Common Cold Feveraccording to TCM

What is common cold fever?

Common cold fever refers to the elevated body temperature that often accompanies a cold infection. This symptom typically arises as the body responds to the viral invasion, aiming to create an environment less favorable for the virus to thrive. Fever during a common cold can vary in intensity and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and general malaise. This type of fever is generally mild to moderate and is a natural part of the immune response.

How does TCM view common cold fever?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), common cold fever is seen as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's internal environment. Unlike the Western perspective that focuses on the viral cause, TCM emphasizes the underlying patterns of imbalance that allow the pathogen to affect the body. These patterns can vary significantly and may include imbalances such as Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Damp-Heat. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial in TCM to ensure effective treatment and restoration of harmony within the body.

Causes of common cold fever according to TCM

One common TCM pattern associated with common cold fever is Wind-Heat. This pattern typically presents with fever, slight chills, sore throat, and a floating rapid pulse. It is characterized by the invasion of external Heat pathogen, which disrupts the normal function of the lungs and defensive Qi.

Another frequent pattern is Wind-Cold, which usually includes symptoms like fever, pronounced chills, body aches, and a slow pulse. This occurs when external Wind-Cold pathogen penetrates the body's surface and obstructs the flow of Defensive Qi.

Understanding these patterns is essential in TCM as it guides the selection of appropriate herbs and formulas to clear the pathogen and restore balance.

TCM Herbs for Common Cold Fever

For treating common cold fever with a Wind-Heat pattern, Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian) are commonly used. This Bitter and Cold herb targets the Stomach, Large Intestine, Lung, and Small Intestine, effectively clearing Heat and relieving Toxicity.

In cases of Wind-Cold patterns, other warming herbs might be used to expel the Cold pathogen and alleviate symptoms. These herbs work by harmonizing the internal environment, supporting the body’s natural defenses, and restoring health. The choice of herbs and formulas depends on the specific pattern diagnosed by the practitioner, ensuring a tailored and effective treatment approach.