Effectively Combating Swine Flu (H1N1) Using Chinese Herbs
Not long ago, an article was released from the Ditan Hospital in Beijing, reporting that, “88 out of 117 patients treated for (H1N1) the disease only on the herbs fully recovered and were discharged.” This is a 75% success rate. What are these Chinese herbs that worked so well? The Deputy Director of the hospital said there were four herbs in the packets given to patients who drank them as a tea and used as a mouth wash. Lonicera Japonica, (honeysuckle flower), Isatis Indigodica, Mentha (mint) and Glycyrrhiza (licorice). All were dosed at 3 grams per serving. These same herbs are available in Chinese herbal medicine shops here in the US.
Lonicera is used pretty much exclusively to prevent and treat the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats, and general flu symptoms. It can be used in a vaporizer and inhaled along with the traditional way of ingesting it after cooking (decocting) in water. In one study, 1150 patients were treated for influenza using a combination of herbs which included Lonicera and had excellent results. Using fresh Lonicera is best as it contains the most anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. As an antibiotic, it has “demonstrated a broad spectrum of inhibitory actions against staphylococcus aureus, E. Coli” and a host of other pathogens.
Woad root (Isatis) is the next herb in the flu fighting formula. This herb is categorized as a toxic heat clearing herb in Chinese herbal medicine and is also commonly used for upper respiratory infections. It’s pharmacological effects have been well studied and research supports its success in treating acute sore throats and influenza viruses. Like other Chinese herbs, it is often used in a formula combined with other herbs. Herbs often work more effectively when cooked together with the right combination of other synergistically compatible herbs. People allergic to sulfonamides may have an allergic reaction to this herb, and it is not recommended for those taking Coumadin or any blood thinning medication as it may potentiate this action. However, the risk of any serious interaction is slight. I mention this to emphasize that herbs are strong medicine and should be prescribed and dosed by a qualified practitioner.
The last two herbs in this very simple formula are herbs that I am certain everyone has heard of, but may not have held in high regard for treatment of flu virus such as Swine flu. I hope this article changes that perspective. Mint is seen in nearly every grocery store in the U.S. and we’ve all heard of licorice. Yet these two herbs are not necessarily found in the neighborhood grocery store. You must be certain of obtaining the correct species and there are literally hundreds when it comes to mint. Mentha has quite a history when comes to treating high fever accompanied by flu symptoms. In fact, the original source text on mentha was written in approximately 600 A.D., while the beneficial effects of licorice were documented even earlier. Sore throats, red eyes, and headache are some of the most common symptoms mentha can treat. It is included in many famous Chinese herb formulas as is licorice. Both are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica with volumes of information and research. It is traditionally used to “harmonize” a formula in Chinese medicine, yet it has many therapeutic actions of its own. More than I can list here.
The four herbs mentioned above are very effective, and together they are more than just the sum of their individual parts. Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has introduced a H1N1 prevention herbal medicine pack. If you are traveling to China, you may want to pick up a few. Better yet, consult your local Acupuncturist or Herbalist and get your very own powerhouse of herbs custom made for your constitution.
References:
Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Chen & Chen, Art of Medicine Press, 2001.
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Traditional Chinese medicine is perhaps the oldest system of health care in the world--and one of the safest and most effective. This easy-to-use handbook provides everything readers need to know to be able to explore Chinese herbal medicine for themselves. Illustrations.
This booklet provides a basic overview of Chinese Medicine Herbs commonly used by Chinese Medicine practitioners. This book builds on the other Chinese Medicine Guys (CMG) books -- providing additional information to give a more complete picture of Chinese Medicine, its applications and benefits. The book presents a “Best of Collection of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbs. The book also includes cross-references of English, Pharmaceutical and Chinese herb names, as well as a glossary of Chinese Medicine terms to better understand information presented. This book is intended for those lay people interested in expanding their knowledge of Chinese Medicine (for educational – not self-medicating purposes). The book is also a great teaching tool that can be used by Chinese medicine practitioners in educating their patients.
The new 2nd edition of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, the companion volume to Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, is designed to serve as both a textbook for students and an authoritative reference for practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Included in the new edition are over 800 medicinal formulas drawn from both classical and modern sources, which provide more than twice the information in the earlier edition. For each of the 340-plus principal formulas there is a discussion of its therapeutic actions and indications, analysis of the functions and interactions of the ingredients, method of preparation, and a list of modifications to customize the formula in the clinic. Over 460 variations and associated formulas offer additional options for the practitioner. The commentary to each formula has been considerably expanded. This section deepens the readers understanding of a formulas genealogy, presents an overview of controversies regarding composition, usage, and other issues, describes the extension of a formulas application to a wider range of disorders, and provides key clinical pointers to facilitate use of the formula in the modern clinic. A new section on comparisons has been added to this edition. This is intended to help students and practitioners focus on the distinguishing characteristics of each formula by contrasting it with other formulas that are similar in terms of composition or indication. Tables at the end of each chapter reinforce these distinctions by comparing and contrasting formulas across a wider range. The introduction to the book traces the historical evolution of the formulas, and provides practical pointers for their preparation and use. Detailed timelines depict the key events, authors, and texts in the 2,000-year history of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, placing the contents of this book in historical context. Among the appendices are a pinyin-to-English cross reference to the formulas, a basic summary formulary correlated to symptoms and disorders, a full listing of all books cited in the text, and a bibliography of all modern sources used in the preparation of the book. A comprehensive index to the formulas, and a general index, round out the contents.