Seasonal allergies are a common problem for many girls, with little pimples, sneezing, and a runny nose making a comeback. Ingredients: 15g of Magnolia flower, 12g of Cocklebur fruit, 400-500g of pork lung, 4-5 bowls of water (approx. 1000ml-1250ml) Steps: Use a hose to fill the lung's trachea with water, then knead and rub it vigorously until white foam and impurities are expelled. Repeat this process until no more foam appears, indicating it is clean. Pat the pork lung dry, stir-fry it in a dry wok until it's dry, then cut it into pieces. Simmer the pork lung, Cocklebur fruit, Magnolia flower, and water for 3 hours. Seasonal allergies are a common problem for many girls, with little pimples, sneezing, and a runny nose making a comeback. Food therapy for combating allergic skin has been quite popular recently. Here, the editor recommends a few food therapies, hoping they will be helpful to everyone!
Skin allergies in autumn mainly fall into two situations:
Autumn dermatitis This is a photosensitive skin disease, primarily caused by an allergic reaction to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. It mainly manifests as red patches, rashes the size of millet grains, or mild peeling on exposed areas like the face. In severe cases, blisters can also appear. But why does it happen when the spring sun isn't as intense as the summer's? Because UV radiation is lowest in winter, and the body adapts to this low-UV environment. In spring, as UV levels increase, the skin's sensitivity to UV rays also heightens. This makes epidermal cells more susceptible to UV damage, leading to dilated and congested capillaries and red patches, papules, and other rashes on the skin. This is what is commonly known as "peach blossom rash."
Quick tips:
Consult a dermatologist. Do not use hot water or steam to relieve itching. Stop using whitening and exfoliating skincare products and switch to moisturizing ones to keep your face clean. Avoid irritating foods, limit high-fat and high-sugar diets, and steer clear of alcohol and seafood. Eat more fresh vegetables, soy products, and you can also consume more glutinous rice, sesame seeds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
Pollen allergy This is an allergic reaction caused by pollen acting as an antigen. The mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are stimulated by the antigen, leading to inflammation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that pollen allergies are caused by "wind evil," due to the windy and dry climate in spring. Pollen allergies typically occur annually and are influenced by the weather; for example, rain can significantly alleviate symptoms. Common symptoms of pollen allergy include itching, watery eyes and nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, it can even cause vision damage, asthma, and other allergic reactions.
Quick tips:
Pollen allergies cannot be cured so far; symptoms can only be managed with medication. Western medicine generally uses antihistamines. TCM, however, focuses on prevention, believing that "if vital energy is stored within, pathogens cannot interfere." Therefore, during peak seasons, it's important to boost the body's resistance. Besides avoiding allergens, you should also eat less "heaty" foods and drink more water to strengthen your immune system.
Earlier, a study in Japan suggested that lactic acid bacteria can inhibit allergies, so drinking more yogurt can help prevent them. Additionally, those with "heaty" constitutions can eat more snow pears and nourishing soups like snow fungus; those with "cold" constitutions should eat more Chinese yam and goji berries. Also, drinking a cup of monk fruit tea once a week (except for those with a weak spleen and stomach) can protect the throat.
Anti-allergy ingredient: Magnolia flower
Magnolia flower is particularly effective for allergic rhinitis and is sold in most Chinese medicine shops. The best quality is characterized by silvery-willow-like appearance, smooth, even, and slightly greenish down. Effects: Soothes coughs and regulates qi; particularly effective for allergic rhinitis.
Magnolia flower stewed with eggs
Serving size: For one person
Ingredients: 15g of Magnolia flower, 1 egg, 2 bowls of water (approx. 500ml)
Steps: Place the egg and Magnolia flower in a pot and bring to a rolling boil for 20 minutes. Then, remove the egg, plunge it into cold water to make it easier to peel. Return the peeled egg to the original broth and simmer until the liquid is reduced to one bowl. Eat both the egg and the soup.
Magnolia flower and Cocklebur fruit stewed with pork lung
Serving size: For 2-3 people
Ingredients: 15g of Magnolia flower, 12g of Cocklebur fruit, 400-500g of pork lung, 4-5 bowls of water (approx. 1000ml-1250ml)
Steps: Use a hose to fill the lung's trachea with water, then knead and rub it vigorously until white foam and impurities are expelled. Repeat this process until no more foam appears, indicating it is clean. Pat the pork lung dry, stir-fry it in a dry wok until it's dry, then cut it into pieces. Simmer the pork lung, Cocklebur fruit, Magnolia flower, and water for 3 hours.