One of the most important ways to prevent infections is to maintain a robust immune system. Chinese herbs have been used for millennia to strengthen the body’s immune system, helping people ward off disease. Let’s discuss how Chinese herbs boost immune function.
Flu Season Preventative
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are historically proven to prevent the onset of disease by boosting the immune system. During flu season (or a pandemic), it is essential to keep your immune system strong. A healthy immune system makes you much less susceptible to contracting pathogens. If there are ten people in a room, and one of them has an active virus, not everyone in that room will get sick. Those with a robust immune system will successfully resist transmission.
Change of Seasons A Vulnerable Time
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we typically prescribe Chinese herbs in the months leading up to the flu season. By taking this simple preventative to boost the immune system, you can dramatically reduce the chances of contracting a cold virus, flu, or other viral infection, including Covid-19. Chinese herbs boost immune function safely and naturally.
Let’s Talk About Wei Qi
If you read our blogs, you know that Chinese medicine and acupuncture work with the Qi energy in our bodies to accomplish healing. There are different aspects of Qi, just like there are different types of energy in the world. One important manifestation of Qi is called Wei Qi. Wei means “defensive” or “protective.” Accordingly, Wei Qi is the energy responsible for protecting our bodies from disease (external pathogens) and boosting our immune system.
Wei Qi is located on the surface of the body, protecting it from attacking pathogenic factors. It is like a stone wall surrounding a medieval city, providing defense from roving criminals and invading armies. When the Wei Qi is strong, viruses and other illnesses cannot penetrate the skin and lungs, and we remain healthy.
Chinese Herbs Boost Immune Function
Both Chinese herbs and acupuncture boost the Wei Qi. During times of pandemic, herbs provide the most efficient way to improve this defensive Qi. We are encouraging our patients to start taking Chinese herbs at the first sign of infection. We have several different formulas, depending on your presentation.
Chinese herbs boost immune function. What herbs are most effective for building Wei Qi and the immune system? Three such herbs are Astragalus (Huang Qi), Ganoderma (Lingzhi), and Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao).
Huang Qi
Astragalus (Huang Qi) is one of the most famous and commonly used Chinese herbs. We prescribe it to patients to strengthen their Wei Qi. It also nourishes the lungs and protects against external pathogenic factors.
Modern research studies have confirmed that astragalus improves the immune system. In one clinical trial of 115 leukopenic patients, Huang Qi caused an “obvious rise of the white blood cell (WBC) count.” It also works well with other medications to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Furthermore, it reverses chemotherapy-induced immune suppression.
Ling Zhi
Ganoderma (Ling Zhi) has been traditionally used to build blood and energy. It is considered essential in rebuilding a patient’s overall constitution. Ling Zhi increases white blood cell counts and inhibits viruses and bacteria’s growth associated with the flu. Furthermore, multiple clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to enhance the immune system.
The specific effects of Ling Zui include an increase in white blood cells (monocytes, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes). Also, there is an increase in cytokine, interleukin, and interferon. Furthermore, Ling Zhi has antibacterial properties, inhibiting pneumococci growth and E. coli.
Dong Chong Xia Cao
Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) is commonly used to treat patients with debilitating chronic conditions. It strengthens the kidney yin and yang and improves the overall constitution. Dong Chong Xia Cao also has powerful immune-building functions. It enhances immunity by increasing lymphocytes and natural killer cells. It also significantly inhibits the growth of cancer cells by up to 80 percent.
Herbal Formulas Are Best
While these herbs are useful individually, they are typically prescribed with other herbs as a comprehensive formula to enhance synergistic action. At Raleigh Acupuncture, we have seen first hand how Chinese herbs boost immune function. We prescribe time-tested formulas that incorporate these and other herbs to strengthen Wei Qi and enhance the immune system.
Contraindications
Huang Qi, Ling Zhi, and Dong Chong Xia Cao are not appropriate when taking immune-suppressing medications. Such drugs are typically prescribed to organ transplant patients to suppress the immune system and prevent tissue rejection.
Because these Chinese herbs have strong immune-enhancing effects, we do not prescribe them to organ transplant patients. Other than this specific restriction, these herbs are entirely safe for boosting the immune system.
Next Steps
If you or a family member start to feel run down or begin having a sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, or cough, send a healthy family member to our clinic to pick up one of our Wei Qi boosting formulas. They are safe, natural, and have no adverse side effects. Take them at the first sign of illness, and you can often prevent the onset of disease.
These Chinese herbal formulas are an effective treatment to prevent colds, flu, and even Covid19. Of course, it is essential to take additional precautions, like wearing a mask, social distancing, keeping stress levels low, and not over-working. These are challenging times, and we need all the help we can get. Consider adding Chinese herbs into your health regimen. Remember, Chinese herbs boost immune function best.
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