Antiviral Herbal Supplements to the Combat the Toughest Viruses
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to explain the virus and offer some much-needed, helpful prevention and treatment methods so you can feel calm and safe during these scary times.
For starters, let’s explain what COVID-19 is in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, COVID-19 is considered a “damp” pathogen, which means it’s known for creating tons of mucus and fluid. Ultimately, however, this can lead to pneumonia, which has sadly become a life-threatening situation for some.
Because of the reach of this virus and it’s uncertainty, we want to remind you to be extremely proactive and support your immune system in the best way possible. And one way to do that is to take antiviral herbal supplements and formulas to stay healthy.
Here are some of the antiviral herbal supplements and formulas to ward off COVID-19, plus some that TCM practitioners in China are already using to treat the virus.
Andrographis
Andrographis, known as “Indian Echinacea,” has been used in TCM and Ayurveda for quite some time now. And for good reason. Rich in andrographolide compounds, this single herb is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It’s so strong it’s used to treat HIV and AIDS, but can also be a natural way to treat cold and flu symptoms.
While there are limited studies and scientific evidence surrounding the benefits of Andrographis, preliminary studies suggest this antiviral herb may offer relief and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections, along with its symptoms such as a cough and sore throat.
Andrographis can be found at most health food stores, however, we highly recommend seeking the professional advice of our physicians. Andrographis may trigger side effects, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, allergic reactions, and diarrhea, so it’s critical to consult before self-treating or self-medicating yourself with this antiviral herbal supplement.
Not only can Naturna offer high-quality Andrographis in capsule. Granule and tincture form, but we can prescribe the appropriate dose once assessing factors like your medical history and age.
Chinese Medicine Prevention and Intervention Formulas:
At Naturna, we follow the development of TCM closely. A recently published review shows some of the more frequently used herbs that are being used to combat COVID-19 and prevent the virus from spreading, such as:
- Astragalus (Huangqi)
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
- Siler (Fangfeng)
- Angelica Root (Baizhu)
- Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinua)
- Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao)
Different various combinations of these herbs are used to create preventative and antiviral treatment formulas, such as Yin Qiao San, Yu Ping Feng San, and Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin.
Yu Ping Feng San Formula
Yu Ping Feng San, also called Jade Wind Screen, is a natural formula that can boost your immune system and protect against viruses. Used by TCM practitioners and acupuncturists, the formula consists of powerful herbs, one of which is the popular Astragalus root, as mentioned. This TCM formula was even used during the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Most importantly, Yu Ping Feng San is a wonderful preventative herbal supplement to take when others around you are getting sick, as a preventative measure during travels, or when you show initial signs (fatigue, sore throat, stuffiness, etc.) that you might have caught something. Its also helpful during allergy season if you tend to have issues at this time of year.
If you go searching for this formula, you can find little packets online. However, there may be issues with contamination. Instead, contact us here at Naturna to arrange it in a pill or granule form from a trusted source.
Yin Qiao San
Yin Qiao San is commonly used in cold prevention and is especially effective at combating colds that start in the throat and acute respiratory infections. Its always most effective if you start taking it at first sign of trouble. By doing this you attack the virus while it is still weak and you can usually circumvent getting sick altogether. Once you let a virus take told, you have to ride it out. Have this on hand so that you can treat it form the beginning.
This formula should only be used when there are obvious signs of wind-heat’s main symptoms, such as high body temperatures, sore throat, and nasal discharge.
As with any powerful TCM, self-diagnosis and self-treatment is not recommended. Be sure to get in touch with Naturna to obtain a more thorough consultation. There is a distinct difference between Wind-heat, Wind-cold, and Dampness that needs to be properly diagnosed.
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Lastly, this TCM formula is very strong to attack an invader. It is typically prescribed when a fever or swollen glands are more prominent and when flu like symptoms are developing. The Pu Ji formula is one of the strongest formulas to go to battle with COVID-19 and any other nasty viruses. It combats the heat-like toxins that latch onto the head and throat.
Resources:
Luo H, Tang Q-L, Shang Y-X, et al. Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs. Chin J Integr Med. February 2020. doi:10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6
Du, Crystal Y Q et al. “Yu Ping Feng San, an ancient Chinese herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix, regulates the release of cytokines in murine macrophages.” PloS one vol. 8,11 e78622. 11 Nov. 2013, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0078622
Hu XY, Wu RH, Logue M, et al. Correction: Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(11):e0207713. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207713+
Dai Y, Chen SR, Chai L, Zhao J, Wang Y, Wang Y. Overview of pharmacological activities of and its major compound andrographolide. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(sup1):S17-S29. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1501657
Jayakumar T, Hsieh CY, Lee JJ, Sheu JR. Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:846740. doi:10.1155/2013/846740
