Introduction:
As COVID-19 continues to pose a global health threat, many are seeking natural ways to strengthen their immune systems and reduce the risk of infection. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as outlined in the ancient text ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica), provides herbal remedies that have been used for centuries to boost immunity and prevent respiratory infections. In this article, we explore specific herbs from ‘Bencao Gangmu’ that can help the body fend off viral threats like COVID-19 by supporting the immune system, enhancing respiratory health, and balancing the body’s energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies for COVID-19 Prevention: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for COVID-19 Prevention
- Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is one of the most widely used herbs in TCM for boosting immunity. It strengthens the lungs and enhances the body’s defensive qi, making it an excellent herb for preventing respiratory infections such as COVID-19.
- How to Use: Astragalus is commonly consumed as a tea, or added to soups and decoctions. Regular consumption helps protect against infections by improving the body’s immune response.
- Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua – 金银花)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Honeysuckle is known for its ability to clear heat and toxins, making it a powerful herb for preventing and treating viral infections. It is particularly effective in protecting the respiratory system and reducing inflammation.
- How to Use: Honeysuckle can be brewed into a tea or taken as part of a herbal decoction to help prevent respiratory infections and keep the airways clear.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root is often used to harmonize formulas and soothe the respiratory system. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in both preventing and treating symptoms associated with COVID-19.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be brewed into a tea or added to herbal mixtures to boost the immune system and protect the lungs from infection.
- Chinese Skullcap (Huang Qin – 黄芩)
- Dosage: 6-12 grams
- Properties: Chinese Skullcap is an herb used to clear heat and toxins from the body. It has antiviral properties and is especially useful for preventing respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections.
- How to Use: Commonly brewed as a tea or used in herbal decoctions, Chinese Skullcap helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Herbal Formula for COVID-19 Prevention (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Astragalus (Huang Qi): 12 grams
- Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua): 10 grams
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 6 grams
- Chinese Skullcap (Huang Qin): 8 grams
Preparation:
- Combine the herbs in 600ml of water.
- Boil the mixture for 20 minutes until the water reduces to half.
- Strain the liquid and divide it into two servings.
- Drink one serving in the morning and the other in the evening to boost your immune system and protect against viral infections like COVID-19.
External Application for Respiratory Protection
To further support respiratory health, create a steam inhalation using Honeysuckle and Chinese Skullcap. Boil the herbs in water, then inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. This helps clear the airways and offers additional protection against respiratory infections.
Why TCM is Effective for COVID-19 Prevention
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on balancing the body’s energy, clearing heat and toxins, and strengthening the immune system, making it an excellent preventive measure against viral infections like COVID-19. By targeting the lungs and respiratory system, these herbs help the body resist infections and reduce the severity of symptoms if illness does occur. In TCM, preventing illness is about maintaining harmony in the body, which these herbal remedies help achieve.
Conclusion:
The herbal remedies outlined in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ offer a natural way to boost immunity and protect against viral infections like COVID-19. By supporting respiratory health and strengthening the body’s defenses, these herbs can help reduce the risk of infection and enhance overall well-being. For those seeking a natural approach to disease prevention, Traditional Chinese Medicine provides effective, time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.