treating Symptoms of COVID-19 with

traditional Herbal Medicine

Author: Hayley Simon, MAcOM, LAc

Editor: Kirsten Isakson, MAcOM, LAc

Through the lens of Chinese Medicine, pathogens like a coronavirus are seen as external pernicious influences; something from the outside attempts to invade the body. In this ancient system, pathogens are categorized as hot, cold or damp influences which “ride in on the wind”. This brings to mind the modern image we have of viral transmission: a droplet of fluid, containing infectious material, moves from one person to another through the air.

Chinese herbs have been used to treat conditions similar to COVID-19 for thousands of years. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Classic on Chinese Medicinal Herbs) was written around 2000 years ago. Applying this ancient medicine to the modern problem of COVID-19, we break symptoms of Omicron down into a few different categories. In the first stage, the pathogen is lodged in the body's exterior. In the second stage, the pathogen moves deeper, stuck somewhere halfway between the interior and exterior. The third stage has the pathogen moving into the body's interior.

Omicron presents with a slightly different symptom picture than earlier variants. People are experiencing morenasal congestion, sneezing, headaches and body aches, with less high fevers, and less impact on the lung tissue. Herbs can be incredibly helpful at each stage and support the body in making a quick and full recovery. Most patients with active or residual effects of COVID-19 that we treat with herbs report their symptoms become less severe as they take the herbal medicine, sometimes finding significant relief after their first dose.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

In the first stage of infection,

there are chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, a tickle in the throat. These symptoms result from the activation of our immune response. When a pathogen enters the body, the body’s Wei Qi or Defensive Qi activates to meet the pathogen. While they body is busy addressing the pathogen, it can no longer warm our skin normally and we feel chilled. The headache and body aches many people experience in this phase are explained by TCM’s channel theory. We use aromatic and pungent herbs to activate immune response and open the pores, venting the pathogen back out of the body, restoring the body’s normal temperature. As the pathogen is cleared, the headaches, sneezing and strange sensations in the throat are alleviated.

If we are able to successfully defend our system, the pathogen will be kicked out and symptoms will resolve. If not, we enter the second stage which includes alternating hot and cold sensations, runny nose, congestion, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. At this point the pathogen inhibits the lung’s ability to descend (causing cough, shortness of breath) and disperse (causing runny nose and/or congestion). The pathogen causes the body fluids to stagnate, which results in heat and sore throat. People in this phase will complain about feeling hot and feverish one minute, and chilled the next. In this phase, we continue to support the immune response, while also giving herbs that help transform phlegm, soothe the lungs and clear heat.

In the third stage, the pathogen is even deeper in the system and begins to affect the internal organs. Specifically, we often see the digestive organs affected, causing nausea and diarrhea. Often in these deeper phases of illness, people experience a lot of fatigue. Herbs used at this stage are harmonizing to relieve the nausea and loose stool, while also nourishing, giving the body a little extra energy to continue to fight. With folks that are experiencing “long-haul COVID”, and residual symptoms for months into the future, herbs can be extremely helpful for recovering.

It’s important to note that a pathogen can move very quickly through these phases, from the exterior to the interior of the body, depending on the relative strength of the pathogen and your immune system. If you experience symptoms, or if you want to take herbs to help bolster your immune system, we are here to support you. With a remote herbal consult we can diagnose where you are in the process of disease and healing, prescribing appropriate herbs to help you feel better, sooner. As always, active and early intervention is the best course!

Schedule Herbal Consult

Not finding an appointment time that works?

Give us a call: (971)229-2140