Common Coldaccording to TCM

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What is Common Cold?

The common cold, known in medical terms as an anemopyretic cold, is a widespread ailment. It typically presents with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Unlike the singular view of a viral infection in Western medicine, the common cold in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reflects imbalances in Qi, the body's vital energy.

TCM perceives it as an invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Dampness, disrupting the harmonious flow of Qi and blood, leading to the familiar symptoms.

How Does TCM View Common Cold?

In TCM, the common cold is seen as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's energy system. The diagnosis and treatment focus on identifying the unique pattern of disharmony in each individual. External factors such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat are considered to invade the body, causing the symptoms.

TCM practitioners use a holistic approach, assessing symptoms, tongue appearance, and pulse to discern the underlying pattern, a method distinct from the more uniform treatment approach in Western medicine.

Root Causes of Common Cold in TCM

TCM identifies several causes for the common cold, each with distinct symptoms. A Wind-Cold pattern may show as chills, absence of sweating, headache, and clear nasal discharge.

In contrast, Wind-Heat can present with fever, sweating, sore throat, and yellow nasal discharge. The differentiation between these patterns is vital in TCM, as it determines the treatment approach. Another common cause is the invasion of Wind-Dampness, which leads to a heavy sensation, fatigue, and a feeling of chest fullness.

Explore below more details about what might cause Common cold according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Pericardium
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Protective Qi Deficiency Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue Yu Ping Feng San
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Protective Qi Deficiency Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue Yu Ping Feng San
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Protective Qi Deficiency Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue Yu Ping Feng San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Common Cold

TCM offers various formulas for treating the common cold, tailored to the specific cause and pattern. Ge Gen Tang, with Kudzu Roots, is effective against Wind-Cold patterns, especially when accompanied by stiff neck and upper back. Gui Zhi Tang, which contains Cinnamon twigs, is used to treat Greater Yang disorders and balances both Internal and External factors.

For cases of Wind-Cold with an underlying Qi Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, featuring Ephedra, is often recommended. These formulas illustrate TCM's nuanced approach, targeting the specific nature and underlying cause of the cold.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address common cold, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
  • Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yu Ping Feng San Protective Qi Deficiency
Bu Fei Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Gen Tang Not applicable
Gui Zhi Tang Not applicable
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Not applicable
Jin Fei Cao San Not applicable
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Not applicable
Ma Huang Tang Not applicable
Shi Shen Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin Not applicable
Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang Not applicable
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang Not applicable
Zai Zao San Not applicable

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Jing Fang Bai Du San Not applicable
Ren Shen Bai Du San Not applicable
Yin Qiao San Not applicable

All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang Not applicable
Sang Ju Yin Not applicable

All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for common cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Chi Tang Not applicable
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Not applicable

TCM Herbs for Common Cold

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address common cold, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Jin Fei Cao San | Ma Huang Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) Jing Fang Bai Du San | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Ren Shen Bai Du San
Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye) Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Xing Su San
Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) Da Fang Feng Tang | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Jing Fang Bai Du San
Scallions (Cong Bai) Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Gui Zhi Tang
Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Jing Fang Bai Du San
Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru) Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) Not applicable
Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) Not applicable
Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) Not applicable
Wild Ginger (Xi Xin) Not applicable

"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo) Jing Fang Bai Du San | Ren Shen Bai Du San
Tamarisk Twigs And Leaves (Cheng Liu) Not applicable

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) Jin Fei Cao San
Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Fei Tang | Zai Zao San | Yu Ping Feng San
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Bu Fei Tang | Zai Zao San

"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Rhubarb (Da Huang) Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) Fang Feng Tong Sheng San

"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for common cold

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) Yin Qiao San
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) Yin Qiao San