Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of COVID-19

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) has taken the world by storm. The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the society we’ve always known has now shifted to one of social distancing and self-isolation.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Cough
Fever
Fatigue
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Difficulty breathing (severe cases)
Bluish lips or face

People may be sick for 1-14 days before showing symptoms, and many people show no symptoms (studies suggest that up to 50% of cases are asymptomatic).

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Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work for Prevention/Treatment of COVID-19?

Numerous treatments are being touted as successful, but many of them are not backed by evidence. Because people are afraid of catching the disease, many may jump for anything they believe can prevent or treat COVID-19, but it is essential to do your research to ensure that it is genuinely beneficial.

Effectiveness of TCM

Multiple studies have already been done to test the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in preventing or treating COVID-19, and the results are promising. Studies have shown some benefit in symptom relief—a shorter-duration cough and a less-runny nose, for example.

TCM and SARS

Traditional Chinese Medicine has played a critical role in the prevention and treatment of several epidemic diseases. For example, a study done during the 2003 SARS epidemic showed that TCM achieved remarkable therapeutic effects in patients who had SARS.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used to regulate the body and enhance resistance to epidemic diseases for thousands of years.

As a method of prevention or treatment for Coronavirus, the earlier you use Traditional Chinese Medicine, the more likely your body is to prevent the disease from transforming into a severe or critical state.

To be clear, there is no known cure for Coronavirus at this time.

Supplements and Herbs Suggested for the Prevention/Treatment of COVID-19

Radix astragali (Huangqi),
Radix glycyrrhizae (Gancao),
Radix saposhnikoviae (Fangfeng),
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu),
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Jinyinhua), and
Fructus forsythia (Lianqiao)

Many doctors have said that, at the very least, using alternative treatments like TCM likely won’t hurt, but that it is critical to keep following evidence-based treatment plans for your condition and to be honest with your doctor about everything you are taking.