Stop cold symptoms before they start!
Humanity has always been under attack by the viral infection known as the common cold, even though colds and viruses such as the flu have never received as much attention as they do in our modern world. On average, adult Canadians contract between 2 and 5 colds each year.1 A cold lasts an average of five days, which means at least a few days off work or school. Cold and flu symptoms are our immune system's reaction to viral infection, which can manifest as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
What can be done to reduce these bothersome symptoms, or even better, prevent them? Traditional Chinese Medicine has long used combinations of powerful herbs for the relief and prevention of viral infections, and these remedies are now supported by modern science.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine and how can it help?
The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved over the past 4000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is a state of complete well-being. Health is maintained as long as there is an abundant supply of circulating life energy, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). This is an invisible energy that supports our body's ability to function properly. This energy provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland. Our body uses Qi to perform daily activities. Each organ and meridian needs to be nourished and filled with an ample amount of Qi in order to function optimally. One of the physiological functions of Qi is to defend our body against the invasion of toxins such as viruses or bacteria. When we show signs or symptoms of illness, we are already "sick". When this happens, it is essential to do something to increase Qi immediately, before the virus completely invades you. When external pathogenic factors, such as a cold virus or bacteria, invade the body, they first attack it superficially, in its external aspects. The so-called "external" symptoms appear: sore throat, chills, fever, headaches, stiff neck, and general muscle aches. An appropriate combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs can combat each symptom individually and systematically.
How can Chinese herbs help fight the common cold?
The Chinese herb Fang Feng releases trapped toxins in the "exterior" and relieves pain. This action consumes a considerable amount of Qi in the body. Fang Feng reduces stiff neck and general muscle pain. Astragalus (Huang Qi) is used to strengthen the Qi used during Fang Feng's action and to boost the immune system.
Andrographis (Chuan Xin Lian) clears heat and drains dampness from contaminated Qi. From a modern biomedical perspective, andrographis has anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. The introduction of a virus into our system can contribute to a damp pathogenic influence that causes Qi stagnation in the stomach, especially in the presence of a pre-existing digestive problem. This weakens immunity and makes the body more vulnerable to infections. The aromatic herb Huo Xiang dispels dampness and produces a considerable in vitro inhibitory effect on many pathogenic fungi and leptospirosis. North American ginseng has benefits for Qi, generates fluids for "Yin" deficiencies with signs of heat such as irritability and thirst. Viruses and bacteria multiply rapidly in our body when we catch a cold or the flu. Act quickly.
It is possible to relieve cold symptoms if treatment is applied early on. Try Cold-Defense today!
Here are some other tips to help treat your cold:
- Don't force yourself to eat if you're not hungry. Save your energy for digestion and immunity.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body's mucous membranes moist.
- Get enough rest.
- Wash your hands frequently to avoid contracting the virus.
- Consult your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist.
References:
1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
2. http://chealth.canoe.ca