Herbal Medicines Used in China for the Flu

Formulas being used in China to combat seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses

Not far after the times when Western Europe was being wiped out by The Plague, Chinese physicians became acutely aware of the need for comprehensive anti-epidemic medicines.

From the important research done at that time came an entire school of thought in regards to illnesses that included a fever. In fact, this scholarly and therapeutic school of thought is actually called the "Fever Diseases School (of thought)" or "Wen Bing Xue".

As a practitioner of Chinese medicine in the 21st century, I have long thought that this particular sub-specialty in Chinese medicine would produce some important breakthroughs and (re)discoveries as viruses rapidly make their ways around the globe.

As it turns out, I didn't have to wait very long before the SARS epidemic and H1N1 viruses became front-page news.

Fortunately, the Chinese have been very aggressive in using Wen Bing theories to arrive with herbal solutions that can be incorporated world-wide. In particular, the following herb formulas are being used in Chinese hospitals were the mortality rate for these potent flu viruses is much lower than elsewhere.

The herbs in these formulas are very potent and are not recommended for long-term usage.

Chengren Shuyin Fang (Adult Gargle Drink Formula)
Applicable to those who tend to get sore throats when they get sick. Also for adults with a history of close contact with those who have the flu.
	*Bo He (Hb. Menthae - Mint Leaf and Stem) 3 grams*. Hey, this is mint leaves! Tasty! But these leaves also include substances that lower fever. There is no known problems with taking this herb while sick with the flu.
	*Jin Yin Hua (Flos. Lonicerae - honeysuckle flower) 6 grams*. This is another one of those widely used anti-viral/anti-bacterial herbs used to regulate, stimulate and otherwise support the body's natural immune functions. There is are no known side-effects or allergic concerns associated with this medicinal herb.
	*Da Qing Ye (Fo. Isatidis - Indigo Colored Woad Leaf) 6 grams*. This herb is widely used in Chinese medicine for bacterial and viral infections.
	*Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae - Ural Licorice Root) 3 grams*, This herb is added to many Chinese herbal formulas because when used in small amounts, it serves to harmonize the other ingredients in a formula. In larger doses it is used as a detoxification herb. This "toxicity" is characterized as something such as infected sores, sore throat, etc. This is NOT the toxicity that is thought of in the term "liver detox" it is a completely different issue. Gan Cao is not without its side effects. In large doses or doses taken over a long period of time (like 3+ months) it can cause high blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should monitor themselves carefully while taking this formula to make sure that the blood pressure doesn't rise after a few weeks. Because Gan Cao has some effects on the kidneys, gan cao should only be taken under a physician's supervision if the patient has edema, kidney disorders, hypokalemia, or congestive heart failure. Then again, these sick patients are those who are under the greatest risk of problems with a severe flu. So, taking this formula is probably a good idea, but only if they're able to monitor their blood pressure and kidney functions, etc. The dosage of gan cao in this particular formula is less than the other ingredients in order to guard against hypertensive issues.
Raw herbs are cooked in the morning and divided into two servings. Gargle with decoction once in the morning and then once in the evening. Gargle twice per day for one week. This formula is not recommended for prolonged use.

Laonian Yufang Fang (Senior Citizens Prophylactic Formula)
This formula is applicable to the elderly and/or physically weak persons, especially those who are prone to catching colds and flus.
	*Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae) 10g*. This translates literally to "Prince Root". Some people consider this a reference to its gentle qualities which make it perfect for those of very weak constitution such as the elderly or weakened from chronic illness. The herb itself stimulates the efficiency of the digestive system. This is considered the first step in producing a more healthy immune response. If you can't get vitamins and minerals from your diet, they'll never be transformed into white blood cells or other immune system components.
	*Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae Frutescentis, perilla leaf) 6g*. This is an anti-nausea herb that is often used for stomach flu. It is also used in the treatment of the common cold.
	*Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis, scute) 10g*. This herb is a commonly used "heat clearing" herb for the Lungs which is to say "antibiotic" or "antiviral" in biomedical terms.
	*Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii Lappae, cattle burdock seed) 10g*. Here's another one of those gentle herbs used when a patient in a weakened condition catches a cold or flu.
Cook once per day and divide into two servings. Take one serving in the morning and one in the evening. Repeat for five days. This formula is not recommended for prolonged use. This formula is not recommended for strong, hearty individuals, only those who are weak or sickly.

Yunfu Yufang Fang (Pregnant Women Prophylactic Formula)
This formula is applicable to pregnant women.
	*Bai Zhu (Radix Atractylodes Macrocephalae) 6g*. This herb is used for strengthening the digestion as it is this system that forms the first stage of the immune system. Without proper digestion, the necessary vitamins and minerals are not absorbed and metabolised into immune system components. However, this herb is also used for "restless fetus disorder". This makes this herb safe to use for pregnant women.
	*Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis, scute) 6g*. This herb is a commonly used "heat clearing" herb for the Lungs which is to say "antibiotic" or "antiviral" in biomedical terms.
	*Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae Frutescentis, perilla leaf) 3g*. This is an anti-nausea herb that is often used for stomach flu. It is also used in the treatment of the common cold.
	*Jin Yin Hua (Flos. Lonicerae - honeysuckle flower) 6 grams*. This is another one of those widely used anti-viral/anti-bacterial herbs used to regulate, stimulate and otherwise support the body's natural immune functions. There is are no known side-effects or allergic concerns associated with this medicinal herb.
Cook once per day and divide into two servings. Take one in the morning and one in the evening. Repeat continuously for five days. This formula is not recommended for prolonged use.

Ertong Yufang Fang (Children's Prophylactic Formula)
This formula is applicable for school aged and pre-school aged children.
	*Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis) 10g*. This herb is famous for lowering fever, but also nourishing the body fluids likely damaged by the fever.
	*Sang Ye (Folium Mori Albaem, white mulberry leaf) 5g*. This herb is traditionally used to disperse wind-heat for the viruses that cause fevers. It helps with headache, fever, sore throat and coughing.
	*Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatae, prepared soybean) 5g*. This is a mild herb that "disperses wind heat or cold" which means it is used for chills or fever associated with a viral infection.
	*Jin Yin Hua (Flos. Lonicerae - honeysuckle flower) 6 grams*. This is another one of those widely used anti-viral/anti-bacterial herbs used to regulate, stimulate and otherwise support the body's natural immune functions. There is are no known side-effects or allergic concerns associated with this medicinal herb.
Cook once per day and divide into two servings. Take one in the morning and one in the evening. Repeat for five days. This formula is not designed for recommended use.

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