemon and honey to taste. Steep 5 minutes, and drink 1 cup per hour while hot. This may encourage sweating, which can speed up recovery.

4. Some studies have shown that the old remedy of chicken soup aids in expelling mucus and quickening recovery.

5. The following herbal mixture can be used as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. Mix the following:

• Echinacea – 2 parts • Astragalus – 2 parts. This is a Chinese herb. • Golden Seal – 1 part • Yarrow – 1 part

For an adult, 1 teaspoon of the tincture 4 times a day. For children, 5 drops times the age 4 times a day.

In capsule form these herbs can be used in combination, up to 10 capsules a day in divided doses

HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue. Take 3 times a day.

• Influenzinum 30C or Aconite 30C: At the first sign of a cold, only to be taken for the first day.

• Allium cepa. 12C: For clear, burning, watery nasal discharge.

• Kali bichromicum 12C: For thick, yellow-greenish discharge or crusts in the nose.

• Natrum mur 12C: For recurring colds with sneezing and a whitish nasal discharge, sticky like egg whites.

AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES:

1. For nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, breathe the steam of a vaporizer or a pot of boiling water for 5 to 15 minutes. Drape a towel over your head and the pot to prevent the loss of steam. This treatment is even more effective if you add the oil or leaves of Eucalyptus, Pine, Cloves, or Thyme. If you are not using a commercial vaporizer, be sure not to burn yourself.

2. Remember to get plenty of rest. Most people catch a cold or flu when they miss sleep or are overworked, stressed, or overexposed to bad weather.

If a sore throat or cough is present, you may want to refer to the article on sore throats (pharyngitis) or on cough.