They are shrouded in ancient origins and their discovery has been lost through the creaky corridors of time. But supporters are adamant that some ancient Chinese herbal remedies can cure everything from arthritis to allergies.
And while science may be less convinced, those who are suffering from the aches and pains sometimes feel they have nothing to lose by trying a so-called natural cure.
Which brings us to a place called
Balance Integrated Healthcare on
Liberty St. in Toronto, a facility that claims it has the cure for what ails hay fever patients.
It cites four separate studies, including one from Australia and several from China, that appear to show herbal concoctions can actually reduce or even get rid of the annoying symptoms of that irritating allergy.
In the Down Under probe, 58 patients were given either five capsules of a substance called Biminne twice or day for 12 weeks or a placebo. It was a double blind study, meaning no one knew who was getting what.
In the end, researchers claim those who took the herbal preparation found 'statistically significant improvement' in their hay fever. And they say a follow-up report done a year later showed that benefit remained as long as they were on the treatment.
Another investigation carried out between 1988 and 1995 claimed a substance given to 100 patients between the ages of 13 and 58 years of age actually cured 62 per cent of their allergies while 30 per cent showed some benefit.
A separate 1993 report done on 42 different subjects showed 23 were completely cured, while 13 admitted improvement.
And a final research project conducted between 1991 and 1993 purports that of the 130 people tested, 34 had a "marked effect" from their treatment with Chinese herbs while 25 got "some benefit." Only 6 emerged as allergic as when they went in.
David Fargey is one allergy sufferer who has turned to Chinese Medicine, with impressive results. Usually at this time of the year he's bracing for the worst.
"My allergies had me pretty down, tired, sniffly," he admits. "I've had it since I was a little kid."
But back in the spring, he started taking a variety of herbs and other natural products, including flattened earth worms, to help with his allergies and related asthma.
He now says he's practically symptom free.
Chinese Medicine practitioner Robert Helmer prepares the packets of herbs, which patients like Fargey add to water, boil, and drink.
"It's worked for thousands of years for allergic conditions and nasal problems, for asthma," he claims.
Here's where you can find out more about the facility where he works and if it's right for you.
Read more about the studies cited above here.