Chinese Medicine For Cold & Flu

What Is a Cold/Flu?

Almost half of all common colds are caused by one of the 100 plus serotypes of rhino-viruses common in autumn and spring.

Viral infections can spread by contact with someone with the virus. It can also spread by airborne particles containing the virus.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Blocked nose
• Feelings of discomfort

In the first few days a runny nose and mucous start to develop. If the virus is a rhino-virus or corona-virus body temperature is usually normal.

Coughing is mild and can last into the second week. Asthma and chronic bronchitis can be aggravated.

Finally, symptoms resolve within 10 days unless an ear infection, sinusitis or secondary bacterial infection develops. 

Western Medical View

Firstly, there is currently no specific treatment for the common cold in western medicine.

Secondly, antipyretics and analgesics mask the symptoms such as sore throat rather than the virus itself.

Topical nasal decongestants used for more than 3-5 days can cause rebound nasal congestion (Children under four aren’t recommended these).

Antibiotics shouldn’t be given unless there are secondary bacterial infections, or if a patient suffers from chronic lung disease.

A recent survey discovered that Australian Doctors are over prescribing antibiotics, most likely because they have a hard time differentiating a virus from a bacterial infection.

Finally, preventative measures include hand washing to limit spread.

Chinese Medical View

Firstly, a diagnosis is made clinically and the causative factors include various types of external pathogenic factors (EPF’s).

Secondly, mild cases are referred to as the common cold and serious cases fall into the category of influenza.

It’s considered that the body becomes open to infection due to a relative imbalance between the strength of a persons defence and an external pathogen.

Such a weak defence system can be due to:

• Overwork
• Excess sexual activity
• Irregular diet
• Emotional stress
• Constitutional deficiencies

3 Types of Cold/Flu Pathogens

1. “Pathogenic Wind Cold” A patient who feels aversion to cold, body aches, nasal stuffiness with clear discharge, and a cough with white sputum may be diagnosed as having “wind cold”. This can include chills, headaches, sneezing and an itchy throat. Treatment includes clearing the pathogen and promoting the lung’s dispersive function with herbal medicine such as Jing Fang Bai Du San.
2. “Pathogenic Wind Heat” describes heat signs such as fever, sweating, thirst, sore throat, headache, nasal stuffiness and cough with yellow and sticky sputum. A thin, yellow tongue coat is common. Treatment includes clearing heat and phlegm with herbal medicines such as Yin Qiao San.
3. “Summer heat and damp” describe a pathogen that typically occurs in late summer/early autumn. The word damp describes the lingering nature of this pathogen. Symptoms include fever, sweating, thirst, cough, sluggishness, yellow urine, and a yellow, sticky tongue coating. Treatment includes herbal medicine such as Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin.

5 Preventative Measures

1. First, avoid getting run down with stress or overwhelmed with work
2. Secondly, stay protected from harsh weather conditions with adequate clothing
3. Third, maintain a nourishing diet to prepare for the change of season
4. If you get sick, rest your body and avoid vigorous exercise
5. Finally, apply for an assessment here

Did you know? The latest Nobel Prize winner in Medicine was awarded to Chinese Medicine researcher Tu Youyou, after discovering a treatment for malaria using a Chinese herbal medicine called Artemesia annua (Qinghao).

David L. Edwards is an author, herbalist and licensed acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine (available on amazon). David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.

Apply for an assessment here or call 9462-0585 to book an appointment with David

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References

1. Porter, Kaplan (editors). The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 19th ed. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Whitehouse Station, N.J. pg. 1493-1502, 1610, 2011.
2. Charlie Xue, Jing Cui, Zhen Zheng, Jerry Zhang, Huan Bin Du, Xue Jian Liu. Lecture notes for COTH2125 Clinical Chinese Medicine 1 (internal medicine), School of health Sciences, Pg. 66-76, 2014.

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