Now the kids are back to school and the temperature is dropping, heading into autumn, bugs spread fast, especially around children.
With illnesses such as viral flu, gastroenteritis and other sickness bugs, but the main spreading illness that does the rounds is the common cold (Known as man flu). The common cold, often regarded as a minor inconvenience, can disrupt our daily lives with its sneezes, sniffles, and overall discomfort.
While there's no cure for the common cold, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to managing its symptoms. TCM has a rich history of using herbs to strengthen the body's natural defences and alleviate discomfort.
In this blog post, we'll explore five herbal supplements which we think are some of the best cold remedies that can help dispel symptoms and provide relief during these pesky seasons.
1. Shi Quan Da Bu Wan 十全大补汤
Shi Quan Da Bu Wan contains Astragalus, known as Huang Qi in TCM, is a powerful herb known for its immune-boosting properties. It is often used as a preventive measure to ward off colds and flu. Astragalus potentially helps fortify the body's defences by strengthening the immune system. It can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures.
Why it's great: May target cold symptoms, coughing and fatigue.
For all you herbalists and tea fanatics, why not try to prepare a simple astragalus tea?
- Boil a few dried astragalus root slices in water.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy the tea to boost your immune system and ward off colds.
2. Gui Pi Tang 归脾汤
Gui Pi Tang contains Ginger, or Sheng Jiang, which is a well-loved herb in TCM for its ability to expel cold pathogens from the body. It is a natural decongestant and could helps alleviate common cold symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and congestion. Ginger can be incorporated into your diet through ginger tea or added to soups and meals.
Why it's great: May assist with constitutional hot body, fever with chills, headache, dizziness, blocked nose, cough, stiffness in the chest.
Feeling creative in the kitchen? Why not try and make a ginger tea:
- Slice fresh ginger and steep it in hot water.
- Add honey and lemon for extra soothing benefits.
- Sip the tea throughout the day to relieve cold symptoms.
3. Yu Ping Feng San 玉屏风散
Yu Ping Feng San contains White Atractylodis Rhizome also known as Bai Zhu, which is a prized herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its dual action on common colds. It has potential to strengthen the immune system by boosting the Spleen and Qi, while also aiding digestion to ensure efficient nutrient absorption. This combination can make Bai Zhu a powerful TCM remedy for dispelling common cold symptoms and promoting faster recovery.
Why its great: Potentially stop spontaneous sweating, frequent suffering of a common cold and may target immune system and can aid congestion.
Sooth your throat with a soothing Atractylodis tea:
Creating a soothing and healthful Bai Zhu tea is a straightforward process. To harness the digestive and immune-boosting benefits of this herb, follow these simple steps:
- Add 2-3 slices of bai zhu to hot water.
- Steep for about 10 minutes.
- Add honey for sweetness.
- Sip the tea to relieve throat discomfort and coughing.
4. Fang Feng Tong Sheng San 防风通圣散
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San which contains Mint, or Bo He in TCM, a cooling herb that helps clear heat from the body. It's especially useful for soothing a sore throat, easing congestion, and relieving headaches. Mint can be consumed as a tea or added to soups and dishes.
Why its great: May assist with chills, headache, dizziness, blocked nose and cough.
Make a magical mint tea:
- Steep fresh mint leaves in hot water.
- Sweeten with honey if desired.
- Enjoy to alleviate cold symptoms and soothe your throat.
5. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San 藿香正气散
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San which contains Liquorice root, or Gan Cao, is a sweet and soothing herb that can be used to alleviate coughing and sore throat caused by a cold. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce irritation in the throat. Liquorice root is commonly used in TCM formulations to balance other herbs' effects and enhance their effectiveness.
Why its great: It may give temporary relief of the common cold.
Longing for a liquorice root tea? Try this recipe:
- Add a few slices of liquorice root to hot water.
- Steep for about 10 minutes.
- Sip the tea to relieve throat discomfort and coughing.
Summary
TCM offers a natural and holistic approach to managing common cold symptoms. These five herbal remedies: Astragalus, Ginger, White Atractylodis, Mint, and Liquorice Root, which could help boost your immune system, alleviate discomfort, and speed up recovery during the cold season.
Remember to consult with a TCM practitioner before incorporating these herbs into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Stay healthy, stay warm, and embrace the power of TCM to combat the common cold!
