In the face of the raging influenza virus, for most people, rather than waiting for the infection and then go to treatment to improve, it is better to actively do a good job of prevention before infection. Wearing a good mask in densely populated places, paying attention to good hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently and opening windows for ventilation, keeping warm and protected from the cold, as well as paying attention to a healthy diet and exercising moderately to maintain good immunity are all important aspects of influenza prevention.
In addition, we can also give full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine , in the prevention of influenza, the use of some of the role of supporting the positive and effective, but also safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine to enhance the body’s ‘positive energy’, to regulate the state of health of the body, in order to reduce the risk of influenza virus infections and the occurrence of serious infections.
In today’s edition of this popular science article, we are going to introduce you to 2 proprietary Chinese medicines that may be able to help you to better prevent the flu in the midst of the flu pandemic.
As the saying goes, ‘The wind blows the small woodchuck’.
In Chinese medicine theory, the state of health of the human body depends on the balance of positive qi and evil qi. Positive qi refers to the ability of the body’s various functions (including internal organs, meridians, qi and blood functions) to resist disease and restore the body, while evil qi is a variety of disease-causing factors.
‘Positive qi within, evil can not be dry’, when the positive qi is sufficient, the human body can resist the invasion of foreign evil; while the evil invasion of the human body, the positive and evil fight will lead to disease.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Granules), originated from the Treatise on Typhoid Fever, is a classic formula for supporting the right and dispelling the evil. In the formula, Chaihu is the kingpin, which is light, clear, ascending and dispersing, capable of dispersing evils through the epidermis, so that the evils can be dispelled from the epidermis, which reflects the aspect of dispelling the evils; while Dangshen, Licorice and Jujubes are the adjuvant medicines, which are capable of benefiting the stomach qi, generating the fluids and harmonising the camping and guarding, which are capable of enhancing the positive qi of the human body itself, and help the body to resist the various pathogenic factors (the evil qi).
This concept of combining positive energy and eliminating evil energy gives Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Granules) a unique advantage in the prevention of influenza and other diseases.
As the main ingredient of Xiao Chai Hu Granules, Chai Hu has the efficacy of relieving the epidermis and dissipating heat. When influenza invades the body, the evil Qi is mostly on the muscle surface, and Chai Hu can detoxify the evil Qi on the muscle surface, so that the evil Qi can be expelled from the body through sweat and other means. When the human body comes into contact with influenza virus, Xiao Chaihu Granules can, through its effect of detoxifying the surface, disperse the evil Qi before it penetrates deep into the human body, thus preventing the further development of influenza.
For the prevention of influenza, Xiao Chaihu Granules are mainly suitable for people with poor physical condition and immunity, such as children and the elderly, etc. In addition, people with liver qi stagnation, which affects the operation of qi and can easily lead to the invasion of external evils, are also suitable for Xiao Chaihu Granules.
The best time to use the medicine is at the initial stage of external infection, when you have just been exposed to the influenza virus, and when external symptoms such as mild fever, bad cold, dry throat and headache appear, the body’s positive qi starts to fight against the evil. Xiao Chaihu Granules can be effective at this stage in relieving symptoms and dispersing heat.
Yupingfengsan originates from the Danxi Xinfa of the Yuan Dynasty. This herbal formula consists of three main ingredients: astragalus, atractylodes, and antifungal herbs.
Astragalus is the key herb in Yupingfengsan. It plays an important role in tonifying qi and elevating yang. It also benefits Wei and strengthens the skin. Modern pharmacology highlights its many active compounds, including astragalus polysaccharide and astragalus saponin. These compounds support the immune system. They enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages and stimulate the growth of lymphocytes. As a result, they improve the body’s cellular immune function.
Atractylodes macrocephala strengthens the spleen and benefits qi. This herb helps the spleen and stomach digest and transport food. It supplies important nutrients to the body. In Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are key to health. They produce qi and blood. By supporting these organs, Atractylodes macrocephala helps maintain vital energy.
Fangfeng helps to get rid of wind and fight illness. It aids the body to resist outside threats. For preventing influenza, Fangfeng blocks the virus from going deeper into the body when it first comes in.
Research shows that Fangfeng has important compounds like chromones and volatile oils. These compounds may reduce inflammation and pain. They can help ease discomfort from influenza.
Yupingfeng San combines the effects of Astragalus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Fangfeng to support the immune system. It boosts the activity of T lymphocytes. It increases the production of cytokines, including interferon. Interferon is important for fighting viruses and regulating the immune response. It can stop the influenza virus from copying itself and reduce the chance of getting sick.
In Chinese medicine, Wei Qi protects the body from outside threats. Yupingfeng San helps make Wei Qi stronger. Astragalus helps improve Wei and strengthens the body’s surface. Atractylodes macrocephala supports the spleen and helps create Wei Qi. Fangfeng helps to get rid of wind and aids in fighting illnesses. These herbs together improve the body’s defenses against the influenza virus during flu season.
Studies show that Yupingfeng San works well to prevent influenza. Research shows that people who take Yupingfeng San during flu season have fewer infections than those who do not.
In studies with children who have repeated respiratory infections, Yupingfeng San showed good results. It reduces the number of infections and shortens how long someone is sick.
Yupingfeng San is good for people who are weak or who often get colds and sweat too much. This includes many elderly people and children. These groups may lack energy and are more likely to get the influenza virus. Yupingfeng San can help boost their resistance.
Unlike Xiao Chai Hu Granules, Yupingfeng San can be taken before illness strikes. It strengthens the body’s qi and helps the immune system. This is like building walls before an attack.
The herbs in Yupingfeng San work well together. Astragalus boosts qi and strengthens the body’s surface. Atractylodes macrocephala helps the spleen and allows for the creation of Wei Qi. Fangfeng helps to keep out outside threats. Taking Yupingfeng San early can improve the body’s general immunity and reduce the risk of influenza.
Yupingfeng San is usually safe, but some precautions are needed. It is not right for patients with high heat signs, like fever, thirst, or dry stools. The qi-boosting effects can make heat symptoms worse.
If someone has cold or flu symptoms while taking the medicine, they should check their condition. If symptoms are mild, they may keep taking it. If symptoms get worse, they may need to change the medicine or stop using it. They should consult a doctor in these cases.