East vs. West Cures for the Common Cold

Article by XIANEASE

Western Medicine

Caused by

Viruses, most commonly Rhinoviruses, but also Coronaviruses, Parainfluenza Viruses, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses.

Symptoms

Sneezing, Nasal Congestion, Water-Like Snot, and/or Throat Discomfort or Dry Throat.
After 2-3 days, the snot becomes thick, and you may experience a sore throat or hoarseness. Generally there is no fever or only a low fever.
The common cold without complications will self-cure after 5-7 days.

Treatment

Since there is no effective antiviral drugs for colds at present, treating the symptoms is the common course of action.
Rest
Drink more water
Maintain indoor air circulation to avoid secondary bacterial infections.
Common cold medicines should not be used for more than 7 days.
If the symptoms do not improve or disappear after 1 week, you should go to the hospital for a clear diagnosis and further treatment.

Western Medicines for Cold Symptoms

Pain relief and fever reduction: Acetaminophen (乙酰氨基酚), Ibuprofen (布洛芬)
Nasal decongestants (缓解鼻黏膜充血药): Pseudoephedrine (伪麻黄碱)
Antihistamines(抗组胺药): Chlorpheniramine (氯苯那敏)
Cough suppressants(止咳药): Dextromethorphan (右美沙芬)
Expectorants (祛痰药): Ambroxol (氨溴索), Acetylcysteine (乙酰半胱氨酸), Carboxymethanam(羧甲司坦)

TCM Treatment

Cold-Wind Cold

Caused by Exogenous Cold Wind, Loss of Lung Qi.

Symptoms

Severe Chills, Mild Fever, Lack of Sweat, Headache, Sore Joints, Nasal Congestion, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Itchy Throat, Cough, Thin White Sputum, White Tongue Coating, and/or Tight Pustules.

Treatment

Disperse the cold by warming up using herbal cold medicines.
Drink some hot porridge or hot soup to generate sweat and help dispel the cold.

Chinese medicines
for treating colds include:

Sanzhi Tablets (三拗片) Xiaochaihu Granules (小柴胡冲剂)
Zhengchaihuyin Granules (正柴胡饮颗粒) Jiuweizhihuo Pills (九味羌活丸等)

Hot-Wind Cold

Caused by Exogenous Hot Air, Loss of Lung Qi

Symptoms

Severe Fever, Mild Cold, Headache, Sore Throat, Tonsil Swelling, Nasal Congestion, Runny Nose, Cough, Sticky Sputum, Yellow Sputum, Thirst, and/or Tongue Whitening

Treatment

Clear out the heat and detoxify
Drink plenty of water and eat a light diet
Drink white radish soup or pear soup

Chinese
medicines

Yinqiao pills (银翘丸) Banlangen granules (板蓝根颗粒) Antiviral oral solution (抗病毒口服液)
Blue tincture oral solution (蓝芩口服液) Pudilan oral solution (蒲地蓝口服液)
Lianhua Qingwen capsule (连花清瘟胶囊) Shufengjiedu capsule (疏风解毒胶囊等)

Wet Cold

Caused by Dampness and Heat plus Cold, Drinking Cold Drinks

Symptoms

Chills, Fever, Headache, Bloating, Chest Fullness, Abdominal Pain, Bowel Sounds, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Weakness, and/or Loss of Appetite

Chinese
medicines

Huoxiangzhengqi Pills (藿香正气丸等)

This may come as a huge shock, but we here at xianease are not doctors. While the information above was provided by a specialist, you should never take any medicine without first consulting a doctor to check your condition. For further information, contact us at info@xianease.com