Cold and Flu Herbal Home Care
Chinese medicine can be very effective in treating colds and flus. Chinese herbs
are used to support and build the body's natural defense system rather
than to suppress symptoms. If the herbs are used in the early stages, they
can often stop a cold or flu altogether, while after the onset of the infection,
they can significantly shorten the time and severity of the illness.
The formulas that you will need will vary according to your symptoms. We have
made a list to help you choose the most effective formulas for the early stages
of a cold or flu:
Sore Throat, Fatigue 
Chuan Xin Lian. Take 4-6 tablets every 2 hours for the first day, then 6 pills
every 4hours for 2 days.
To this you can add formulas for specific symptoms:
Achy body with mild chills or fever
Add Zhong Gan Ling. Take 2-4 tablets every 1-1/2 hours (Mayway brand, (the pills
are smaller).
Sinuses congested, and sinus headache
Add Xanthium Relieve Surface 3-4 pills every 2 hours for the first day and then
3 pills every 4 hours for 2 days.
Gastric symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite
Add Lopanthus, 6 pills every 2-3 hours for the first day, then 6 pills every
3-4 hours for 2 days.
It is very important to keep taking the herbal formulas for two days after your
symptoms have cleared up.
On the Edge
If you feel you might be getting a cold or flu, or are exposed a lot to people
who are sick, you can take Chuan Xin Lian for a few days. Six pills 3 times a
days should knock out any infection.
Rest
Along with taking the herbs, you will need to rest to give your system a chance
to fight the infection.
Post Flu Treatment
After your symptoms have cleared up, you may feel tired and rundown. There are
several formulas that can help rebuild the energy after treatment, but these
really need to be prescribed according to your individual needs. You can ask
us when you come in for a treatment or give us a call.
Preventive Treatment
Chinese Medicine has always emphasized the importance of maintaining health.
Gu Biao is a formula that has a lot of Astragulas in it and is very good for
keeping the immune system strong. For those who have a tendency to get cold and
flus, we recommend taking it 2 or 3 times a week during the winter months.
Kukicha Tea
Herbal teas can be an excellent adjunct to herbal treatment. Kukicha tea is available
at our office and also available in tea bags at local health food stores. There
are two ways that Kukicha tea can help combat an oncoming cold or flu. One way
is to mix 1 teaspoon of tamari soya sauce with hot tea. Another stronger way
is to add an umaboshi plum to the tea and tamari. Adding the tamari and plum
makes the tea more alkaline. Both drinks can be taken one or three times a day
for up to 3 days.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is one of the most common herbs used in Chinese herbology. It has a warming
effect, stimulates poor appetite, and helps circulation. It is especially useful
for patients whose chi is deficient and needs warming and building. It is especially
good if you have chills. Ginger can be included regularly in cooking as well
as made into a tasty tea.
To make ginger tea, take some fresh ginger root and cut into thin slices. Put
into a pan of water, bring to a boil and then simmer for five minutes. Drinking
this tea can be especially good if you get chilled, or if you start to come down
with a cold. Organic fresh ginger can be purchased at any health food store.
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or need advice.
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