Postpartum Common Coldaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Postpartum issues
Parent symptom: Common Cold
What is Postpartum Common Cold?
The postpartum common cold is a condition that affects new mothers shortly after childbirth. It is similar to the typical common cold, characterized by symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, a sore throat, and general malaise.
However, in the postpartum period, the body's adjustments and recovery process make new mothers more susceptible to such infections. The understanding and management of this condition are crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the newborn.
How does TCM view Postpartum Common Cold?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the postpartum common cold by considering the unique physiological changes and vulnerabilities of new mothers. TCM recognizes that childbirth significantly impacts the body’s energy (Qi) and blood balance.
Consequently, the common cold postpartum is not just seen as an external invasion of pathogens but also as a manifestation of internal disharmony and deficiency. TCM’s holistic approach aims to restore balance and strengthen the body's defenses while treating the cold symptoms.
Causes of Postpartum Common Cold according to TCM
In TCM, the postpartum common cold is often linked to specific patterns of disharmony. One prevalent cause is the invasion of Wind-Cold, which takes advantage of the body's weakened state after childbirth. This condition is marked by symptoms like chills, fever, and nasal congestion.
Another common TCM pattern associated with the postpartum common cold is Blood or Yin Deficiency. This Deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response, making the body more susceptible to colds. Treatment in TCM focuses on addressing these root causes to alleviate symptoms and strengthen the body's natural resilience.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Postpartum Common Cold
To combat the postpartum common cold, TCM prescribes specific herbal formulas tailored to address the underlying patterns of disharmony. For instance, Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, with Scallions (Cong Bai) as a key ingredient, is often recommended for cases stemming from Wind-Cold invasion coupled with Blood or Yin Deficiency.
This formula is pungent and warm, designed to expel the cold and reinforce the body’s depleted energies. By focusing on both the symptoms and the root cause, these TCM treatments aim to provide holistic healing and recovery for new mothers experiencing a common cold postpartum.
See more details below about Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, a herbal formula used to address postpartum common cold.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Postpartum common cold can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, with scallions as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Postpartum Common Cold
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address postpartum common cold, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Postpartum common cold can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Scallions (Cong Bai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postpartum common cold, like Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Postpartum common cold can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postpartum common cold, like Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin.