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 Ephedra (Ma Huang) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Ephedra's page.
Ephedra is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Bladder and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination.
Why might Platycodon Root (Jie Geng) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Platycodon Root's page.
Platycodon Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Lung.
Its main actions are: Opens the Lungs and smoothes the flow of Lung Qi. Expels Phlegm and pus from the Lungs and throat, can be used for either Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat according to the other herbs in the formula. Directs the actions of other herbs to the Upper Warmer.
Why might Wild Ginger (Xi Xin) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Wild Ginger's page.
Wild Ginger is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and warms the Yang. Expels Cold and relieves pain. Warms the Lungs and reduces Phlegm. Moves the Qi and disperses Phlegm to open the nasal passages.
Why might Notopterygium Root (Qiang Huo) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Notopterygium Root's page.
Notopterygium Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Bladder and the Kidney.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold and Dampness. Relieves Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction. Directs Qi to the Greater Yang (Tai Yang) channel and the Governing Vessel.
Why might Biond’S Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi) help with common cold?
Because it is a herb specifically indicated to treat common cold as can be seen on Biond’S Magnolia Flower's page.
Biond’S Magnolia Flowers is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Releases the Exterior and dispels Wind-Cold. Relieves nasal congestion.
Other symptoms often associated with common cold
Coughing Toothache Sinusitis Nasal congestion Fever Impaired vision Abdominal pain Arthralgia Edema Rheumatoid arthritis