With all the “buzz” regarding H1N1 (swine flu) you find online and see on TV, I thought it would make sense to write a balanced article regarding cold and flu remedies.

Don’t even get me started on the vaccine “hysteria” — as if pharmaceutical companies can’t manufacture enough product to meet the “demand” created by media…

Needless to say, every year there’s a cold and flu season.

And no matter what the latest virus brings, there are timeless herbal remedies to alleviate suffering and to help your body heal itself.

So, what remedies do I personally recommend?

That’s a good question.

Being an Acupuncturist, I keep a number of Chinese Herbal formulas in my medicine cabinet at home that are simple and effective.

You can watch a video that talks about them by clicking the link HERE.

So, here is what I keep around for both prevention and treatment of the common winter ailments…

Chinese Herbs and Health Benefits

Gan Mao Ling.

This a classic formula that counter acts the initial onset of a pathogenic “wind-heat” or wind cold”. If you are getting the chills and aches of a cold, take Gan Mao Ling immediately. Gan Mao Ling prevents the pathogen from going deeper into the body.

Gan Mao Ling is also great because you can take it as a preventative.

I often use it when I know I am going to be in crowds of people or on an airplane where transmission of pathogens is really common. Typically as a preventative dose I take 3 pills, 3 to 4 times a day. I know it sounds a like a lot but remember, these are herbs not drugs.

Yin Chao

Great for the onset of a “Wind Heat” invasion.

The symptoms you have to watch for are a scratchy or sore throat, slight fever and aches, phlegm production that is usually yellow or greenish. As soon as I feel that coming on I take 4 pills 4 times daily. If it feels like it is a strong “bug” I will take 5 or 6 pills initially and then lessen the dose to the normal level.

“Jade Windscreen” or “Jade Screen” Formula

This formula is not mentioned in the video but is a great preventative formula that strengthens the “Wei Qi” or the protective Qi of the body. It is wonderful for people who tend to have a weak immune system and get sick frequently during the winter. Typically, it is taken in advance of cold and flu season to bolster the Wei Qi.

Loquat & Fritillary Extract

This one is also not on the video but is worth mentioning.

This formula is great for coughs caused by lung heat or that produce sticky green phlegm. It is safe for kids to take and is great for those with pneumonia or bronchitis. Highly recommended!

Ding Chuan

This formula is good for wind cold invasion in someone who has chronic bronchial problems.

It opens up the lungs, clears internal heat and helps transform phlegm and drain damp from the body. This particular herb formula should be taken with the supervision of your Acupuncturist.

Curing Pills

Curing Pills are great for Stomach upset.

In Chinese medical terms this is know as counter flow Qi. The rest of us call it nausea! You know the feeling, bloated, queasy, things just don’t feel like they want to descend on their “normal” path. I typically take 4 capsules with warm water whenever I feel like my stomach is going to “act up”.

Bi Yan Pian

This is a great formula for clearing acute sinus congestion with heat symptoms present.

Typically heat will create green phlegm, itchy eyes and sinus pressure. You may have a sore throat and an acute sinus headache. This is not a formula to take long term unless you are under the care of an Acupuncturist or herbalist but is quite effective for short term use with an acute sinus issues.

So these are some basics to keep around for the winter season. Now, I am going to stocking up on these at my office and in fact will be selling a Winter Herbal Kit here at Acuhealth.

Remember, Cold and Flu season is here, don’t wait to till you have a fever to get you herbal essentials! Contact me to get your kit today