The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, common cold is sometimes associated with Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's common cold might be caused by the pattern Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from common cold alone. Indeed if common cold is caused by Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs, patients also experience symptoms such as headaches, chills without sweating, stuffy nose and dry throat. Similarly, patients with Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with thin white coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs so that you can have a better understanding of where common cold might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below twenty five formulas that can help treat Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs.
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Recommended herbal formula: Xing Su San
Symptoms: Phlegm Headaches Dry cough Dry throat Stuffy nose Chills without sweating
Common cold might be due to Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as headaches, chills without sweating, stuffy nose and dry throat. Similarly, patients with Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs typically exhibit wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a tongue with thin white coating.
The top herbs in Xing Su San are Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye) and Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng)
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Clears Dry-Cold. Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough. Transforms thin mucus.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs, a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San are Korean Mint (Huo Xiang), Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Dampness. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Middle Burner.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Ma Huang Tang are Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Releases exterior cold. Treats wheezing.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Ge Gen Tang are Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior and muscle layer. Forms Body Fluids.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Yin Qiao San are Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) and Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng)
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Wind Heat. Clears Heat. Resolves Toxicity.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Source date: 1119 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Dispels Wind and Dampness. Augments Qi.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Jing Fang Bai Du San are Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) and Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo)
Source date: 1550 AD
Number of ingredients: 13 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Dispels Wind and Dampness. Augments Qi.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Sang Ju Yin are Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) and Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao)
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Wind. Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi. Clears Heat.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Gui Zhi Tang are Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) and Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Releases pathogens from the muscle layer. Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Da Fang Feng Tang are Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) and Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Key actions: Expel Wind Damp. Relieve pain. Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys. Tonify the Blood and Qi.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Cong Chi Tang are Scallions (Cong Bai) and Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi)
Source date: 3rd Centry
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior . Induces sweating .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang are Scallions (Cong Bai), Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi) and Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Source date: 1108 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior . Induces sweating .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Source date: 1308 AD
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Key actions: Induces sweating . Dispels Dampness. Expels Wind-Cold. Clears Interior Heat .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Jia Wei Xiang Su San are Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye), Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) and Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng)
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Promote sweating . Releases the Exterior .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Shi Shen Tang are Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) and Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu)
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Releases pathogens from the Exterior . Regulates Qi . Descends the Lung Qi . Relieves coughing .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Jin Fei Cao San are Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie)
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Wind-Cold. Descends Lung Qi. Transform Phlegm . Stop cough and calms wheezing .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang are Ephedra (Ma Huang), Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) and Wild Ginger (Xi Xin)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Tonifes the Yang. Releases the Exterior.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Zai Zao San are Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)
Source date: 1445 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Tonfies the Yang . Augments the Qi. Induces sweating. Releases the Exterior.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang are Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu), Scallions (Cong Bai) and Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng)
Source date: Qing dynasty
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Yin. Clears Heat. Induces Sweating. Releases the Exterior.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin are Scallions (Cong Bai), Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi) and Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong)
Source date: 752 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes the Blood . Release the Exterior .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang are Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) and Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo)
Source date: 1445 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Releases pathogenic evils from the muscle layer . Clears Interior Heat .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang are Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) and Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes and releases the Lesser Yang. Removes Stagnation . Warms the Interior. Dispels Cold.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin are Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru), Hyacinth Bean Flowers (Bian Dou Hua) and Hyacinth Beans (Bai Bian Dou)
Source date: 1798 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Dispels Summerheat. Releases the Exterior. Clears Heat. Transforms Dampness .
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Fang Feng Tong Sheng San are Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Rhubarb (Da Huang)
Source date: 1172 AD
Number of ingredients: 17 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Wind. Releases the Exterior. Drains Heat. Unblocks the bowels.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
The top herbs in Bu Fei Tang are Ginseng (Ren Shen), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) and Schisandra Berries (Wu Wei Zi)
Source date: 1331 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Augments the Qi. Stabilizes the Exterior.
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with common cold. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Headaches Chills without sweating Stuffy nose Dry throat Phlegm Dry cough