When SARS-CoV-2 first hit the UK earlier this year we introduced three immune-supporting herbal formulas with the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (FTCMP). The formulas focused on boosting Qi and improving the immune system in the colder months. As the year progressed, we saw the number of cases and deaths decline significantly, due to warmer weather.
However, the weather is getting colder and as the infection rate is rising, many health professionals recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help support immunity. For many vulnerable individuals, prevention is key and herbal medicine may help to protect against the COVID-19 causing novel Coronavirus.
TCM for COVID-19
A research project conducted by doctors in China analyzed the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The project aimed to test the efficacy and advantages of combined treatment using both Western medicine and TCM.
The results showed that TCM can be effective in preventing COVID-19. The curative effect of Chinese medicine was outstanding with a national participation rate of over 90%. More than 70,000 people were cured of COVID-19 and discharged from hospital.
Preventative Formulas
The preventative formulas that we have developed contain a combination of Qi boosting and damp clearing herbs as the virus thrives in cold and damp climates. As the UK and western Europe have a colder climate, we require warming herbs to clear cold and dampness, especially now as the weather is changing.
Each formula is made from our concentrated herbal granules in our ATCM/RCHM approved dispensary. Each pack contains 14 sachets of 4g of concentrated herbal formula for 2 weeks dosage. As everyone has a different body constitution, the suitability of these herbal formulas must be selected based on each individual.
Prevention Formula 1: We recommend this formula for individuals who are overweight or elderly with low muscle mass. They may present with shortness of breath, occasional diarrhoea and they may sweat easily.
Prevention Formula 2: We recommend this formula for those who have low energy, fatigue and low mood. Symptoms will include sweaty hands and feet, dry eyes, a frequently blocked nose and sticky eyes due to excess damp.
Prevention Formula 3: This formula is recommended to individuals that do not feel cold and prefers to dress lightly even in cold weather. He/she prefers cold drinks and dislikes hot weather. They may present with a dry throat/mouth, dry eyes and a short temper due to excess heat.
We stress that these herbal formulas are not suited to individuals with an active infection as they are immune-supporting but not anti-viral. Click here to view the formulas.
Boosting your Qi
As well as using Chinese medicine to support your immune system, lifestyle and dietary changes can be beneficial at supporting your immune defence. Small changes could make a big difference in overall health and wellbeing. Try to include more Qi boosting foods to help you defend yourself and your family against COVID this winter:
Fruit: apples, apricots, banana, blackberry, blackcurrants, blueberry, cherry, dates, goji berries, grapes, grapefruit, guava, kiwi, lemon, longan fruit, mango, melon, nectarine, orange, papaya, pear, pineapple, strawberry and watermelon.
Vegetables: avocado, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chives, garlic, kale, leafy greens, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnips, peas, pepper, potato, pumpkin, shallots, shiitake mushroom, spinach, squash, sweet potato, sweetcorn, tomato and watercress.
Nuts and seeds: almond, beat sprouts, cashew, chia seeds, linseed, pine nuts, pistachio, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, tahini, and walnuts.
Grains and pulses: amaranth, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, butterbeans, chickpeas, lentils, millet, oats, popcorn, rice, soya and wheatgerm.
Whether you use these techniques on yourself, your family, or your patients, they could be beneficial for improving immune defence to stop the spread of the virus.
If you have any questions about these formulas or any of our products, please contact us at info@phoenixmd.co.uk or the FTCMP ftcmpuk@gmail.com.
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