HERBALCONSULTS

A HOT APPROACH TO THE COMMON COLD

By Dr. James Moore DOM

What do I do for a cold?   It seems that no matter how often we experience the familiar symptoms of chills, upper respiratory congestion, headache, neck and shoulder stiffness, and possibly fever we are still often under prepared and in a quandary as to what is the best treatment.

     Considering that not everyone who is exposed to common cold pathogens necessarily catches a cold, the deeper cause must exist at the level of our immune system.  This system can be in either a fundamentally deficient or overly stressed state.  The general maintenance of the immune system according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is controlled, in part by two defined energetic organ systems.  One called the lung qi, which is responsible for the body's ability to fight off an external attack by pathogen (in TCM terms called wind-heat, or wind-cold etc. / in modern scientific terms called virus or bacteria etc.)  The other called the San Jiao or triple warmer which coordinates the functions of all the internal organ processes.  These organ systems can become out of balance as a result of the consumption of overly refined foods, lack of sleep, emotional stress, lack of exercise, and exposure to damp and/or cold.  Other factors to consider are rapid changes in the weather, genetic constitution, or living and sleeping in overly heated homes with a lack of proper ventilation -- this does not allow the triple warmer to help us make the proper adjustment to outer climatic conditions.  This type of person may catch a cold that is caused by a weakness of the Wei Qi of protective Qi of the lung.  A person with this type of weakness will tend to catch colds frequently. 

     The primary objective is prevention.  Careful attention to lifestyle considerations like those given above is of course paramount.  To further assist, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine would utilize specific acupuncture points and herbs to strengthen various aspects of the immune system that are deficient.  For example, a person whose protective Qi is weak could take a combination of astragalus root, white atractylodes root, and siler root; this is a classic Chinese formula that has been used for thousands of years for this purpose.  To this a Chinese herbalist might add another ten herbs in order to individualize the formula on a case-by-case basis.  Some possibilities include: reishi mushroom, Siberian ginseng, cordyceps, or schizandra berry.  Traditionally, about 100 grams of these raw dried herbs are simmered covered in a quart of water for an hour.  The beverage is strained and the tea consumed daily.  Tinctures and extracted herb powder are frequently used today for convenience. 

     There are several steps to take at the first signs of common cold.  First, eat a light bland diet.  Second, don't over exert yourself   mil mild exercise and a little fresh air are helpful.  Third, induce sweating (except in cases of high fever over 101 F or when you are already sweating).  To do this, make a strong cup of peppermint tea (steep 2 or 3 bags covered for 15 minutes); other sweat inducing teas are acceptable as well: fresh ginger, yarrow, elder, or lemon balm for example.  While the tea is steeping draw a hot bath adding your favorite salts, oils like eucalyptus and tea tree, seaweeds and a sack of herbs like fresh Echinacea or dried honeysuckle.  Relax in the tub immersing as much of your body as possible for 20-25 minutes while sipping the tea.  Next dry off and have someone help wrap you in dry cotton sheets until well insulated.  You will sweat like this for 10-15 minutes, dry off, put on fresh clothes and get plenty of rest.  Fourth, begin herbal therapy.  One herb formula I like to have on hand is Lonicera Complex , an improved variation of the Chinese classic Yin Qiao San for early stage symptoms of chilled feeling, scratchy sore throat, and possibly some of the following: fever, sweats, sneezing, clear runny nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, achy muscles, stiff neck, headache, or fatigue.  This formula is available here.  I recommend you go to our herb store and look at the different products contained in the respiratory section.  Of course you may always include 30 drops of Echinacea tincture every three hours or so with this regimen; propolis, and golden seal are appropriate choices as well.  Remember it is important to start the therapy as soon as you think you MAY be catching a cold   lik like a tickle in the throat or a sneeze or sniffle!  Or, better still take an herb formula when you are healthy to boost your immune function like our Immune + formula.  

     Since the beginning of recorded history, people have been vulnerable to occasional colds and flu.  As a result, there is a wealth of practical lifestyle and herbal wisdom to draw upon from many cultures.  Once established, a cold might have to simply run its course.  Even then, its duration and severity can be reduced considerably by following the therapeutic guidelines given above.  Proper treatment can also help prevent what might develop into a more complicated, life-threatening problem.  With this in mind you should see your professional health care provider if your symptoms do not resolve in 4-5 days.