Chinese Medicine for Colds and Flu

Most people are familiar with acupuncture as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, many may not know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to treat the common cold (upper respiratory tract infections) in Asian countries for over 2,000 years.

This article will explore how TCM can help, and offer a few self-care herbal remedies you can try at home.

How Chinese Medicine Can Help

Acupuncture for the Common Cold

Acupuncture is one of the most widely used treatment methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and can effectively relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, and fever.

The philosophy behind acupuncture centers around balancing and harmonizing the flow of Qi (vital energy) to help the body self-regulate and fight off external pathogens. Fine, hair-thin needles are inserted along specific meridians to clear blockages, promote the free flow of energy, and enhance the body’s natural healing response, thereby reducing cold and flu symptoms.

Acupuncture may help to:

Strengthen the immune system to prevent colds
Speed up recovery from illness
Relieve nasal congestion, fever, headache, cough, body aches, and sore throat

A randomized study in Japan involving over 326 participants compared the effectiveness of true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for relieving cold symptoms. During the two-week trial, patients received four acupuncture sessions, followed by an additional two-week observation period.

The results showed that the group receiving true acupuncture experienced significantly reduced symptoms both during and after the treatment phase, compared to the control group. This suggests that acupuncture is an effective and safe method for managing common cold symptoms.

Chinese Medicine for Treating the Common Cold

A common cold usually takes about a week to recover, while the flu may take two to three weeks without any treatment. Some people prefer to take over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

According to centuries of clinical experience, when properly diagnosed by a trained Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine can help shorten the recovery time from colds and flu. Most symptoms, including headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, cough, fever, and body aches, can be addressed with specific herbs or formulas based on the individual’s presentation pattern.

A notable study conducted in China examined the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in treating influenza. The research involved 410 patients between the ages of 15 and 69 who were laboratory-confirmed to have H1N1 influenza (swine flu). Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups:

The Integration group received both antiviral medication (Tamiflu) and Chinese herbal medicine.
The TCM group received only Chinese herbal medicine.
The WM group received only Tamiflu.
The Control group received no treatment.

The primary outcome measured was the time it took for patients to reduce their fever. The results showed that the average time to reduce fever was 26 hours in the control group, 20 hours in the WM group, 16 hours in the TCM group, and 15 hours in the Integration group. This study clearly demonstrates that Chinese herbal medicine is an effective alternative treatment for influenza.

Home Remedies

Gua Sha Therapy for Colds and Flu

Gua Sha is a simple technique involving skin scraping. The term literally means “scraping away illness.” This ancient therapy is still widely used in Chinese households as an effective home remedy to relieve symptoms of colds and flu.

When applied at the early onset of symptoms, Gua Sha can help stop a cold or flu from progressing. It is typically done two to three times per day until symptoms disappear. It is recommended to apply a moisturizing oil (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or lotion) before scraping to protect the skin.

The only tools you need are a ceramic soup spoon or any smooth-edged object, such as the spine of a comb. As shown in the diagram, use the smooth edge to scrape the shaded areas of the neck and upper back. The direction should be downward and outward to encourage the expulsion of pathogens from the body.

Gentle pressure is sufficient, and in many cases, redness will appear naturally. Do not apply Gua Sha over open wounds. Your Chinese medicine or acupuncture practitioner can show you proper Gua Sha techniques and the exact meridians and acupressure points on your body to help you perform this therapy more effectively for colds and flu.

Ginger Tea for Treating Colds and Flu

Ginger has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help the body fight off infections. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can ease pain, irritation, and discomfort caused by colds and flu.

In addition, ginger promotes sweating, which helps the body detoxify and may reduce the severity of cold symptoms. Its warming nature supports the lungs and stomach, helping to regulate both the respiratory and digestive systems, and contributes to faster healing during illness.

Ginger Tea

Slice 50 grams of fresh ginger and simmer for 15 minutes to release its active compounds. Drink the tea warm throughout the day. This is a simple, effective, safe, and low-cost home remedy that almost anyone can use to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Ginger Soup

Scallion, garlic, and ginger soup is a traditional Chinese remedy used for centuries to treat colds and fever. Here’s how to make it:

2 stalks of scallions (white parts only), cut into segments
A thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar or honey

Place the scallions, ginger, and garlic into a pot with 2¼ cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add brown sugar or honey just before drinking. Drink the soup while it is hot. Afterwards, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and rest. Within a few minutes, you may begin to sweat, and your cold or fever symptoms may start to ease.

Warm Water and Rest

Drink enough warm water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and warm. Proper hydration helps flush out pathogens and supports recovery.

Getting plenty of rest allows your body to conserve energy to fight off the cold virus. Try to sleep more than usual or take short naps during the day—this can help shorten your recovery time.

Prevention and Early Treatment

Strengthening your immune system with Chinese medicine is an effective way to prevent colds and flu. If you’re already sick, early treatment can help shorten the course of illness and speed up your recovery.

For more information, please call (03) 9857-8062.