The Best Way to Treat a Cold

Chinese Medicine has been treating colds and flus without the help of western science for over 3,000 years.  There is a very sophisticated differentiation between types and stages of viral illness in Chinese herbal medicine, and concrete symptoms associated with each different presentation.  Do you have chills? Fever? Alternating chills and fever?  A sore throat? Congestion in the head vs. the chest or both? Malaise? Fatigue? Phlegm that is difficult to expel or easy?  All of this and more combine to create your specific and unique picture which can be diagnosed and treated with Chinese Medicine. 

Thousands of years of clinical history as well as an individualized approach to treating viral illness gives Chinese Medicine a corner on the market of tried, tested, and truly effective supplements to treat illness and I’m going to share my top 5 supplements for cold and top 5 supplements for flu recovery here with you today. 

I keep all of these are remedies on hand in the office and at home.  I prescribe them regularly and use them often for myself and my family. At home, if we get sick we are usually over the illness in 3-5 days thanks to the remedies below.  If you are pregnant or nursing, however, please consult your physician or TCM practitioner before taking any type of new remedy.

Top 5 Supplements for Colds and How to Use Them

Honesuckle, a.k.a. Jin Yin Hua

• Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian - this is a “modern” chinese herbal remedy specific for colds that begin with a sore throat.  The formula is named for the two primary herbs in the decoction - Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (forsythia). If you feel a tickle in your throat, starting taking this remedy at the full dose indicated on the bottle immediately and continue for 3-5 days. If someone around you is sick with a sore throat and/or cough, take this herbal remedy at 1/2 dose as a preventative for the duration of illnesses presenting around you.
  

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• Chuan Xiong Wan - this herbal remedy is for colds or allergies that begin with or prominently feature headache. It is named for the primary herb, Chuan Xiong (linguisticum) in the remedy, but also contains a high dose of Green Tea. Take at full dose indicated on the bottle for the duration of illness.
  

• Bi Yan Pian - also known as “Chinese nose inflammation pills” this simple formula is the closest thing to herbal sudaphed around.  Take at full dose as indicated on the bottle for nasal congestion as needed - especially useful for airplane travel.
  

• Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan - also known as “Clean Air Teapills” or “Transform Phlegm Teapills.” This remedy is specifically for stubborn chest congestion.  If you have a cough with phlegm that feels “stuck” especially if you feel like just getting it out would make everything feel better, this is the formula for you.  Take at full dose as indicated on the bottle for chest congestion with yellow or green phlegm.
  

• Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji - is a Chinese herbal instant drink containing a high dose of Ban Lan Gen (isatis root).  Ban Lan Gen is a strong anti-viral herb and is also used in China for Cancer treatment.  Safe for children, it can be combined with any other herbal remedy for an additional anti-viral boost.
  

Top 5 Supplements for Flu and How to Use Them

Fresh Ginger Root a.k.a. Sheng Jiang

• Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan - is a specific remedy for flu symptoms.  The primary herb, Huo Xiang (Agastache), treats nausea, vomiting and fungal infections among other things and is balanced by 13 other herbs including ginger, licorice, magnolia bark and orange peel to treat chills, fever, body aches and congestion in addition your typical flu related digestive symptoms.  Take at full dose as indicated on the bottle for the flu for the duration of illness.
  

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• Oscillococcinum - is a homeopathic remedy for treating the flu.  As a homeopathic it is safe for anyone of any age and will not interact with any other treatment or remedy. It is quick acting, especially for body aches and pains, and is best taken at first sign of possible flu-like illness. Take at full dose as indicated on the packaging for 3-5 days in the early stages of illness.
  

• Elderberry Syrup - This simple antiviral is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers as well as infants and children. Elderberry can be delivered in a tea format as well as tincture, but a glycerine based syrup is my favorite since it is safe and sweet. Follow dosage on bottle 2-3 times a day for basic antiviral protection, consult a provider for child and infant dosing.
  

• Fresh Ginger Tea - fresh ginger (NOT dried) is the gold standard treatment in Chinese Medicine for nausea.  Slice off 2-3 1/4” slices from a fresh ginger root (peels included), drop into a small saucepan of water, and boil for 20 minutes.  Drink this tea as needed throughout the day for symptoms of nausea.
  

• Chinese Herbal Soup - this mix can be picked up in my office or ordered from People’s Herbs and shipped direct.  It contains a mix of edible tonic herbs such as Goji berry, Loquat Fruit, seaweed and Lotus seed that can be added to your favorite vegetarian or chicken soup recipe to give it a strong energy boosting effect.  Instructions are included, best eaten daily during the recovery phase of illness.  Suitable for recovery from any protracted illness or post partum.
  

Questions? Contact Rebecca:

Do you have questions or want to know more? Need help ordering in office or online?  Contact Rebecca via email here, or book a free consult online anytime.

Yours in Health and Wellness,

~Rebecca