Colds and Flu

Colds and flu in TCM belong to Feng Wen and seasonal Gan Mao categories. The earliest record for treating this condition is Wen Bing Xiao Bian by Ye Tian Shi from the chapters on Wind Wen Spring, Damp Wen, Heat Wen, and Cold Wen and Shang Han Lun by Zhang Zhong Jing from the chapters on Tai Yang Disease, Yao Ming Disease, and Shao Yang Disease. From these two books, the main causes of these are abnormal weather changes, weak constitutions, and invasions of pathogens.

Clinical Application:
A classical herbal formula is called Yin Qiao San (Lonicera & Forsythia Formula). It is the most commonly used formula for colds and flu, especially with the symptoms that in TCM are the wind-heat type. Researchers have found that this common formula can induce perspiration, reduce fever, relieve pain and coughing, resist bacteria and viruses, and subdue inflammation.

The Common Cold: A study treated 1,150 common cold cases treated with the coarse powder form of this formula, and reported the results as follows: after one day of treatment, fever was reduced across the board, the less severe cases were significantly improved, and the more severe cases experienced quick alleviation of symptoms while taking a somewhat longer time to recover fully; on average, all cases recovered in 2.7 days.(1)

Influenza: Of 50 flu cases treated with this formula in a study, all cases showed a speedy decrease in body temperature, self-reported significant improvement in symptoms, ancd were resolved in two to four days.(2) In another study, this formula was given to 1,480 people as a preventive measure against influenza (treated with 1-2 pills daily for 1.5 months), and the results were: the treatment group had a flu contraction rate of 2.6%, while the comparison group had one of 17.55%.(3)

Ji Yuan used Jade Screen prepared as above for preventing colds and flu for 466 patients. He used the syrup and massaged Bai Hui (Du 20), and Nei Lao Gong (P 8), as the main points 15 times as a treatment unit. There was a three-day break between units. He found that the group of children who received the treatment had noticeable results compared to the control group (p < 0.005). The control group had 15% more frequent colds and flu/month than did the treated group.(7)

Zhao used herbal aroma for preventing the flu in 83 patients. The herbal formula contained Bo He (Mentha), Cong Bai (Scallion), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Zi Su (Perilla), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Gui Pi (Cinnamon), Da Hui Xiang (Truestar Anistree), Xin Yi (Magnolia), and Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), combined and grouded into powder and put into a cotton bag, which the patients wore on their chests, inhaling the aroma deliberately at least 9 times per day. Every 29 days, the formula was replaced. The 83 patients showed good results compared to the control group.(8),(9)

Hu Zhi Ping, et al. used moxibustion to treat Wai Guan for 120 colds and flu patients. 3 treatments was one unit. 94 cases significantly improved, 12 improved, 14 did not respond.(10)

Zhang Xin used the half-insertion method for 126 pediatric patients. He stimulated Pi Shu (B20), Fei Shu (B13), and Zu San Li (S36), with 1" 28-guage needles once/day. Using his left hand to stabilize both sides of the acupuncture point, he inserted the needles with his right hand, tapping on the needles three times until the skin looked reddish. For best results, the points should not bleed. After 2-5 treatments, there was a 96.8% significant improvement rate and 100% effectiveness.(12)

Zhou Jian Jun used acpuncture point injection to treat 450 patients. The points were Qu Chi (LI11), Chi Ze (L5), Zu San Li (S36). The treatment occurred once per day. After 1-2 treatments, 450 cases all improved.(13)