Author: Li Mingjiu, TCM Licensed Physician (License No.: 141330522000349)
This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu. The content is based on classic TCM theory and clinical experience, and is provided for general educational reference only. Practice credentials may be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission.
Many people assume that a runny nose and sneezing at the change of seasons must mean "allergies" and rush to take antihistamines. In fact, this is not necessarily the case. In TCM clinical practice, such symptoms often indicate not an "external invasion," but rather that the body's internal "gates" are not properly secured — the defensive Qi (Wei Qi) is unstable, allowing pathogenic Wind to enter through the gaps. Put simply, it is not that you are "sensitive to something," but that your "protective wall" has developed cracks.
During seasonal transitions, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure are all in flux. When the body's healthy Qi (Zheng Qi) is sufficient, it copes naturally; when Zheng Qi is weak and the defensive line slackens, pathogenic Wind slips in like an uninvited guest through the nose and mouth. As a result, clear nasal discharge flows uncontrollably, and sneezes come one after another. Behind this lies an energy imbalance in certain internal organs.
Ginger (Sheng Jiang): The "Vanguard" That Dispels Cold Pathogens
Ginger is pungent in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Its pungent-warming power is like a fire in winter, capable of dispelling wind-cold pathogens that have infiltrated the body's surface. Clinically, those who suffer from clear nasal discharge, sneezing, and aversion to wind and cold during seasonal changes often present with a pale tongue, white coating, and cool extremities — typical signs of wind-cold binding the exterior with insufficient defensive Yang.
In such situations, a cup of warm ginger and brown sugar water often brings considerable relief. Ginger's pungent and aromatic dispersing action helps transform the cold in the Lung orifices, allowing clear Qi to ascend and turbid Qi to descend. However, it should be noted that ginger's action is primarily "dispersing." If there is already stagnant heat or Yin deficiency with dry heat internally, using ginger alone may be like adding oil to the fire.
Astragalus (Huang Qi): The Cornerstone for Repairing the "City Wall"
Astragalus is sweet in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Spleen and Lung meridians. Its greatest strength is "tonifying Qi and securing the exterior" — helping the body reinforce the outermost protective wall. In the clinic, many people prone to seasonal symptoms not only have runny nose and sneezing, but also shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating with mild activity, and a pale complexion. This is a classic presentation of "exterior deficiency without securing."
Astragalus works like a steady craftsman, slowly compacting the foundation for the body. It does not directly expel external pathogens; instead, it thickens the "city wall" so that Wind pathogens find it difficult to invade. For those who work long hours in air-conditioned environments, sit for prolonged periods, or overthink, the Qi mechanism tends to dissipate, and Astragalus's tonifying power becomes especially important. However, if there is internal dampness-turbidity or stagnation, using Astragalus alone may cause congestion.
Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng): Both "Sentinel" and "Goalkeeper"
Saposhnikovia is pungent-sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature, entering the Bladder, Liver, and Spleen meridians. Its very name reveals its character — it both defends against external Wind and dispels internal Wind. In the regulation of seasonal runny nose and sneezing, Saposhnikovia plays a unique role: it is not as fiercely dispersing as ginger, nor as focused on repair as Astragalus. Instead, it acts like an alert sentinel patrolling the body's surface.
The nature of Wind pathogens is "mobile and changeable," coming and going without a trace. Saposhnikovia is particularly adept at subduing this "wandering" pathogen. It is warm without being drying, dispersing without being harsh. When paired with Astragalus, one repairs the city wall while the other stands guard — a complementary pair. Clinically, those with predominant Wind pathogens often have watery nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, and itchy eyes, making Saposhnikovia a commonly chosen herb for this group.
Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu): Supplying Raw Materials for the "Protective Wall"
Atractylodes is sweet-bitter in flavor, warm in nature, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It does not act directly on the Lung and body surface; rather, by strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, it continuously supplies the body with "building materials" — Qi and Blood. TCM holds that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm." When the Spleen and Stomach's transportation and transformation malfunction, dampness-turbidity accumulates internally and ascends to harass the Lung, manifesting as clear watery nasal discharge and frequent sneezing.
Beyond seasonal nasal discharge, this group often presents with post-meal bloating, loose stools, and teeth-marked tongue edges. Atractylodes acts like a diligent quartermaster, managing the Spleen and Stomach — the body's "granary" — so that Qi and Blood production has a steady source. Once the surface defense receives adequate Qi and Blood support, those seemingly sudden seasonal symptoms naturally diminish.
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi): Astringing Excessively Dissipated "Essence and Qi"
Schisandra is sour-sweet in flavor, warm in nature, entering the Lung, Heart, and Kidney meridians. Its sour flavor has an astringent and consolidating action. Recurrent runny nose and sneezing during seasonal changes essentially reflect a dysfunction of the body's "opening and closing" mechanism — failing to close when it should, leading to leakage of fluids. Schisandra is precisely suited to rein in this "leaking" tendency.
Clinically, those with a prolonged course, recurrent episodes, accompanied by dry throat and mouth, and night sweats often exhibit Lung Qi dissipation and damaged Yin fluids. Schisandra's sour-astringent power allows Lung Qi to be retained internally and the dissipated Yin essence to be stored. However, its nature is astringent, and if there is still significant unresolved exterior pathogen, using Schisandra prematurely may "close the door and keep the thief inside." The fine judgment required here must be made by a licensed TCM physician through careful pattern differentiation.
The Art of Combination: Disperse First, Then Tonify; Tailor to the Individual
How should these medicinal-edible dual-use substances be combined appropriately? The overall principle is: if nasal discharge is clear and watery, with marked aversion to wind and cold, the "pathogen-dispelling" power of ginger and Saposhnikovia should be emphasized; if there is shortness of breath, fatigue, easy sweating, and a pale complexion, the "tonifying and securing" action of Astragalus and Atractylodes should take the lead. When both presentations exist, one might first use ginger and Saposhnikovia to clear the way, and once the exterior pathogen loosens, follow with Astragalus and Atractylodes to consolidate the foundation.
However, one point must be clear — the selection of these foods and herbs must be determined according to the individual's current constitutional state. For example, the same seasonal runny nose may present as wind-cold binding the exterior in one person, Lung Qi deficiency-cold in another, or latent internal heat in yet another. If the direction is reversed, the discomfort may actually worsen. This is precisely why I always recommend that, before any regulation, you visit a formal medical institution and consult a licensed TCM physician for pattern differentiation.
A Final Note: When the Sneezes Begin, Ask Yourself First
Have you ever considered that the uncontrollable sneezing and clear discharge during seasonal changes might not simply be "the fault of the season"? It may be your body gently reminding you — have you been too tired lately? Staying up too late? Sitting too long under the air conditioner? Or perhaps your Spleen and Stomach need a rest?
Next time the season turns and the familiar symptoms resurface, try not to rush for medication. Instead, sit quietly and listen to your body's voice. It may be telling you: it's time to repair that "city wall."
Related Knowledge Q&A
What causes ginger-related patterns?
TCM holds that ginger-related patterns must be evaluated through comprehensive pattern differentiation, integrating the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation-olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) with the individual's constitution. No generalization should be made. The specific direction of regulation must be determined by a licensed TCM physician after an in-person consultation.
How long does Astragalus take to show improvement?
The time to improvement varies by individual. Acute issues may improve after several sessions, while chronic constitutional regulation generally requires 1–3 months of consistent effort. TCM emphasizes a gradual, step-by-step approach and discourages rushing for quick results. The specific timeline should be assessed by a physician based on individual circumstances.
What should be noted daily regarding Saposhnikovia?
For daily care, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine, balanced diet, moderate exercise, and emotional stability. Specific precautions should be flexibly adjusted according to individual constitution and seasonal changes, and targeted advice can be obtained by consulting a licensed TCM physician.