Seasonal Focus

Explore the benefits of seasonal herbal medicine for natural, year-round wellness.

Allergy & Summer Cold Prevention for Midlife Wellness

As June arrives in Santa Clarita, temperatures rise, humidity decreases, and dry inland winds begin to stir. This transitional climate may feel invigorating, but for many adults—especially those in midlife and beyond—it introduces subtle yet disruptive symptoms: seasonal allergies, lingering congestion, post-nasal drip, fatigue, and even summer colds.

At Mercy Family Eastern Medical Center, we approach these shifts not as isolated events, but as predictable physiological stressors triggered by seasonal disharmony. In East Asian medicine, June represents a collision between late spring’s residual dampness and the early surge of summer heat. This imbalance often manifests as Wind-Heat Invasion or Latent Dampness Activation, with symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes, sneezing, or sinus congestion

• Dry throat or scratchy cough

• Fatigue or low-grade headaches

• Muscle stiffness from morning breezes or AC exposure

• Foggy thinking and poor sleep

These warning signs indicate early dysfunction in Wei Qi (defensive qi) and Lung Qi, the energetic systems responsible for immune resilience and external protection. Instead of suppressing symptoms, our goal is to rebalance and strengthen the surface system before deeper imbalances form.

June Herbal Support & Preventive Strategies

Our seasonal care protocol combines constitutional herbal medicine, lifestyle adjustments, and rhythm-based counseling to keep the body aligned with nature’s pace.

Herbal Support Formulas commonly prescribed in June include:

• Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder 玉屏風散)
  For those prone to catching colds or reacting to pollen, this classic formula reinforces defensive qi and seals the exterior.

• Cang Er Zi San (蒼耳子散)
  Excellent for nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and allergic rhinitis patterns.

• Jing Fang Bai Du San (荊防敗毒散)
  For post-viral fatigue, lingering dampness, or those with a tendency to feel “off” during climate shifts.

• Modified combinations with Huang Qi (Astragalus), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Gan Cao (Licorice Root)
  To strengthen immunity, clear upper respiratory heat, and soothe the throat.

All prescriptions are customized during consultation and provided in granulated form for easy daily use.

Lifestyle Guidance for Seasonal Balance

1. Protect the Upper Back and Neck

   • Wind is deceptive in summer. Avoid direct exposure to AC vents, ceiling fans, or nighttime breezes. Use a light scarf or shirt collar when needed.

2. Adjust Your Routine to the Rising Yang

   • June favors early rising and mid-evening rest. Aim to wake by 6:30–7:00 AM and wind down by 9:30 PM to support healthy sleep and digestion.

3. Avoid Cold and Damp-Inducing Foods

   • Skip iced drinks, creamy desserts, and raw salads. Instead, favor cooked seasonal vegetables like squash, mung beans, and green onions.

4. Sinus Hygiene

   • After outdoor exposure, wash your face and rinse nostrils. A HEPA air purifier at home can reduce nighttime allergen exposure and improve sleep quality.

By observing the early signs of seasonal imbalance and responding with targeted support, we help patients maintain respiratory strength, mental clarity, and digestive harmony throughout June and beyond.

At Mercy Family Eastern Medical Center, seasonal transitions are not viewed as obstacles, but as invitations to align the body with the rhythms of creation—restoring balance before imbalance becomes illness.