Acute Respiratory Infections

What we in current times describe as a common cold or the flu, in Chinese Medicine is described as a Wind Cold Invasion or Wind Heat Invasion - these are differentiated according to the presenting symptoms. When someone becomes affected by an external pathogen, it means that the pathogen is strong enough to overcome the bodies natural defence system. It may be that the body’s natural defences are weaker than they should be or it may be that the pathogen is particularly strong.

Wind Cold Invasion is recognised as the invasion of pathogenic wind and cold to the exterior aspect of the body with symptoms such as a pronounced aversion to cold and wind, runny or congested nose, cough, clear thin phlegm, lack of sweating, headache and generalised body aches and pains. I support patients through a wind cold invasion with herbs such as Gui Zhi - Ramulus Cinnamomi or Ge Gen - Radix Pueriae.

Wind Heat Invasion is recognised as the invasion of pathogenic wind and heat to the exterior aspect of the body with symptoms such as mild aversion to cold, a pronounced feeling of heat, sore throat, cough and thirst. I support patients through a wind heat invasion with such herbs as Bo He - Herbs Menthae, Jin Yin Hua - Flos Lonericae or Ju Hua - Flos Chruysanthemi.

Prevention of course is much better than a cure, as we all know only too well from the last 18 months or so. Herbs such as Huang Qi - Radix Astragalus and Bai Zhu - Radix Atractylodis macrocephalae have been found to be helpful in this regard.

It is important to receive early treatment for any acute condition to avoid worsening of the disease or potential complications. If you have any concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.