Ward off ‘Change of Season’ Viruses with Chinese Herbal Medicine

I have been using Chinese Herbal Medicine for over 20 years, as a practitioner  and as a consumer, and I can honestly say, it is my ‘medicine’ of choice. If I have to take a pill, (and I am one of those people reluctant to take anything unless I’m desperate), I prefer Chinese Herbs to treat most conditions other than acute, severe pain.

Today I went to my Wu Tao class and one of my dear students was there in spirit but her body was fighting the onslaught of a virus. In Chinese Medicine terms this is known as “An external pernicious influence”. Unfortunately for her, the formula I want to share with you probably won’t stop the virus invading her system as she is already 3 days into the symptoms of nasal congestion, sore throat and headache.However, IF I had seen her sooner I would have suggested she make high tail to her local Chinese Medicine practitioner or even the Chinese supermarket down the road who carry this formula I am about to share with you.

“Yin Chiao Chieh Tu Pien” (or simply Yin Qiao), is it’s common Chinese name and it’s translation in english is Honeysuckle and Forsythia formula. There are many brands and your local TCM practitioner will have one for you. Another similar formula to this is FLUEX by Panaxea. It’s slightly stronger and works a treat, but it is only available from your TCM practitioner.

So what does it do and how can it help us during a seasonal virus attack? At the onset of a virus, the pathogens first affect the defensive Qi, (which lies just beneath the skin and is part of the Lung/Large Intestine system). Here it comes into conflict with the anti-pathogenic Qi, which gives rise to the initial immune response of fever, mild chills and headache. When the virus penetrates the throat, Lung Qi is inhibited leading to a sore throat and cough.

This is where Yin Qiao has it’s initial therapeutic effect, as it works to expel the viral pathogen from the exterior of the body and purge heat and toxins. In the formula the main ingredients of honeysuckle (lonicera) and forsythia are very effective for purging heat and toxins, releasing the stagnant lung qi and expelling pathogens at the surface. The other ingredients support the main herbs with licorice added to balance the effects of the herbal mixture. (ref: advanced textbook of traditional chinese medicine and pharmacology).

I used them myself last week and they worked well to lesson the symptoms of a cold. I felt off colour for a day, started the tablets, had 2 days more days of fatigue and then I was fine again. No congestion or runny nose. They really did work to nip the cold in the bud before it got established. The most important thing is to start the tablets at the first sign of the virus. If you feel extra tired, have a slight headache or sore throat don’t delay.

It’s taken me ages to find a place where you can purchase the tablets online but I did it! So if you can’t get them from your TCM practitioner or at the Chinese supermarket, here is the link to the formula I use myself.  Yin Chiao Chieh Tu Pien.  I like to take 4 tablets straight away and then 4 hourly for 2 – 3 days, but do what feels right for you. The recommended dose is only twice daily. If you have any questions about Yin Qiao, feel free to send me an email. Wishing you a happy and healthy week! Love Michelle 🙂