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Magnolia Clear Sinus  

 

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Rhinitis or sinusitis with clear, white nasal discharge

* Seasonal allergies, especially in spring

* General nasal problems, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, loss of smell, and clear watery nasal discharge 

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiallergic and antihistamine effects to treat sinusitis and/or rhinitis

* Anti-inflammatory effect to constrict the vessels in the nasal mucosa to treat rhinitis and/or sinusitis

* Antibiotic and antiviral effects to treat bacterial and viral infections

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Unblocks nasal congestion and disperses wind-cold

* Transforms congested fluids

* Warms the Lung

 

DOSAGE

For treatment of sinusitis or rhinitis, take 4 to 6 capsules with warm water three times daily between meals. For prevention, begin taking 3 capsules three times daily just prior to the start of allergy season.

 

INGREDIENTS


Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)

Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii), dry fried

Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae)

Che Qian Cao (Herba Plantaginis)

Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)

Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae)

Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)

Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis)

Gao Ben (Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici)

Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis)

Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae)

Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae)

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)

Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae)

Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus)


 

BACKGROUND

Rhinitis and sinusitis are common disorders of the nose. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing. Rhinitis is usually caused by allergy, irritation, and viral infection. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses with symptoms such as nasal obstruction and congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, pain, fatigue and fever. Sinusitis may be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Magnolia Clear Sinus is formulated to treat rhinitis, sinusitis and allergies due to wind-cold and fluid congestion. Clinically, patients will have a stuffy nose, clear watery discharge, sneezing, loss of smell, and headache.

        Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) unblocks nasal congestion and treats loss of smell with its acrid, dispersing and warming properties. Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii) helps Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) to relieve allergy symptoms of sneezing, white watery nasal discharge, and/or nasal obstruction. Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), Gao Ben (Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici), and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) are used to alleviate sinus pain and headache. Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis) warms the interior, transforms congested fluids and dispels nasal congestion. Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae) and Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) expel lingering pathogenic factors and prevent allergies from turning into a cold or triggering an asthma attack. With its ascending property, Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) is used as a guiding herb. Che Qian Cao (Herba Plantaginis) drains nasal obstruction and postnasal drip caused by dampness and water congestion through diuresis. Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) unblocks sinus congestion by regulating qi, while Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) dispels phlegm, expands the chest, and relieves constipation. To counterbalance the strong dispersing property of this formula, a small amount of Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) is added to prevent the leakage of Lung qi. Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae) is used to relieve sinus headaches commonly associated with sinus congestion. Lastly, Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) harmonizes the formula.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.

* Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii) used in this formula have been carefully dry fried at a high temperature until they appear dark brown or slightly charred, as dictated by Chinese Materia Medica. Dry frying is necessary because this process simultaneously increases the effect [by enhancing the extraction of active compounds] and decreases the side effects [by destroying the undesired glycosides]. Nonetheless, because Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii) is metabolized by the liver and eliminated by the kidney, individuals with pre-exiting liver or kidney diseases should not take this formula.[1]

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* Approximately 25% of all sinusitis are related to food allergies. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify and avoid the allergy. Common allergens include milk, wheat, eggs, citrus fruits, corn, and peanuts.

* Magnolia Clear Sinus is more effective for sinusitis and rhinitis due to seasonal allergies. Pueraria Clear Sinus is more effective for sinus infections.

 

Pulse Diagnosis by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang:

* Tent pulse, a convex-shaped pulse that collapses upon pressure, on the right cun.

* Yangqiao pulse, a pulse extending distally from the cun position towards the middle finger on the right hand. It is one of the eight extra meridian pulses.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* For sinusitis or rhinitis with yellow nasal discharge, use Pueraria Clear Sinus.

* For infection of the ear, nose and throat, add Herbal ENT.

* With cough, add Respitrol (CF).

* To treat cold-type respiratory disorders with chills, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, or congestion, combine with Respitrol (Cold).

* For respiratory infection due to heat with yellow post-nasal discharge, add Respitrol (Heat).

* To enhance the overall antibacterial function, add Herbal ABX.

* To enhance the overall antiviral function, add Herbal AVR.

* With post-nasal drip or damp and phlegm in the lung, add Pinellia XPT.

* With more underlying damp and phlegm with Spleen qi deficiency, add Pinellia Complex.

* For nasal symptoms associated with environmental or toxic poisoning, add Herbal DTX.

* For sinus congestion with sinus headache, add Corydalin (AC).

* To strengthen the overall constitution, use Imperial Tonic.

* To enhance immunity against allergies, take Immune + at a low dose (1 to 2 capsules a day) during non-allergy seasons.

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Yingxiang (LI 20), Yintang (Extra 1), Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36)

* Lieque (LU 7), Hegu (LI 4), Yingxiang (LI 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Zanzhu (BL 2)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Allergy: Mu (T 11.17), Linggu (T 22.05), Tianshi (T 33.15), Dishi (T 33.14), Renshi (T 33.13), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19), Yingxiang (LI 20), Tongtian (T 88.03), Tongguan (T 88.01), Zhenjing (T 1010.08), Shangli (T 1010.09), Shuitong (T 1010.19), Shuijin (T 1010.20), Fenjin (T 44.01), Zhengben (T 1010.12). Bleed dark veins nearby Sihuawai (T 77.14). Bleed before needling for best result.

* Nose (stuffy): Linggu (T 22.05), Jianzhong (T 44.06), Mu (T 11.17), Tianshi (T 33.15), Dishi (T 33.14), Renshi (T 33.13), Zhenjing (T 1010.08), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19) 

* Absence of smell: Fukuai (T 1010.15), Liukuai (T 1010.16), Simashang (T 88.18), Simazhong (T 88.17), Simaxia (T 88.19). Bleed dark veins nearby Sihuashang (T 77.08), Sihuazhong (T 77.09), Sihuaxia (T 77.11) and Weizhong (BL 40). Bleed before needling for best result.  

 

Master Tung¡¦s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Allergy, sinusitis, rhinitis: Needle Lianquan (CV 23) using the Remove Dust 7 needling technique (from Ling Shu). Needle bilaterally Tianrong (SI 17), Fenjin (T 44.01), Sanyinjiao (SP 6).

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Chize (LU 5), Taiyuan (LU 9), Zusanli (ST 36), Xiangu (ST 43)  

* Right side: Sanjian (LI 3), Quchi (LI 11), Taibai (SP 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9)  

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Nose, Adrenal Gland, Prostate Gland. Tape ear seeds and switch ears every three days.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Stuffy nose: Lung, Internal Nose, Adrenal Gland, External Ear, Nasopharynx. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Allergies: Allergic Area, Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Spleen. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Allergic rhinitis: Internal Nose, External Nose, Adrenal Gland, Endocrine, Allergic Area, Spleen, Lung, Sympathetic. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Chronic rhinitis: Internal Nose, External Ear, Lower Lung, Allergic Area, Adrenal Gland

* Sinusitis: Upper Jaw, Upper Palate, Forehead, Internal Nose, External Ear, San Jiao, Lung, Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, corresponding points

* Loss of smell: Internal Nose, Lower Lung, Brain Stem, Sympathetic, Endocrine, San Jiao, Large Intestine, Auriculotempo Nerve, Coronary Vascular Subcortex, Olfactory Center

* Nasopharyngitis, post-nasal drip: Nasopharynx, Sympathetic, Allergic Area, Lung, Endocrine, Trachea. Bleed Ear Apex.

 

NUTRITION

* Reduce or eliminate intake of dairy foods (i.e., milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), as they create dampness and increase mucus production.

* Drink plenty of distilled water throughout the day to promote drainage.

* Make sure the diet is adequate in supplies of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous lining of the respiratory tract. Vitamin C is well recognized for its effect to prevent and treat infection.

* Avoid raw or cold food and beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.

* Avoid fried or greasy foods as they create dampness and phlegm.

* Avoid the following cooling foods: tofu, tomato, celery, asparagus, bamboo, seaweed, kelp, bitter melon, cucumber, gourd, luffa, winter melon, oranges, grapefruit, pear, banana, papaya, watermelon, white radish, mustard leaf, potherb mustard, cactus, Chinese kale, napa, and bamboo sprout. Long-term use of cold fruits and vegetables like the ones listed above may be damaging to the Spleen. To make the property more neutral, one can add about 20 pieces of Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) when cooking.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Allergy

¡± Recommendations: ginger, onions, garlic, bamboo shoots, cabbage beets, beet top tea, carrots, leafy greens, yams, ganoderma mushroom.

¡± Drink ginger tea to induce sweating.

¡± Drink beet top tea as a water source.

¡± Avoid wheat, citrus fruits, chocolate, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, potatoes, polluted meats, and polluted air.

* Chronic sinusitis

¡± Recommendations: ginger, green onions, magnolia flower, bananas, garlic, black mushrooms, chrysanthemum flowers, mulberry leaves, and apricot kernel.

¡± Make tea from magnolia flower, basil, ginger, and green onion. Drink three times daily for at least one week.

¡± Combine magnolia flowers and eggs, cook and eat.

¡± Make tea from mulberry leaves and chrysanthemums, then cook rice porridge in the tea, adding apricot kernels.

¡± Boil tea of mint, basil, and ginger. While boiling the tea, inhale the steam through the nose, three times daily for at least two months.

¡± Avoid extremes of exposure to weather elements, coffee, smoking, stress, picking the nose, polluted air and smog.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Avoid allergens that may trigger sinusitis and rhinitis whenever possible.

* Application of a saline solution to the nose three to four times daily helps to reduce nasal congestion.

* Strengthen the immune system by exercising, reducing worry and stress, and developing a normal sleep habit.

* Steam inhalation is helpful to drain sinus infection. Nasal septum flushing with cold saline water is helpful to desensitize the nose to temperature and common allergens. Repeatedly perform nasal flush for one to two minutes every morning.

 

CASE STUDIES

* T.W., a 34-year-old female, presented with chronic nasal congestion, allergies, headaches, and migraines. Her headaches were worse around the time of menses and when sinus pressure occurred she used nasal sprays and post nasal drips. She had been treated with birth control pills for 16 years with limited success. In addition, the patient had been taking Lexapro (escitalopram) for anxiety and was experiencing loose stools three times daily. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as damp and phlegm stagnation; the Western diagnosis was sinus pain and migraines. Magnolia Clear Sinus was prescribed at three pills three times daily together with Corydalin (AC) at the same dosage. The results were very positive. She reported her breathing was clearer through her nose, and did not get any headaches until two weeks later when she began teaching again at school. Submitted by L.W., Oceano, California.

* M.N., a 62-year-old female, presented with allergies. Symptoms included itchy red eyes, sneezing, and sinus congestion that was thick and yellow. Sinus pressure along the Stomach channel was also present. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as wind-heat and dryness. Magnolia Clear Sinus was given at three capsules three times a day and was switched to one capsule three times a day. The patient found the first dose of the herbs very drying, causing the headache to worsen. However, after the patient switched to one capsule dose, she felt that the formula was very effective at decreasing her allergy symptoms. Submitted by L.M., Lafayette, Colorado.

* L.A., a 55-year-old female, presented with chronic nasal drip. The patient was especially sensitive to dust and mold. It was also noted the symptoms worsened after eating ice cream and working in air conditioned environment. Symptoms of clear runny nose, cold sensation, itchy eyes, and foggy thinking were also present and they affected her sleep as well. Pulse was slow and slippery and the tongue had thick greasy white coating. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as Lung qi and Kidney qi deficiencies with phlegm and wind-cold. Her Western diagnosis was sinusitis. The patient was given Magnolia Clear Sinus and she took them for two months. With the Magnolia Clear Sinus both breathing and sleeping improved, her eyes got worse before they got better, and her blood pressure dropped after four weeks. The patient had also made changes to her diet and changed the air filter in the air conditioning system. Submitted by K.F., Honolulu, Hawaii.

* J.E., a 37-year-old female, presented with a combination of stuffy and congested nose, watery eyes, mild cough, and clear phlegm in the nose. The patient had a tendency to get seasonal allergies every year and had been taking supplements but no improvement was noted. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as Lung and Spleen qi deficiency with phlegm; her Western diagnosis was allergic rhinitis. After being prescribed Magnolia Clear Sinus at four capsules three times a day, her allergies disappeared immediately and lasted for about four hours. She reported that the herbs allowed her relief, but only while consistently taking the herbs. Submitted by L.M., Gresham, Oregon.

* K.T., a 26-year-old female, presented with seasonal allergies consisting of congestion, sneezing, and dry eyes. Tongue was pale red, slightly swollen and shaky. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as wind invasion; Western diagnosis was seasonal allergic rhinitis. Upon diagnosis the practitioner prescribed Magnolia Clear Sinus at 4 capsules three times a day. The formula was very effective towards her condition; the patient rarely experiences any more allergy symptoms. Submitted by S.L., Yuma, Arizona.

* D.G., a 57-year-old female, presented with constant headaches located behind her right eye due to allergies. The TCM diagnosis was qi stagnation located in the Stomach, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine channels; external wind invasion was present as well. For treatment, Magnolia Clear Sinus was prescribed. After only taking the herbs for one week, the patient had reported improvement of her headaches with only slight discomfort after a few more weeks. It was mentioned that the acupuncture alone did not help as much as combined with taking the herbs. Submitted by B.S., Niceville, Florida.

* A 41-year-old male actor presented with chronic sinus infection and nasal congestion. Surgical procedure to scrape and drain the sinus cavity was done with post-surgical care required. The practitioner suspected that the patient¡¦s work environment exposed him to smoke particles that irritated the sinus cavity. The practitioner diagnosed the patient¡¦s condition as Lung qi deficiency with compromised wei (defensive) qi. He was given Magnolia Clear Sinus to address the sinus cavity irritation and keep it clear of mucus. In conjunction with the herbs, acupuncture treatment was employed as well. The results were quite effective. The patient was free of breathing difficulty and mucus drainage discomfort. The practitioner noted that Magnolia Clear Sinus also benefited other patients with similar conditions. Submitted by T.W., Santa Monica, California.

* A 50-year-old female patient presented with itchy and watery eyes. She had clear phlegm, headaches and wheezing. The patient was treated with Ventolin (albuterol) for wheezing, and Claritin (loratadine) for allergy. The practitioner diagnosed this as seasonal, allergic rhinitis due to phlegm-cold. The treatment protocol included both acupuncture and herbs. During the allergy season, acupuncture treatment was given every two weeks. In addition, the patient took Magnolia Clear Sinus, 4 caps three times daily for ten days. After taking Magnolia Clear Sinus, the patient no longer complained of wheezing and sneezing, and the headaches were less severe. The practitioner noted that the patient responded quite well to Magnolia Clear Sinus, especially during allergic attacks with asthma. Submitted by M.K., Sherman Oaks, California.

* B.F., a 55-year-old male, presented with cough, thick nasal discharge, headache and fatigue. The tongue was pale, flabby and slightly purple. The pulse was slow. He was diagnosed with common cold and wind-cold invasion. Magnolia Clear Sinus, Respitrol (Cold) and Herbal ABX were prescribed. The patient reported that the sinus cleared in three days. Submitted by B.F., Newport Beach, California.

* A 54-year-old female property manager presented with chronic sinus congestion and headaches. She had food allergies to dairy, egg whites, kidney beans and lima beans. The practitioner diagnosed the case as Lung qi deficiency with excess dampness. After taking Magnolia Clear Sinus, the patient commented that the herbs were effective in treating headache and nasal congestion. The patient continued to take Magnolia Clear Sinus intermittently throughout the year, but more so during the fall season. Submitted by T.W., Santa Monica, California.

* A 41-year-old female presented with sinus pressure and swelling around the right eye. A one-inch diameter growth on the neck and a cyst-like lump on the right side of the head were also noted. Other symptoms included extreme fatigue, overall body pain, and frequent coldness. The practitioner diagnosed her condition as cold damp nasal congestion and wind-cold attack. Within one month of taking Magnolia Clear Sinus, the eye swelling abated and the sinus pressure was reduced by almost 90%. The lump on the neck decreased to 20% the original size while the cyst on the head desiccated. Overall, her body pain diminished, energy level increased, and cold sensations stopped. Her sleep pattern was also much improved. Prior to the herbal treatment with Magnolia Clear Sinus, the patient spent almost four months going to different specialists only to come up with no results. In addition to taking Magnolia Clear Sinus, the treatment protocol included acupuncture as well as a diet devoid of any cold, raw foods. Submitted by S.T., Morgan Hill, California.

* J.C., a 34-year-old female, presented chronic allergic rhinitis with itchy, stuffy, runny nose, itchy eyes and aversion to wind. These symptoms started in her childhood and worsened during the morning and allergy seasons. Her blood pressure was 125/85 mmHg and her heart rate was 78 beats per minute. Her tongue was pink with normal thin white coating. Her pulse was moderate and slightly slippery. The diagnosis was Lung qi deficiency with underlying Kidney and Spleen deficiencies. Magnolia Clear Sinus was prescribed. After taking the herbs, the patient reported 70% decrease in allergy symptoms. She said she was able to wake up with clear nasal passage. Santa Ana winds still triggered the symptoms, but Magnolia Clear Sinus keeps it under control. Submitted by J.C., Whittier, California.

* I.L., a 35-year-old male with a history of seasonal allergies, presented with sinus congestion and orbital pain that had lasted two months. The TCM diagnosis was wind-cold invasion. After taking three capsules of Magnolia Clear Sinus three times daily for five days, the patient reported mild relief of symptoms, and complete resolution of symptoms after one week. Furthermore, the condition did not return in the three months following completion of this herbal regimen. Submitted by C.L., Chino Hills, California.

* H.M., a 59-year-old female, presented with seasonal nasal allergies, rhinitis, stuffy sinuses and profuse, clear, nasal mucus. She was allergic to mold and mildew. Herbal ABX and Magnolia Clear Sinus were prescribed. They brought about relief after ten days, when the patient would usually be battling the symptoms for months and would have to take antibiotics. Submitted by H.C., Stephens City, Virginia.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Magnolia Clear Sinus is formulated to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, and seasonal allergies. The ingredients in this formula have antiallergic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic (antibacterial and antiviral) effects. Together, they effectively treat both the causes and the symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis.

        Magnolia Clear Sinus contains many herbs with antiallergic and antihistamine effects to treat allergy-induced rhinitis and sinusitis. Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) has been used successfully used for management of allergic conditions. This herb shows an antiallergic effect by inducing mitochondria and caspase-dependent mast cell apoptosis.[2] In addition, Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) and Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) have an antihistamine effect to inhibit histamine release and inflammation.[3],[4] Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) also has an antiallergic effect, as it acts by inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines and the signaling cascades, according to in vivo and in vitro studies.[5] Lastly, Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae) and Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) are incorporated in this formula for their antipruritic effect to relieve itching and irritation induced by substance P.[6]

        Since inflammation is a primary condition in both rhinitis (inflammation nasal mucous membrane) and sinusitis (inflammation of paranasal sinus), many herbs with anti-inflammatory effects are used in this formula. Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) exert their anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of nitric oxide production.[7],[8] Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae) and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) demonstrate their anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing the levels of cyclo-oxygenase-2.[9],[10] Lastly, Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) shows an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting interleukin-8 production,[11] and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) shows an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing TNF-£\ production and bioactivity.[12]

        Since infection may cause rhinitis and sinusitis, Magnolia Clear Sinus uses many herbs with antiviral and antibacterial effects to treat the cause. Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis) has a strong antiviral effect against a series of viruses, namely herpesviruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and adenoviruses (ADV-3, ADV-8 and ADV-11).[13] Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and Gao Ben (Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici) have shown antiviral action against influenza viruses.[14],[15] Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae) has an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, beta-streptococcus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus tuberculi.[16] Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[17] Lastly, Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) has an inhibitory effect on dermatomycoses, and some species of streptococcus and staphylococcus.[18]

        Clinically, many herbs in this formula have been used with great success to treat rhinitis and sinusitis. According to one study, 46 patients with chronic sinusitis were treated with an herbal formula with marked effectiveness in 35 cases, moderate improvement in 8 cases, and no response in 3 cases. The herbal formula was given in decoction, once daily, for seven days per course of treatment. The herbal formula contained Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae), Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii), Gao Ben (Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) and others.[19] According to another study, 120 patients were treated with 95% rate of effectiveness using an herbal formula with Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) as the chief ingredient.[20] In addition to oral ingestion, topical application of herbs also showed a marked treatment effect. Topical application of essential oil of Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) has been associated with reduction of mucous secretion, reduction of inflammation, and relief of nasal obstruction.[21] In fact, 1,576 patients with chronic sinusitis were treated with 86.9% effective rate using topical application of an herbal formula made from Xin Yi Hua (Flos Magnoliae) and Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii).[22] Finally, since many patients suffering from rhinitis and sinusitis will also have pain and headache, Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), and Gao Ben (Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici) are added for their effect to treat headache and relieve pain.[23],[24],[25]

        In summary, Magnolia Clear Sinus is an excellent formula to treat both the causes and the symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Rhinitis and sinusitis are two common nasal disorders. In Western medicine, these two conditions are primarily treated with vasoconstrictive drugs that promote drainage, such as pseudoephedrine. Though effective, it is a strong stimulant and may cause many side effects, such as nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, upset stomach, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, palpitations, tremors, and hallucinations. In addition to vasoconstrictive drugs, antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), may be used to address allergic sinusitis and rhinitis. The main advantage of these two types of medications is that they are relatively effective, and reasonably safe, so long as they are used correctly.

        Rhinitis and sinusitis are effectively treated with herbs that drain the sinus cavity, reduce nasal mucous secretions, and desensitize allergenic reactions. These herbs may be given before, during, and after episodes of sinusitis and rhinitis. These herbs are very effective, and do not have the stimulating side effects that drugs have.

        In addition to using drugs or herbs to treat rhinitis and sinusitis, it is also important to identify the cause, especially in individuals with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Whenever possible, avoid or minimize exposure to these allergens. It is important to remember that drugs and herbs do not cure allergy, they are only effective as preventative and symptomatic treatments.

 



[1] Xian Dai Zhong Yao Du Li Xue (Modern Toxicology of Chinese Materia Medica) 2005;63-65.

[2] Kim G.C., Lee S.G., Park B.S., Kim J.Y., Song Y.S., Kim J.M., Yoo K.S., Huh G.Y., Jeong M.H., Lim Y.J., Kim H.M. & Yoo Y.H. Magnoliae flos induces apoptosis of RBL-2H3 cells via mitochondria and caspase. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2003 Jun;131(2):101-10.

[3] Shen Y, Pang EC, Xue CC, Zhao ZZ, Lin JG, Li CG. Inhibitions of mast cell-derived histamine release by different Flos Magnoliae species in rat peritoneal mast cells. RMIT Chinese Medicine Research Group, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia. Phytomedicine. 2008 Oct;15(10):808-14.

[4] Chen Y., Fan G., Chen B., Xie Y., Wu H., Wu Y., Yan C. & Wang J. Separation and quantitative analysis of coumarin compounds from Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm) Benth. et Hook. f by pressurized capillary electrochromatography. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006, 41(1): 105-116.

[5] Han EH, Park JH, Kim JY, Chung YC, Jeong HG. Inhibitory mechanism of saponins derived from roots of Platycodon grandiflorum on anaphylactic reaction and IgE-mediated allergic response in mast cells. BK21 Project Team, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009 Feb 4.

[6] Tohda C, Kakihara Y, Komatsu K, Kuraishi Y. Inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of herbal medicines on substance P-induced itch-scratch response. Research Center for Ethnomedicines, Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sugitani, Japan. Biol Pharm Bull. 2000 May;23(5):599-601.

[7] Wang CC, Chen LG, Yang LL. Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor of the Chinese herb I. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. Cancer Lett. 1999 Oct 18;145(1-2):151-7.

[8] Noshita T, Funayama S, Hirakawa T, Kidachi Y, Ryoyama K. Machilin G and four neolignans from young fruits of Magnolia denudata show various degrees of inhibitory activity on nitric oxide (NO) production. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Aomori University, Aomori, Japan. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Oct;72(10):2775-8.

[9] Kim SJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Schizonepeta tenuifolia through the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(6):1145-58.

[10] Guo LY, Hung TM, Bae KH, Shin EM, Zhou HY, Hong YN, Kang SS, Kim HP, Kim YS. Anti-inflammatory effects of schisandrin isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill. Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, South Korea. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Sep 4;591(1-3):293-9.

[11] Hirabayashi T, Ochiai H, Sakai S, Nakajima K, Terasawa K. Inhibitory effect of ferulic acid and isoferulic acid on murine interleukin-8 production in response to influenza virus infections in vitro and in vivo. Department of Japanese Oriental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan. Planta Med. 1995 Jun;61(3):221-6.

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