Find » Health & Wellness » Alternative Medicine » Try Chinese Herbal Medicine when Fi...

Try Chinese Herbal Medicine when Fighting Flu and Colds

By R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen, published Sep 16, 2008
Published Content: 329  Total Views: 120,835  Favorited By: 113 CPs
Embed:  
Rating: 4.0 of 5
Cold and flu season is right around the corner. As this season approaches us more and more people are seeking natural remedies to treat their ailments and colds and the flu are no exception. There are plenty of ways to fight the flu and colds with Chinese herbal medicine. It is important to know the symptoms of colds and the flu in order to fully understand the potential benefits of Chinese herbal medicine. It is also important to know if you have a cold or the flu because treatments will most likely be different.

Cold Symptoms
Slight aches and pains
Mild fatigue and weakness
Stuffy nose and sneezing
Sore throat
Mild to moderate cough and chest discomfort
Symptoms and symptom severity may vary from person to person

Flu Symptoms
Fever
Headache
Prominent aches and pains
Fatigue and weakness
Extreme exhaustion
Stuffy nose and sneezing
Sore throat
Cough and chest discomfort
Symptoms and symptom severity may vary from person to person

Certain herbs used in Chinese medicine are thought to boost the immune system. Often times combination of herbs are used to increase effectiveness. Chinese medicinal herbs are also often made into teas and tinctures for greater potency.

Conventional medical treatments work on the immune system to help relieve cold and flu symptoms where Chinese herbal medicine is thought to boost the immune system. Things like antibiotics and antivirals are not found in Chinese herbal medicine, but may be necessary for some cold and flu patients. The difference between Chinese herbal medicine and conventional medicine is quite easy to decipher; Chinese herbal medicine consists of natural treatments that help boost the immune system where conventional medicine work on and with the body and immune system to help relieve and treat cold and flu symptoms.

Comments
Comments 1 - 13 of 13
 
 
Great info. I love mushrooms, scallions and miso.

Posted on 10/08/2008 at 7:10:58 PM

 
Regular stuff isn't working so I'm all for trying natural remedies!

Posted on 09/18/2008 at 10:09:39 AM

 
Great article! Chinese herbs can be a great alternative to traditional medicines. :)

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 4:09:11 PM

 
Natural is always good! Great information.

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 9:09:15 AM

 
Great topic & info :)

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 8:09:31 AM

 
This is great, I get like four colds a year so I can really use this.

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 6:09:48 AM

 
I'm always looking for something to help fight off the old cold bug. I'll have to keep these in mind. And Micheal, thanks for the safety addendum, very important, of course.

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 5:09:07 AM

 
Good work. A couple of points about Chinese herbs: (1) Many of the herbs imported from China have been found to be adulterated. (2) Herbs do have side effects. Since most Chinese herbs are taken in compounds, there is an increased chance for side effects. For instance, many such compounds include licorice, which can have a bad over-stimulating effect. I almost ended up in the hospital some years ago when I was taking for a skin problem a Chinese prescription which included licorice.

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 5:09:33 AM

 
:-)

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 5:09:04 AM

 
Great info; I am convinced chinese herbal medicine will help us to fight against cold and to strenghten our immune system

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 1:09:10 AM

 
I have used natural cold remedies, but many of these are new to me. Thanks for the info!

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 12:09:45 AM

 
Saving this as I'm all for natural methods first. Thanks!

Posted on 09/16/2008 at 10:09:47 PM

 
I'll be keeping this for the flu and cold season coming up.

Posted on 09/16/2008 at 9:09:53 PM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Comments 1 - 13 of 13
 
Advertisment