TCM suggestions to treat flu/colds revisited

[tcmgpt13]

These threads have been on here before, but as I see some discussion of members with flu I thought I would repost these TCM suggestions for flu treatment in one place:

Soup may help build immune system and raise white blood count naturally

TCM Remedies for Colds/Flu

TCM Winter Wisdom

TCM remedies for Stomach Flu, Hangovers, Vomiting, Indigestion, Motion Sickness

Here is something new, a syrup which is often used for dry coughs which accompany colds:

Han's, Natural Honey Loquat Syrup, 8.5 fl oz (252 ml) - iHerb.com

Here's a simple description of its use for simple coughs:

It is used to "soothe an irritated, dry throat, alleviate coughing, and resolve phlegm. Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (Herbal Honey Loquat Syrup) may be used on its own for a simple cough or with Ge Xian Weng Banlangen Grains Compound for a cold or flu with cough and sore throat."

The banlangen compounded medicine mentioned above is often used to nip flu/cold symptoms in the bud, but to do this it must be used early on for colds and flu, before it settles into the interior of the body (lungs) body. Once it has settled in this remedy can still be used, but it is best paired with other herbs as for some folks this can prove too cold if used alone. In any case it contains very cold herbs and can injure the stomach if used excessively or for too prolonged a time (it can make a person too cold inside).

Here's another page which discusses some additional TCM remedies for colds and flus:

Chi Harmoni: Acupuncture and Herbology for Your Well-Being - Home Remedies

The most important suggestion from both TCM and Western medicine is to not eat a lot of sugar in the winter. Research shows that sugar lowers the white blood cell count which of course lowers immune system function. Above all, TCM advises being warmly dressed when it is cold outside which includes protecting the head and neck and extremities.

Best to all for staying getting well and staying well the rest of the winter.

[jonsi]

Thank you for the suggestions, TCM!

I could only hold down 7-up/sprite for two days (stomach-flu). Finally I remembered the ginger root in my freezer and I made some hot tea. I also made toast and put honey on it...

Itwl,
~jonsi

[tcmgpt13]

Hi Jonsi,

Glad to see you back. Stomach flu can be quite miserable, I know. The TCM Po Chai pills, discussed under the thread which mentions stomach flu, usually work very fast, especially if taken at the first signs of stomach flu. Even when you already have it I have found this to be a very effective remedy to help get the illness out of the body more quickly. Good you were able to dig out the ginger root though to soothe your stomach. I like to keep the banlangen compound on hand as well as the honey loquat syrup for coughs. Quite often I can ward off colds and flu by keeping a few formulas on hand. It has been at least four or more years since I have actually gotten a sore throat or a cold, because as soon as I notice my throat tickle and I feel a bit run down, I treat my symptoms. These remedies are ones my TCM friends shared with me.

Hope you feel tip top soon!

best, tcm