8 Medicine Cabinet Essentials for Cold and Flu Season
When it comes to treating colds and flu's, traditional Chinese medicine thrives due to the efficacy of antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of carefully crafted herbal formulas. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has accumulated thousands of years of knowledge and experience in the treatment of pandemic and endemic disease. For example, Wen Bing Theory was written and recorded by Dr. Zhang Zhongjing during the Han Dynasty in China (150-219 A.D) which included a manifesto for treating common cold and flu symptoms and methods for infectious disease.
For the common cold and related symptoms of runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and fever, the most common TCM herbal formulas are Yin Qiao San, Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, Ge Gen Tang, Xin Yi San, Cang Er Sang, Sang Ju Yin and Xiao Qing Long Tang.
These formulas are amongst many other patent formulas used for the onset and duration of respiratory infections. Wen Bing or Warm Disease formulas are known for clearing wind heat (fever/sore throat), descending lung qi (cough, wheezing), resolving phlegm (breaking up mucus) and clearing of toxic heat (infection).
In addition, co-occurring conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis and environmental factors can determine the TCM herbal preparation for treating seasonal influenza. When it comes to diagnosis, colds and flu's are not all treated as as one. Therefore it is important to discuss your symptoms with a licensed herbalist to find the formula that is best suited for you.
Vitamins and Nutrients
When it comes to influenza season, there are many options to boost immunity and treat a nasty cold head on. Several vitamins, phytochemicals and nutrients have been evaluated for high antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting effects. Quercetin, Zinc, Echinacea, Rose hips, Elderberry and Oregano are all well known and effective for reducing cold and flu severity.
Here is a round up of my current favorite TCM herbal formulas, vitamins and supplements to prevent and treat colds and flus.
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1. Liopsomal Vitamin C
Using liposomal encapsulation technology, this vitamin C is more absorbable in the gut than capsule form. Assisting in cellular protection, collagen production and healthy immune function, high dose liposomal vitamin C has been my absolute most trusted companion when I start to feel under the weather. At the onset of a cold I take 2-3 packets at a time, with a frequency of 3 times a day.
HIgh dose vitamin C is heroic, reversing pneumonia in critically ill patients and improving oxygenation in respiratory viral infections.
"High dose intravenous vitamin C can enhance neutrophil action, improve alveolar fluid clearance and maintain lung barrier function in critically ill patients."
A more recent case control study used a higher dose of vitamin C at 6 grams per day intravenous, with a benefit of a (56%) decrease in mortality in patients with severe pneumonia. The body uses more vitamin C during times of stress, illness or infection so supplementation of this vitamin is essential and can be life saving.
Choosing the best Vitamin C
Many supplements contain a form of vitamin C called ascorbic acid. The synthetic ascorbic acid found in most supplements is commonly GMO, derived from corn. And a growing body of evidences suggests that this synthetic form may be harmful. There are many other forms of vitamin C available including Ester C, Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids and my favorite, the superfood Camu Camu fruit. This Amazon fruit contains 10x the vitamin C content of blackcurrant and kiwi fruit and is also high in antioxidants and potassium. Camu Camu can be found in high quality organic supplements as well as powders for juices and smoothies.
Remember, food is medicine and some of top common foods containing vitamin C are: Camu Camu, peppers (red, green, yellow), dark leafy greens, guava, papaya, citrus fruit, broccoli, kiwi and berries.
2. NAC, N-acetyl-cysteine
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a precursor of glutathione that acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. NAC was introduced in the 1960s as a mucolytic drug (breaking up mucoas viscosity) for chronic respiratory disease and has a well established safety profile at 600mg/day. In hospital settings it is used as an antidote for Tylenol overdose via IV and can also be used as a nebulizer treatment for patients with acute broncho pulmonary disease, bronchitis and tracheobronchitis. At doses greater than 1200mg, NAC also acts as an antioxidant, reducing the formation of inflammatory cytokines. Several studies show that NAC reduces viral load and viral replication in influenza viruses.
3. Loquat Respiratory Syrup
This syrup is a soothing herbal formula for easing the symptoms of respiratory infections and is safe for kids. It combines loquat leaves with other key botanicals including the inner barks of slippery elm and wild cherry. These plants are long given by traditional western herbalists for supporting respiratory health. It is great for colds, influenza, congestion and allergies. Loquat leaves are traditionally used for respiratory health. The leaves are harvested year-round, and are used in teas and syrups to support a calm and clear chest and lungs.
4. Chuan Xin Lian Kang Tang
Known for its antiviral properties and treating a severe sore throat due to bacterial and viral infections, this formula contains 7 botanicals including the well known western herbs like burdock root and dandelion root. This formula combination produces a cooling effect on "toxic heat" throughout the body, particularly for an acute sore throat. The chief herb, Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographis paniculate) has been shown to stop the Staphyloccocus Streptococccus and Shingella organisms that can cause viral infections.
The second ingredient, Ban Lang Gen (Isatis tinctoria) is both antiviral and antibacterial and has been shown to stop strep infection. The third ingredient Pu Gong Ying (dandelion) treats a variety of pathogens that cause strep throat, meningitis and tuberculosis. Together this synergy of plants combats severe sore throat, cough and fever associated with the influenza virus. I prefer this medicinal in tincture form dropped into a small glass of water, gargle then swallow. It is extremely bitter but highly effective for "razor blades" in the throat.
For the best quality herbal preparations always consult your TCM herbalist and order through a licensed practitioner.
5. Sang Ju Yin
During the outbreak of SARS coronavirus in the early 2000’s, significant data was gathered showing that Sang Ju Yinplus Yu Ping Feng San had highly effective results compared to the control group, who did not receive herbal medicine. Taiwanese hospital workers, laboratory technicians and volunteers used the TCM herbal extracts as directed with a result of zero users infected. Pretty incredible right?! Given as a preventative or at the onset of illness, the herbal ingredients in the combined formulas modulate T cells, enhance host defense capacity and shorten the duration of SARS coronavirus illness.
Sang Ju Yin effectively clears heat from the Lungs and is indicated for slight chills, low grade fever and light cough. This formula is given for early superficial stage of a warm febrile disease, such as the onset of cold’s and flu.
For the best quality herbal preparations always consult your TCM herbalist and order through a licensed practitioner.
6. Yu Ping Feng San
Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS), a Chinese herbal decoction comprised of Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) and Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), has been used clinically for colds and flus. It has been demonstrated that YPFS could modulate inflammatory response and exert anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects in innate immunity. This formula is traditionally regarded for its ability to protect the Wei Qi, our immune defense mechanism and is best used as a preventative or for mild-beginning onset of colds and flu's. For example, if someone in your household or place of work is sick, take this formula to tonify your own resilience against possible invading pathogens.
7. Yin Qiao San
According to TCM theory, influenza is categorized as a warm evil or Wen Bing. Yin Qiao San, Sang Ju Yin, Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang and others are considered first line herbal therapies in combating the variant influenza virus. Yin Qiao San has made its way into supermarkets across the unites states, and I am happy to see both tincture and capsule on the shelf with other botanicals such as echinacea and elderberry. While this formula is reputable for fever, chills, body ache and cough, please note that if your cold has not subsided in 2 days, you made need something stronger. Keep a bottle in your medicine cabinet and consult your licensed herbalist on dosage and frequency for best results.
8. Mustard Seed Bath
Mustard baths are a traditional remedy used for the treatment of colds, stress, fatigued and achy muscles, fever and congestion. Mustard has been known to stimulate the sweat glands, opening the pores and helping the body rid itself of toxins. Opening the pores and initiating a sweat is one of the most effective remedies for the onset of illness. The skin is the largest organ of elimination and detox baths not only feel amazing but effectively draw out pain, toxins and congestion. I personally love Dr Singha's Mustard seed bath as a foot soak and whole body soak. Soak for a minimum of 20 minutes and drink water while bathing.
Herbs and Pharmaceuticals
Herbs from TCM can mimic, magnify or oppose the effect of conventional medicines, thererore the safety of TCM used in treatment with pharmaceuticals should be carefully evaluated. For the safety and efficacy of TCM herbal preparations, always speak with a licensed herbalist and your primary health care provider.
Herbalism is deeply rooted in systems biology, which is an approach in biomedical research to understand the larger picture. From organism, tissue, cell and system, both human biology and ecological environment are critically analyzed to better understand the relationship of a healthy functioning organism.
Remember, wash your hands frequently, prepare nutritionally dense meals, eat fruits and vegetables, move your Qi, sweat, take your vitamins and herbs and rest when your body says to! And, avoid sugar and alcohol.
