Introduction:

COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, has led to a global search for treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery. While modern medicine has developed vaccines and treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach to managing symptoms, boosting immunity, and supporting respiratory health. In this article, we explore how the ancient text ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) provides insights into herbal remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19. These herbal formulas can target fever, cough, fatigue, and respiratory distress, which are commonly associated with the virus.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights from Bencao Gangmu

Key Herbs for Treating COVID-19 Symptoms

Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua – 金银花)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Honeysuckle is known for its ability to clear heat and toxins from the body. In the context of COVID-19, it helps reduce fever, relieve sore throat, and combat inflammation.
- How to Use: Brewed as a tea or included in decoctions, it’s effective for reducing early-stage symptoms like fever and throat discomfort.
Forsythia (Lian Qiao – 连翘)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Forsythia is used to clear heat and expel toxins, making it an excellent herb for treating viral infections. It is particularly beneficial for respiratory symptoms, including cough and congestion.
- How to Use: Forsythia can be brewed into a tea or used in herbal formulas to help alleviate respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19.
Astragalus (Huang Qi – 黄芪)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Astragalus is known for its immune-boosting properties. It strengthens the body’s defenses against viral infections, making it an excellent herb for supporting immunity during COVID-19.
- How to Use: Often included in soups or teas, Astragalus helps protect the lungs and boost overall immunity.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral herb that soothes sore throats, eases coughs, and reduces respiratory distress. Its sweet nature also harmonizes other herbs in formulas.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be brewed into tea or added to herbal concoctions for managing COVID-19 symptoms, especially cough and throat irritation.
Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen – 板蓝根)
- Dosage: 6-15 grams
- Properties: Isatis Root is widely used in TCM to treat viral infections, thanks to its powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often recommended for combating flu-like symptoms, including fever and sore throat.
- How to Use: Commonly taken as tea, tablets, or capsules, it’s effective for reducing symptoms of viral infections like COVID-19.

Herbal Formula for COVID-19 Symptom Relief (Based on Bencao Gangmu)

Ingredients:

Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua): 10 grams
Forsythia (Lian Qiao): 10 grams
Astragalus (Huang Qi): 12 grams
Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 6 grams
Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen): 10 grams

Preparation:

Combine the herbs in 600ml of water.
Boil the mixture for 20 minutes until the water reduces by half.
Strain the liquid and divide it into two servings.
Drink one serving in the morning and one in the evening to relieve symptoms.

External Application for Respiratory Relief

For those suffering from chest congestion or breathing difficulties, a topical application can be made using Honeysuckle and Licorice Root. Steep the herbs in warm water, then soak a cloth in the liquid. Apply the cloth to the chest area to help open up the airways and relieve breathing difficulties.

Why TCM is Effective for COVID-19 Symptom Relief

Traditional Chinese Medicine treats viral infections by focusing on both the symptoms and the root cause. In the case of COVID-19, TCM herbs can help alleviate common symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue while also boosting the immune system to fight off the virus. By improving the body’s ability to clear heat and toxins, TCM can support a faster recovery and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Conclusion:

The herbal remedies outlined in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ provide a natural way to manage COVID-19 symptoms. While these treatments should not replace modern medical interventions, they offer a complementary approach to supporting immune health and reducing discomfort. With a long history of treating viral infections, TCM can be a valuable tool in navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19.

References:

Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.

Introduction: