Chinese Medicine for Cold and Flu
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
The common cold and influenza are among the most ancient clinical problems in Chinese medicine — some of the earliest and most detailed classical texts (the Shang Han Lun, written around 220 CE) are entirely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of febrile diseases caused by external pathogens. Traditional Chinese medicine has a highly sophisticated framework for treating these conditions that distinguishes between different types and stages of illness in ways that allow very targeted treatment.
Wind-Cold vs Wind-Heat
The most important distinction in TCM cold and flu treatment is between wind-cold and wind-heat invasion. Wind-cold presents with: chills predominating over fever, no sweating, clear nasal discharge, stiff neck, absence of thirst, and a floating tight pulse. Wind-heat presents with: fever predominating over chills, sore throat, yellow nasal discharge, thirst, headache, and a floating rapid pulse. Using the wrong formula for the wrong pattern will not only be ineffective but can worsen the condition — this is why generic "immune-boosting" approaches without pattern differentiation are less effective than individualised TCM treatment.
Key Formulas
For wind-cold: Jing Fang Bai Du San disperses wind-cold and relieves the exterior. For wind-heat: Yin Qiao San (the most commonly used formula for early wind-heat invasion) and Sang Ju Yin for milder presentations with cough. Ban Lan Gen (isatis root) has broad antiviral activity and is frequently used for influenza and sore throat with heat signs. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
Prevention
Yu Ping Feng San — the jade windscreen formula — is the classical preventative for people who are frequently unwell due to wei qi deficiency. Taken regularly from autumn through winter, it reduces the frequency and severity of respiratory infections. Huang Qi (astragalus) is its principal herb.
To discuss cold and flu prevention or treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
