Beat Flu Season With These Five Traditional Chinese Remedies

The days get shorter, the nights start earlier, and a chill in the air begins to take shape. As we slowly slip into another season of winter, we’re looking forward to spending more time inside, curled up and cozy with our loved ones. But we can’t help but admit that we’re dreading one thing — cold and flu season.

Spanning from late fall and early spring and peaking during the winter months, flu season is characterized by a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, particularly colds and the flu, which are caused by viruses like the rhinovirus and influenza. During this period, people are more susceptible to these infections, especially given the uptick in time spent inside. Though there’s no miracle drug, herb or supplement to instantly heal you, there are specific actions you can take to minimize your symptoms and speed up the healing process. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold and flu season is viewed through the lens of balancing the body’s energy, or Qi, and protecting it from external pathogens like Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness, and Dryness. According to TCM, when the body's defensive Qi is weakened, it becomes susceptible to these external influences, which can make you sick and lead to illness. Here are some TCM approaches commonly used during cold and flu season:

1. Cupping & Gua Sha 

A therapeutic technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and and increase blood flow to the area, cupping is thought to improve the flow of Qi or and blood flow throughout the body. Historically cupping has been used to promote healing, and remove stagnation that leads to pain or illness, cupping can treat various conditions, including muscle pain, respiratory issues, and even digestive disorders. During the procedure, cups are usually left on the skin for 5-15 minutes. The treatment often results in circular marks on the skin where the cups were placed, which are not bruises but indications of stagnation being drawn to the surface. These marks typically fade within a few days to a week. When it comes to colds and flu viruses, cupping can help relieve chest congestion, reduce symptoms and ease breathing discomfort associated with upper respiratory infections. 

Meanwhile, Gua Sha is a TCM technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and promote healing. The word "gua" means "to scrape" and "sha" refers to the red marks that appear on the skin after the scraping. Now growing increasingly popular among Western women, the practice is also believed to move stagnant Qi and blood, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help the body recover from illness. Routine use of a Gua Sha also helps to promote detoxification, and clear excess heat or pathogens. The next time you're feeling feverish, consider using a Gua Sha which has been shown to break fevers and reduce pain.  

2. Acupuncture

A core practice in TCM that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi, acupuncture helps to restore balance between the body’s systems. In TCM, it is believed that Qi flows through pathways called meridians, and disruptions or blockages in this flow can lead to pain, illness, or imbalances. Acupuncture can soothe inflammation caused by colds or flu viruses and create a stronger immune system. As a regular practice, it's thought to trigger the body’s natural healing responses, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being. When you're feeling acupuncture can help open the nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion by promoting circulation and balancing Lung Qi, helping to reduce symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, facial pressure, and headaches.

3. Dietary Remedies and Drinks

Food is an extremely important part of healing and maintaining balance in the body. When sick, particularly with a cold or flu, certain foods are recommended to strengthen the body's Qi, support digestion, and help eliminate germs. Some general guidelines include:

Hydration can come in the form of herbal teas. While there are several options, it's important to choose the correct one based on your symptoms. Here's two we recommend:

• Ginger Tea: If you have chills and body aches, but no sweating, try boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 10-15 minutes. Add honey or brown sugar if desired. Ginger is warming and helps to release the exterior by promoting sweating, which can expel pathogens from the body. It also soothes the digestive system and relieves nausea. Cinnamon and ginger tea as well as ginger and green onion tea can also be prepared. 
• Chrysanthemum Tea: When you're experiencing fever, sore throat and sweating, let Royal Chrysanthemum tea be your go to. Chrysanthemum flowers are cooling and help clear Heat from the body, making them ideal for treating colds or flu with a fever, sore throat, and headache. It also benefits the eyes and liver according to TCM. Simply steep one Chrysanthemum flower in hot water for 5-10 minutes and drink. Mulberry leaf and Chrysanthemum can also be paired together to help treat coughing and dry throat.  

4. Herbal Healing

In TCM, herbs are central to treating illnesses and alleviating symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and congestion. 

The top 3 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs commonly used for treating cold and flu are:

• Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower) which detoxifies and helps to reduce inflammation. It's one of the primary herbs for treating fever, sore throat, and cough. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for fighting infections.
• Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) warms and releases the exterior, to help induce sweating. It's particularly used when symptoms include chills and body aches and when fever needs to be expelled. 
• Ma Huang (Ephedra) pictured below, releases the exterior, induces sweating, opens the lungs, and helps relieve coughing and wheezing. It's a pwerful herb that helps release helps release the cold pathogen from the body and is effective for respiratory symptoms.

5. Lifestyle Recommendations

In TCM, the focus is on restoring balance, conserving energy, and helping the body expel pathogens while strengthening immunity. The next time you're feeling sick, consider these TCM tips:

• Rest and conserve energy - your body's qi is already being taxed by the illness, so conserving energy is essential for recovery.
• Keep warm - In TCM, colds and flu are often associated with the invasion of external wind.
• Steam inhalation - use steam inhalation with herbs like mint or eucalyptus to clear nasal passages and ease breathing. 
• Stay away from strong smells - strong smells, such as perfumes or harsh chemicals, are believed to disrupt the body's natural balance, especially when sick.