Cold & Flu seasons

'For coughs and flu'

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved out of a deep understanding and appreciation of natural rhythms and processes.  In a way that is familiar to modern physics, TCM is grounded on the idea that everything has an inherent, yet ever-changing energy.

This energy is known as Qi (pronounced chee).  By protecting and nourishing our own inner Qi and by balancing the internal and external forces in our lives we can maintain a state of health where disease can be overcome and, better still, prevented.

There are five seasons in the Chinese calendar (Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn and Winter).  The changing seasons bring with them a variety of external factors, which can affect us in many ways.  Coughs and colds are typical.

helping us to manage the changing seasons

Colds and coughs are commonly experienced conditions, which can seriously disrupt everyday living.  TCM regards external forces such as Wind, Cold or Heat as being the main cause of these common illnesses.

Together with Damp, Dryness and Summer Heat, they make up the ‘Six Evils.’  It is common for these evils to combine.  Wind is known as the ‘spearhead of 100 diseases’ as it provides the penetrative force by which other factors enter the body.

Most frequent are conditions known as Wind Heat and Wind Cold.  Once these external forces enter the body, they disturb the delicate balance of health.  Herbs are used to restore balance.

classical Chinese herbal formulae

The Chinese approach to coughs and colds focuses on a range of traditional herbal remedies.  These formulae help redress your body’s balance by strengthening the healthy energy of your body, while simultaneously clearing any of the external forces which have invaded.

how do classical Chinese herbal formulae help with coughs and colds?

Classical formulae represent the most common Chinese remedies for the most common symptoms, which are prepackaged as high quality Over The Counter (OTC) format.

As we have seen, certain key herbs are considered particularly helpful with coughs and colds.  Also:

Mentha (or mint) is described as pungent and cool, and enters the lung and liver channels.  It dissipates wind and heat and alleviates symptoms such as headaches, sore throat and fever.

Du Huo is pungent, bitter and warm and enters the kidney and bladder channels. It dispels wind and damp and alleviates pain.  It is used for lumbar pain, knee joint pain and arthritic pain that is aggravated by cold damp weather.

Western medicine has also researched and recognised the actions of many herbs used in TCM.  This modern research confirms what the Chinese have known and practised for thousands of years.

Forsythia has been shown to combat bacteria and parasites, and reduces nausea and vomiting.

Schizonepeta can reduce fever and has an anti-bacterial action.

Platycodon has an expectorant effect and helps to stop coughs.

For further information and advice on how TCM can complement and enhance your health care, please speak with one of our in-store practitioners.