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 can be treated by five herbs that we have on record. Here is the list below.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat common cold
Why might Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Cinnamon Twig's page.
Cinnamon Twigs is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Adjusts the nutritive Ying and defensive Wei Qi. Relieves the Exterior through sweating. Warms and disperses Cold. Removes obstruction of Yang. Promotes the circulation of Yang Qi in the chest. Regulates and moves blood.
Why might Marshmallow Root (Yao Shu Kui) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Marshmallow Root's page.
Marshmallow Root is a Cold herb that tastes Salty and Sweet. It targets the Bladder, the Heart, the Large intestine and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Facilitates urination and stops coughing. Eases inflammation and removes toxicity.
Why might Angelica Root (Bai Zhi) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Angelica Root's page.
Angelica Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind. Disperses Wind and Cold from the Yang Brightness channels. Relieves Wind-Damp Cold painful obstruction. Dries Dampness and pus and reduces swelling. Opens the nasal passages.
Why might Scallion (Cong Bai) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Scallion's page.
Scallions is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind-Cold through sweating. Vitalizes the Yang Qi and disperses Cold. Removes toxicity of swellings.
Why might Pubescent Angelica Root (Du Huo) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Pubescent Angelica Root's page.
Pubescent Angelica Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Bladder and the Kidney.
Its main actions are: Disperses Wind, Cold, Dampness. Relieves pain. Relieves Lesser Yang (Shao Yang) headache.
Other symptoms often associated with common cold
Toothache Coughing Sinusitis Nasal congestion Fever Impaired vision Abdominal pain Arthralgia Edema Rheumatoid arthritis