Strengthening Your Immune System With TCM
Cold weather and indoor environments can challenge the immune system during winter. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels in the lungs and nose, reducing immune cells in these areas and making it easier for viruses to invade. Indoor environments tend to be dryer during the winter months due to heating units, creating dryness in the respiratory and nasal tracts and allowing viruses to invade the body again more quickly.
TCM is an excellent resource for preserving immunity and keeping pesky viruses away. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, supplements, bodywork, infra-red sauna, cupping, and guasha all support immunity by strengthening the Wei Qi, the body’s external defense mechanism. When the Wei Qi is deficient, it cannot defend the body against pathogens like Wind, Heat, Dampness, or Cold. The Lungs and Kidneys are also affected by the common cold, and if not treated, recurring illnesses can occur, including Wei Qi staying deficient.
The Lung system acts as an umbrella, protecting and regulating other organs while producing Wei Qi. When the Lungs are compromised, the Kidney system is often impacted, leading to recurring illnesses and chronic immune deficiency.
In TCM, the most common causes of the common cold are Wind, Wind-Cold, and Wind-Heat. These causes constrict or block the flow of Qi and Blood, which causes stagnation in the lungs and nose and decreases immune function.
WIND
Itchy eyes, itchy nose, itchy throat, and bundling up in the Wind.
WIND-COLD
Chills and fever with more chills, nasal congestion, frontal headache, cough with white phlegm, neck and upper trapezius pain (body aches), bundling up in the Cold.
WIND-HEAT
Fever and chills with more fever, sore throat, red eyes, nasal congestion, cough with yellow phlegm, and wanting to remove clothes due to feeling hot.
Traditional Herbal Remedies for Immunity, Colds, and Flu
Yin Qiao San is a classical herbal formula used to prevent and combat early-stage colds and flu. It clears heat, detoxifies the body, and strengthens the immune system. Yin Qiao San is especially effective for symptoms like sore throat, fever, and cough.
Key Ingredients:
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower) is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also clears heat and detoxifies, making it a key herb for relieving sore throats and fever.
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) strengthens the body’s defenses against pathogens, detoxifies, and helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
Bo He (Mint) clears heat, eases sore throats, and helps expel pathogens from the body's surface.
Yin Qiao San is a widely used formula in TCM to address the first signs of illness and to prevent the progression of colds and flu. It’s a staple remedy for supporting the immune system during seasonal changes.
Immunity Formula is an enhanced version of the classic Yin Qiao San from the Ni family lineage. It contains more herbs in addition to Yin Qiao San for:
Expanded Applications:
Kudzu Root (Puerariae Radix) relieves stiff neck and shoulders often associated with Wind-Cold, expanding the formula's application to musculoskeletal issues.
Apricot Seed Kernel (Xing Ren) targets cough and wheezing by moistening the lungs and addressing respiratory symptoms. Compared to Yin Qiao San, this shifts the focus slightly toward Lung health.
White Mulberry Root Bark (Sang Bai Pi) focuses on clearing heat from the Lungs, reducing coughing and wheezing.
Stronger Detoxifying and Heat-Clearing Action:
Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen) is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It powerfully clears Heat and detoxifies, making the formula effective against more severe infections.
Scrophularia Root (Xuan Shen) moistens dryness and resolves toxins, which is especially beneficial for deeper or more advanced Wind-Heat conditions.
Support for Circulation and Musculoskeletal Health:
Notopterygium Root & Rhizome (Qiang Huo) expel Wind-Cold-Damp from the channels, making the formula more suitable for joint and muscle discomfort.
Fragrant Angelica Root (Bai Zhi) relieves headaches, sinus congestion, and damp-related symptoms.
Expanded Surface-Expelling Properties:
Siler Root (Fang Feng) expels Wind and Damp, adding flexibility for treating conditions that are mixed Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold.
Schizonepeta Stem & Leaves (Jing Jie) expels Wind and alleviates itchiness, offering relief for skin and throat irritation.
In summary, the Immunity Formula, compared to Yin Qiao San, has broader Wind-Heat symptom support with added respiratory, musculoskeletal, and detoxifying benefits. It is stronger and has deeper detoxifying and antiviral action. And finally, the Immunity Formulais more complex, addressing diverse symptoms and stages of illness.
Tips for Boosting Immunity
Focus on warm, nourishing foods like bone or vegetable broths, steel-cut oats, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon. These promote Qi circulation and protect against seasonal pathogens.
Cycling, yoga, and strength training all support boosting immunity.
Meditation helps reduce stress and inflammation, which boosts immunity.
Nutritional Supplements: Virus Fighter, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Super Probiotics
Stay warm by covering your throat, chest, and lower back to protect Lung and Kidney Qi. Wear a scarf and hat, and refrain from sitting on cold surfaces.