Treating Colds and Flu with Herbal Remedies

Introduction
The following article describes in detail how to manage cold and flu symptoms. Read it carefully. Once you understand the principles involved and how to use the appropriate formula, you should be able to dramatically reduce the frequency and/ or severity of colds and flu. It is very empowering to help our families, friends and ourselves. Of course, it is always best to consult a health practitioner if you find that any illness continues to worsen or does not get better within a reasonable time frame.

Western Medicine's Perspective
In the west, most of us have grown up with the assumption that germs and virus cause disease. This "germ theory" is accredited to Louis Pasteur a French scientist in the late 19th century. Scientists of the day were so thrilled with his discoveries of germs as a cause of illness that they completely ignored his later observations. He clearly stated that the environment (including the person) is even more important as a cause of disease then the germ itself. This explains in part why everyone does not contract every illness they come in contact with. Given this limited view it would seem that it is mostly a matter of luck whether or not we are able to evade the invasion of a germ.

There is Of course, some validity in this theory as verified by the dramatic healing response of antibiotics in certain conditions. But, there are many instances where someone is ill and antibiotics do not help at all. The science of western medicine observes that the typical common cold or flu is not bacterially based, but due to a virus (although there may also be a bacterial infection present). Unfortunately, for the millions of sufferers each flu season, western medicine does not have much in its arsenal to combat viruses.

The Vaccination Problem
Quite frankly, western medicines track record in treating colds and flu is dismal. There are many drugs available to attempt to alleviate the symptoms. But many of them do not work and others are even counter productive. One of the problems drug companies encounter in looking for a "cure" for the common cold, is that there are over 200 viruses responsible for what is know as a common cold or flu. The latest attempts to combat the flu are vaccinations for which a high degree of success is claimed. One of the unpublicized problems with vaccinations is that in many cases, they don't work, and in other cases, there are severe acute reactions to the flu shot. There is even some concern that vaccinations weaken the immune system and cause long-term chronic problems. (Especially in young children). This is a controversial topic and both sides are convinced the other is acting irresponsibly.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
While the controversy is raging, Chinese Medicine has long embraced another approach to solving the problem. It is based on centuries of observation and experimentation. It involves looking at the person from the perspective of mental, emotional and physical environments. In other words, it views the interplay of the persons constitutional tendencies along with the environment they work and live in. A trained practitioner tries to determine if there is a pattern of disharmony by utilizing various diagnostic techniques such as questioning, taking the pulse and looking at the tongue. Other factors that are taken into consideration are: stress level, degree of happiness or satisfaction with their life, areas of discord, and how working and living environments may be affecting their condition. All this information helps to provide insights as to what factors might be contributing to the illness and possible ways to prevent their future occurrences.

Cold and flu symptoms have been observed to display very well defined symptom patterns. This has resulted in a method to categorize them according to type and stages of development. This is an important point to understand. Once you can identify the patterns and how it is progressing, choosing the correct treatment becomes obvious. With most cold and flu symptoms, this is not always as complex as it may sound.

Common Patterns for Colds and Flu
There are two basic patterns described. The first one is known as an External Wind Heat Evil and the second is known as an External Wind Chill Evil. The word evil, simply refers to a disruption of the bodies protective forces.

1. Wind Chill Evil symptoms: Stuffy head, runny nose, clear mucous, feeling chilled to the bone, little or no sore throat, no fever are usually not associated with bacterial or viral infection and is not generally seen in warmer climates. The usual pre-conditions for this type of cold is when one is "run down" due to stress or overwork and is exposed to cold and/or damp. Rest, warm drinks and time will usually take care of the problem. If a cough develops one should take herbs designed for this pattern.

Choosing a Formula for an Attack of an External Wind Chill Evil
A classic Chinese formula used for this condition is called Xiao Qing Long Tang - Minor Blue Dragon Decoction. This or variations can be found in Chinese Herbal pharmacies. It is a warming and drying formula intended to treat the above symptoms of External Wind Chill. The formula contains: Ephedra Stem, Cinnamon Twig, Paeonia Root (white), Ginger Rhizome (dry), Dry Ginger, Asarum Plant, Pinellia Rhizome, Schizandra Fruit and Licorice Root (baked)

The most common and potentially dangerous pattern is the External Wind Heat Evil.

2. Wind Heat Evil Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, yellow or green nasal discharge, fatigue, headache, bodyaches etc. There are definite stages in the development of this pattern and herbal formulas are given based on stage and severity of symptoms. This type of "heat" pattern often progresses rather quickly and will often involve chest congestion, coughing and yellow or green mucous. What at first appears to be a relatively minor condition can easily turn into pneumonia or bronchitis if not treated properly.

Choosing a Formula for an Attack of an External Wind Heat Evil
With this pattern, it is important that you correctly identify the stage of cold/flu. The stages are not always clear cut, but you can generally figure it out close enough to treat it effectively.

Stage #1 - This is where the "Evil" has just begun to penetrate the superficial layers of defense. It may also be referred to as the Uh Oh! Stage as in "Uh Oh, I think I am coming down with a cold". There are even stages within this stage. The sooner you can catch the your particular set of symptoms which signal the beginning of a cold or flu the more likely you will be able to completely eliminate it before it does any damage.

There are 2 basic reasons why you begin to experience these symptoms

1. You are more tired and depleted than normal so that your Chi and immune system is not responding at full capacity to fend off the invaders.
2. The Evil (or virus/bacteria) is an unusually strong strain and it eventually overcomes the immune system defenses.

Formulas to Take:

1. Self Defense Go to formula
Self defense is unlike most cold and flu formulas commercially available. It not only contains herbs to eliminate a broad spectrum of virus and bacteria but also herbs to help restore the defense system back to normal. This formula works very quickly when taken at the right stage. It addresses both 1 and 2 of the above reasons for catching a cold/flu. The key is to take it as soon as possible when you feel a cold/flu is beginning.

Now suppose you did not catch it soon enough or it does not quite get rid of the symptoms. That is when you can go on to the next formula.

2. Attack Go to formula
There are 2 ways to use the Attack formula. The first is preventative, useful when. for some reason, the Self Defense formula is not strong enough to resolve the symptoms. The second is when you actually come down with the full blown symptoms of a head cold (fever, sore throat, stuffy head, yellow or green mucous). This formula is design to aggressively fight off the invading Heat Evils (cold virus and various bacteria). Most people who use the Attack formula find that it either eliminates the symptoms in a day or two or at least prevents a more severe progression.

3. Cough #2 Productive Cough Go to Formula
In the last few years we have observed that colds and flu symptoms progress very rapidly and can quickly develop into lung congestion. Symptoms include: Coughing (with yellow or green mucous), tightness in the chest, fatigue along with the typical head cold symptoms described above. In this case, you can alternate Cough # 2 with the Attack formula. They can be taken 30 minutes apart if necessary until the symptoms are reduced, then 1-3 X daily or as needed. If there are no longer any head cold symptoms and only productive coughing, then you can take Cough #2 by itself (1-6X daily) until the symptoms are relieved

4. Cough #1 Dry or Unproductive Cough Go to Formula