Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach to COVID-19
In TCM, diseases such as COVID-19 are considered under the broader category of Wenbing (温病), or “warm diseases.” The primary disease mechanism includes wind-heat toxins, occasionally accompanied by cold-dampness. The following herbal remedies are designed to treat mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. For severe or critical cases, hospitalization is strongly recommended.
Prescription 1: Sanghua Jiedu Decoction (桑花解毒汤)
Ingredients:
- Mulberry Leaf (桑叶) – 12g
- Honeysuckle Flower (金银花) – 12g
- Forsythia Fruit (连翘) – 10g
- Reed Rhizome (芦根) – 20g
- Schizonepeta (荆芥) – 10g
- Baikal Skullcap (黄芩) – 10g
- Figwort Root (玄参) – 10g
- Belamcanda Rhizome (射干) – 10g
- Great Burdock Seed (牛蒡子) – 12g
- Bamboo Leaf (竹叶) – 12g
- Plantain Herb (车前草) – 9g
- Licorice Root (甘草) – 6g
Purpose:
This herbal mix is intended to relieve lung congestion and expel heat toxins from the body, specifically targeting mild COVID-19 symptoms. These include fever, dry cough, sore throat, fatigue, stuffy nose, and loss of smell.
Usage:
- Dosage: One dose per day. Boil the herbs in water twice, then collect about 300-400 ml of the decoction. Split it into two servings and drink in the morning and evening.
- For convenience, those unable to prepare the herbal decoction themselves can use pre-packaged herbal granules. Mix one pack in hot water twice daily and drink for 5-7 days.
Prescription 2: Qinglou Qingfei Drink (芩蒌清肺饮)
Ingredients:
- Baikal Skullcap (黄芩) – 15g
- Trichosanthes Fruit (全瓜蒌) – 15g
- Gypsum (生石膏) – 30g
- Bitter Apricot Seed (炒杏仁) – 9g
- Mulberry Root Bark (桑白皮) – 10g
- Balloon Flower (桔梗) – 10g
- Coix Seed (薏苡仁) – 30g
- Honeysuckle Flower (金银花) – 15g
- Adenophora Root (南沙参) – 10g
- Fritillaria Bulb (浙贝母) – 10g
- Prepared Ephedra (炙麻黄) – 6g
- Licorice Root (甘草) – 5g
Purpose:
This formula is designed to clear heat, dissolve phlegm, and calm the lungs, focusing on moderate COVID-19 cases. It is best for individuals who experience fever, cough with or without phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and dry mouth.
Usage:
- Dosage: One dose per day, prepared similarly by boiling the herbs and dividing the liquid into two portions. Drink in the morning and evening.
- Like the previous prescription, it is also available in granular form for easier preparation, which can be dissolved in hot water and consumed twice daily for 5-7 days.
Key Considerations:
- Both prescriptions are intended for mild and moderate COVID-19 cases. If the illness becomes severe, herbal treatments should be stopped, and the patient should seek immediate medical care.
- The herbs are carefully chosen to address specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, and chest tightness. They work by clearing heat toxins, reducing lung congestion, and helping the body expel pathogens.
Western Interpretation of TCM:
In Western terms, TCM concepts like “heat” or “wind” can be understood as imbalances in the body’s systems. The immune response is viewed holistically, with herbs selected to reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and support lung health. Herbal treatments are typically adjunct therapies in mild cases, complementing Western medical approaches.
If you are interested in herbal medicine you can refer to the book (THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POWER FOODS)
“The Encyclopedia of Power Foods” is a comprehensive guide to Chinese medicinal herbs and their health benefits. It focuses on natural remedies, offering detailed information on a variety of herbs known for their healing properties. The book explains how these herbs work within the body, their traditional uses in Chinese medicine, and how to incorporate them into daily routines for better health. It’s perfect for beginners, as it provides clear explanations and practical advice for anyone looking to explore Chinese herbal medicine.