COVID-19 may cause organ damage.
Disclaimer: If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 seek medical advice.
What are Chinese Herbs?
Modern Chinese Herbs are typically provided in powder/granule, capsule or pill form. They are presented as a formula which is made up of maybe 2-20 different herbs. Herbs are like the ones you may have on your kitchen shelf: Peppermint (Bo He), Cinnamon (Gui Zhi) and Go Ji Berries (Guo Qi Zi) are all Chinese Herbs. The way they are combined and the amount used will change their use from culinary herbs to medicinal herbs. There are hundreds of plants, minerals and some animal products which are classed as Chinese Herbs. (I don’t use animal herbals).
Herbs have been used for thousands of years as medicine in all cultures. Herbs can improve your health, like improving your digestion or immune system. They can also be used in times of illness and infection.
How are herbs used?
in China: It is common for people to take herbs as general maintenance or in times of imbalance, such as tiredness, irritability, period discomfort, aches, short term diarrhoea etc. It is also common to be prescribed herbs following any hospital admission. Herbs are provided at most hospitals. Not only are they using herbs for COVID-19 patients but they also provide hospital workers with herbs to improve their resilience.
in Australia: You will have to visit a Chinese Medical Practitioner for Chinese Herbal prescriptions. Most of my prescriptions are for general maintenance and imbalance. Right now most prescriptions will be to strengthen immune, lung and digestive function, so people are in the best position they can be to fight viral infection.
Which ones are used for COVID-19?
There isn’t one formula that covers one disease. Herbal formula are prescribed per person depending on their health and current imbalance.
COVID-19 is classed as a cold damp pathogen which quickly invades the lung, so prevention aims to strengthen lung function and warm/strengthen immune function (Wei and Yang Qi). This virus is highly contagious, so apart from not being in contact with people, the health strategy is to improve immune/lung strength so that any contracted infection is more mild rather than acute.
Current preventative formulations will aim to boost immunity and strengthen lung function. A few prescriptions may include:
Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang (Licorice and Ginger Decoction)
Warms the Lungs and strengthens the Stomach. Dry throat, frequent urination.
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
For recurrent colds, spontaneous sweating, allergies
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle Formula)
Fatigue, loose stools
Mild/early Viral Infection Formulations:
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Fever/chills, difficult breathing, aches, dry throat
Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction)
Fever and chills without sweating. Rigid/stiff neck/upperback
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Decoction)
Early stage flu. Chills/fever, ache, nasal congestion
COVID-19 Recovery Formulae
Lingering symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, digestive upset, phlegm.
Wu Ling San (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria)
Headache, thirst, urinary difficulty, oedema
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle Formula)
Fatigue, loose stools
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Distention in chest, dry mount and throat, difficulty breathing, poor appetite.
Who can take herbs?
Herbs are useful for everyone, but at the moment they will be especially useful if you have poor health or suffer lung issues like asthma/allergies. I’m taking them. You don’t have to be sick. You can strengthen your health with good food, exercise, meditation, supplements and herbs. Some medications might restrict which herbs you can take. Generally herbs have a very low incidence of side effects.
How do I get Chinese Herbs?
Herbal consultations are available via phone/skype. Herbal formulae can then be posted or picked up or dropped off.
Contact me if you would like more information about how herbs can help you.
Ph/text: 0406 713 723 sonia@bluebalanceacupuncture.com.au
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