Traditional Chinese Medicine teachings dictate that diseases have two possible causes: external and internal. We're more focused on the former today, as it's believed that festive seasonal infections come from exogenous pathogenic factors known rather ominously as 'The Six Evils'.
Cold and dampness evils are primarily associated with what we generally identify as 'flu-like' symptoms. Luckily, there are herb supplements we can use to fight cold and dampness excess. Join us as we seek to understand how it happens in the first place, and which formulations can help best*...
What are the 'Six Evils'?
The TCM stance on seasonal infections mirrors modern medicinal wisdom; a change in climate can incite a change in internal condition. But where modern medicine points to viruses as the main driver of seasonal illnesses, TCM suggests that those symptoms are the result of six distinct evils wreaking havoc on the body.
Of course, even these evils have their own structure and balance. There are 'Yin' evils, and 'Yang' evils.
Yin evils
- Cold (han)
- Dampness (shi)
- Dryness (zao)
Yang evils
- Wind (feng)
- Heat (re)
- Fire (huo)
Each evil represents a specific type of temperature or climate, and so logically they affect the human body in different ways. For example, heat evil flourishes in hot summers, and can manifest in conditions like heat stroke, dry lips and fever.
More pertinently for today's blog post, when cold and dampness evils take root, they can cause symptoms commonly associated with seasonal conditions: coughing, shivering, sweat-less fever, and many more.
How can herb supplements fight cold and damp symptoms?
Our herbal formulations are designed to enter the body through a number of different meridians. Meridians are part of the channel system, a collection of pathways that link zang-fu organs and funnel qi between them.
Each meridian has a corresponding zang-fu organ. The formula will enter through that meridian and attempt to improve the qi of the organ it belongs to. In doing so, the formula could also in theory ameliorate other symptoms of infection*.
To demonstrate, we'll use Bi Yan Pian as an example.
Bi Yan Pian 鼻炎片 (Xanthium & Magnolia)
Entry meridians: Lung
Bi Yan Pian concentrates on successful entry into the Lung meridian to potentially combat allergy troubles and general symptoms of illness. It’s speculated that poor Lung qi can affect the flow of qi overall, leading to blockages, temperature issues and more.
By bolstering Lung qi, Bi Yan Pian could alleviate those annoying, hard-to-shake cold symptoms in the process. Symptoms like:
- Nasal discharge
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Sinusitits
- Headache
There are four more herb supplements below that, between them, attempt to combat the issues caused by cold and dampness within the body. These formulations don't specifically target the troublesome aspects of your condition.
They seek to address qi imbalances in general, with the hope that this will directly reduce those symptoms, or at least make them easier to manage with renewed strength, energy and optimism*.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang 独活寄生丸 (Hairy Root & Panax Ginseng)
Entry meridians: Liver, Kidney
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a herbal formulation built to lessen internal pain. Two of its main ingredients (the wonderfully named Hairy Root and the ever-reliable Panax Ginseng) have been used in TCM for centuries, and are highly prized.
In attempting to tonify the Liver and Kidney, it may also help to expel dampness and dispel cold. Additionally, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang works on bone-related issues: chronic arthritis, back pain, tender joints, and overall stiffness*.
Gui Zhi Tang 桂枝汤 (Cinnamon Twig & White Peony)
Entry meridian: Stomach
Gui Zhi Tang is a solution that may help to address problems arising from cold and the flu. It's also a vegan-friendly, 100% natural supplement, meaning you can get better while feeling good about yourself – not a bad mix!
The Stomach is the zang-fu organ most responsible for onward movement of qi, so attempting to improve it could in theory lead to a better functioning internal system, enabling you to fight symptoms of cold and flu with increased vigour*.
Shi Quan Da Bu Wan 十全大补汤 (Astragalus & Rehmannia Root)
Entry meridians: Kidney, Liver
Shi Quan Da Bu Wan is a multi-purpose formulation that could help with dry skin, poor circulation, fatigue, and general manifestations of cold. Entering through the Kidney and Liver meridians, Shi Quan Da Bu Wan seeks to tonify qi and the blood, hopefully targeting and dispelling cold as it does so*.
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San 藿香正气散 (Patchouli & Liquorice Root)
Entry meridians: Stomach, Lung
Targeting energy levels and overall relief from infections and illness, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San enters through the Stomach and Lung meridians to recalibrate qi, dispel cold and reduce dampness. The targeted increase in energy levels should allow you to deal with the symptoms with renewed positivity; it might also lessen the nasty effects of allergies, too*.
Summary
Hopefully we've given a bit of insight into the thought process behind TCM's understanding of disease and infection. If you believe that your symptoms could be the result of excess cold and dampness within the body, the sheer breadth of our formulations are fantastic way to counter it according to your needs.
Don't forget, our entire range of supplements is 25% off until the 30th November.
*Please note, Aura Nutrition cannot guarantee the positive effects of its products. Results may vary. Our products are not designed to treat medical conditions or diseases.
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