Researchers at Harvard University have compiled data from China confirming the benefits of Chinese herbs in the treatment of Covid-19. Their paper, published in January 2021, is entitled, “Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at the forefront battle against COVID-19: Clinical experience and scientific basis.” It concludes that Chinese herbal medicine treats Coronavirus effectively.
Background
The Coronavirus is a severe, acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) that has infected over 109 million people worldwide. First detected in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China, Covid-19 is the most challenging public health event since the 1918 Spanish flu. The Chinese government utilizes several Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulas to treat this viral infection.
TCM herbal medicine has treated viral infections in China for thousands of years, overcoming nearly 300 different epidemics. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged early this year in Wuhan, China, treatment with TCM was immediately implemented. Researchers documented these treatments to have over 90 percent efficacy.
Study Details
This Harvard University Medical School study consisted of a systematic review of several traditional Chinese herbal medicines in Wuhan. Researchers assessed their efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19. While most Covid-19 patients in China receive Western medicine treatment, many patients seek treatment in TCM hospitals.
How Chinese Medicine Works
While Western medicine utilizes antibiotics and pain medications in the treatment of Covid-19, their effectiveness is limited. Chinese herbal medicine treats Coronavirus, on the other hand, by directly fighting the virus. There are currently over 100 different TCM herbal formulae available for use to treat viral infections. The authors wrote, “TCM is now credited for the successful battle against COVID-19 in China”.
The ancient Chinese medical text Huang Di Nei Jing explains that 12 meridians run through the human body and balance the immune system to provide good health. The lung meridian interconnects with the large intestine, controlling the expulsion of body fluids (water). The researchers write, “Expelling phlegm and relaxing the bowels with laxatives are common methods for treating lung diseases. Therefore, maintaining a smooth and open channel is an important function served by the lung meridian line.”
Treatment of COVID-19 involves “expelling toxic moisture from the upper respiratory system and removing intestinal obstruction.” They added that TCM helps the body strengthen the lung meridian and restore the lung and large intestine balance using acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Treats Coronavirus
China has used TCM as a first-line treatment for COVID-19 since it first emerged. One formula, Qing Fei Pai Du, is taken in a three-day course leading to recovery over 90% of the time.
The research team wrote, “The Chinese government announced that TCM is one of the recommended therapeutic options for the treatment of COVID-19 in the third version of COVID-19 treatment guidelines, published on January 23, 2020.”
Front-Line Treatment
Ma Xing Shi Gan formula consists of four herbs, including Ephedra Sinensis, Semen Armeniaca amarum, Glycyrrhiza, Gypsum fibrosum have been used “for the treatment of lung heat, cough and asthma.”
Gan Cao Gan Jiang decoction has two herbs, Radix glycyrrhiza, and Rhizoma zingiberis. The formula is “used for epigastric pain, acid vomiting, intestinal pain, abdominal drainage, chest and back pain, dizziness, asthma, menstrual abdominal pain, etc.”
According to researchers, Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, Wu Ling Pian, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, and She Gan Ma Huang Tang are useful in all infection stages, from the initial onset to critical care. Their overall effective rate is over 92 percent.
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang reduces lung inflammation and improves the patient’s overall influenza and pneumonia condition. The authors wrote, “MXSG decoction acts on COVID-19 by targeting IL-6, TNF-α, MAPK-8, MAPK-3, CASP-3, TP53, IL-10, CXCL-8, MAPK-1, CCL-2, IL-1β, IL-4, PTGS-2, etc.” It can therefore help in severe cases of COVID-19.
Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules (LH) contain “11 herbs including Fructus Forsythiae, Lonicera japonica, Ephedra Sinensis, Semen Armeniaca amarum, Isatis tinctoria, Rhizoma dryopteridis crassi rhizomatis, Herba Houttuyniae, Agastache rugosa, Rheum palmatum, Radix et Rhizoma Rhodiolae Crenulatae, and Glycyrrhiza, along with menthol and a traditional Chinese mineral medicine, Gypsum fibrosum”.
This formula provides a powerful “anti-influenza” effect. Also, it has other properties, including “antibacterial, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cough relieving, phlegm and immune function regulating effects.” It prevents the replication of the SARS CoV-2 virus. All of these formulae are examples of how Chinese herbal medicine treats Coronavirus.
TCM During Covid-19 Recovery
Ginseng and Sheng Mai San are useful in treating patients recovering from COVId-19. Sheng Mai San improves blood circulation and heart function and also helps recover from lung damage.
Conclusions And Implications
Researchers at Harvard University Medical School concluded that the review from TCM with COVID-19 patients has demonstrated that these herbal formulas may have a direct antiviral effect. Chinese herbal medicine treats Coronavirus. These preparations relieve two significant COVID-19 symptoms, lung congestion, and diarrhea. The authors wrote, “There is good reason for us to learn from ancient wisdom and accumulated clinical experience, in combination with cutting edge science and technologies, to fight the devastating COVID-19 pandemic now and emerging new coronaviruses in the future.”
Raleigh Acupuncture Offers Covid-19 Treatment
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we offer both preventative and combatting herbal formulas for Covid-19. The first boosts the immune system, helping ward off contracting the virus. The second fights the virus head-on, reducing symptoms and speeding recovery. Both are available through Telemedicine and can be PURCHASED ONLINE and are based on the principle that Chinese herbal medicine treats Coronavirus.
We also strongly recommend all of our patients boost their immune systems, as this is the best way to prevent getting sick in the first place. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are effective methods for boosting the immune system. Eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and keeping stress levels down is also helpful.
Next Steps
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References
David Y.W. Lee, Qing Y. Li, Jing Liu, Thomas Efferth, Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at the forefront battle against COVID-19: Clinical experience and scientific basis, Phytomedicine, Volume 80, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153337, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711320301690
