Introduction:
With the emergence of the new monkeypox strain, it is crucial to explore various methods of managing symptoms and boosting the immune system. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rooted in ancient texts such as the ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica), offers a natural approach to treating viral infections and their symptoms. TCM herbs can help alleviate skin rashes, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses. In this article, we explore specific herbs recommended for treating monkeypox, their dosages, and how they promote recovery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies for the New Monkeypox Strain: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Monkeypox Symptoms
- Forsythia (Lian Qiao – 连翘)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Forsythia is a powerful herb in TCM for clearing heat and toxins, which makes it highly effective in treating viral infections like monkeypox. It reduces inflammation, helps alleviate skin rashes, and boosts the immune system.
- How to Use: Brew Forsythia as a tea or use it in a decoction to help reduce inflammation and fight the virus.
- Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua – 金银花)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Honeysuckle is renowned for its ability to clear heat and detoxify the body. It works particularly well in managing symptoms like skin rashes and lesions caused by viral infections, including monkeypox.
- How to Use: Honeysuckle can be brewed into a tea or applied topically to the affected skin areas to soothe inflammation and heal rashes.
- Coptis (Huang Lian – 黄连)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Coptis is known for its strong heat-clearing and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating monkeypox infections. It helps reduce skin sores, prevent secondary infections, and promote healing.
- How to Use: Coptis can be brewed as a tea or used in an external wash for skin sores to accelerate healing and reduce discomfort.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root is commonly used to harmonize herbal formulas and soothe inflammation. It has antiviral properties and helps relieve symptoms such as itchy rashes and skin irritation.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be brewed into tea or included in a topical ointment to reduce inflammation and aid in the recovery of skin lesions.
Herbal Formula for Monkeypox Symptom Relief (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Forsythia (Lian Qiao): 10 grams
- Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua): 10 grams
- Coptis (Huang Lian): 6 grams
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 5 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 the other in the evening to support your immune system and reduce monkeypox symptoms.
External Application for Soothing Skin Rashes
To alleviate skin irritation and rashes caused by monkeypox, create a topical wash using Forsythia and Honeysuckle. Boil the herbs in water, let it cool, and apply the solution to the affected areas with a clean cloth. This external application can help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing of the skin.
Why TCM is Effective for Monkeypox
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to treating viral infections like monkeypox by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances in the body. Herbs like Forsythia and Honeysuckle work to clear heat, detoxify the body, and promote healing of the skin, while Coptis and Licorice Root help fight the virus and reduce inflammation. TCM’s approach strengthens the immune system and supports recovery, making it an excellent complementary treatment for managing monkeypox symptoms.
Conclusion:
The remedies outlined in ‘Bencao Gangmu’ offer a natural and effective way to manage the symptoms of the new monkeypox strain. By reducing inflammation, soothing skin rashes, and boosting the immune system, these TCM herbs provide a holistic approach to treating viral infections. For those seeking a natural solution, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers time-tested and safe remedies for managing viral outbreaks like monkeypox.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.