HERBAL solutions that keep you healthy and keep you going

Ever wanted to have at your ready a sampling of natural remedies that can address small emergencies like a sudden allergy attack, a cough that won’t quit, a fever, or a scrape?

Natural remedies not only work, they work quickly. And without nasty side effects that slow you down for hours or even longer. Protect yourself, as well as friends and family with just a few key herbal, homeopathic and simple remedies.

Let’s look at a few situations that might occur. Say you’re traveling and you pick up a virus in the airport, and you can feel cold symptoms starting to emerge. You could take an aspirin, but that doesn’t always work. A wise alternative is to nip it in the bud with an anti-viral herbal formula. I’ve listed the best ones to use in a pinch, and which of these might work best for you.

Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf & Chrysanthemum Decoction) is for prevention of common cold and for relief of cough from cough, airborne pollutants or allergies. It also is key to preventing viral illness in those who are prone to recurrent colds. It has a slightly moistening effect and can soothe the throat in a dry climate. It contains antimicrobial herbs as well as Semen armeniacae, amarum, a very effective cough suppressing herb.

Traditional Chinese medicine regards Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat very differently. Wind-Cold presents with tight muscles, expecially in the neck, along with cough and mild warmth. This is more aligned with what is known as a common cold. Wind-Heat is a completely different pathogen, such as influenza, or a severe case of Wind-Cold that has transformed into a hot condition. These two pathologies therefore, require very different herbal treatment.

Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle & Forsythia Powder) contains Flos Lonicera japnoicae, lonicera flower, a broad spectrum antimicrobial that inhibits several types of bacteria and pathogens. For example, clinical studies show it is effective against Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a bacteria that is opportunistic and occurs after surgery and affects lungs and blood) and many others. A sampling of the other herbs in this formula include Rx. Platycodonis that relieves sore throat and helps ventilate lungs; Herba menthae for relieving heat symptoms such as sore eyes and sore throat; and Rz. Phragmitis to clear heat and promote generation of body fluids. The addition of moistening herbs like Phragmitis is just one example of how brilliantly Chinese herbs are combined to reduce side effects of heat clearing herbs that can dry out the mucus membranes and cause irritation.

Note that both of these formulas are effective in treating viral infection. Sang Ju Yin and Yin Qiao San can provide tremendous relief of headache, stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and pains. SJY is not as drying but also not as strong as YQS. For children, I recommend SJY and taking a smaller dose of just 2 capsules versus 3 capsules. For adults, YQS may be a better choice unless you get frequent colds in which case SJY is best.

ColdAway by Health Concerns

This is a patented herbal capsule containing many of the same herbals as the prior two formulas, however it contains an even stronger heat-clearing effect. One of the ingredients is Isatis root, ban lan gen, that is used for severe sore throat. I like to keep this one on hand for reducing viral load and toxicity, since it is very strong. It can help as a preventative for Covid as well.

Many Chinese herbal formulas for cold and flu contain broad spectrum antimicrobials, and are effective against infectious diseases of the respiratory system. Because they are so broad spectrum many of the same ingredients have been shown to improve gut health because they also are effective at eradicating Candida albicans and gastroenteritis.

For cold or flu, take any of these herbal formulas at the first sign of illness to reduce viral load and speeds recovery.

Cold & Flu Drops by Professional Formulas

This is a homeopathic remedy for early onset cold and flu virus. It is also very effective. Take a full dropper (10 drops) every 4 hours until symptoms subside.

I haven’t figured out why at certain times homeopathics work better than herbs, and vice versa. I’d conjecture that if the symptoms are mainly in the head without fever, the homeopathics will work great. Once fever and headache is established, herbs are a bit stronger and last longer in the bloodstream. For those with gut issues, like IBS or Crohn disease, it may be wiser to take a tincture, whether homeopathic or other ingredient, in order to bypass the gut.

Traditionally, it is believed that one must treat the exterior first to resolve toxin or pathogen before addressing other issues of the blood or organs. Exterior simply means the pathogen has come from the external environment, not generated internally. In the old days, one would drink the teas hot to induce sweating as this helps release toxins. Many of the herbs in exterior-releasing formulas contain herbs with acrid, aromatic and diaphoretic properties that help the body purge.

Allergy Attack – Scenario 2. You’re lying on the couch with the window open and suddenly start sneezing, and notice your nose is becoming stuffy and inflamed, your eyes itch and you feel like a you are slowly sinking into a bog. Allergic reactions are real and intense.

If you would like to order products, please visit my online dispensary with Fullscript. Channel Acupuncture & Herbs Dispensary

Allergic Reactions (Click arrow to view table)

Nasal Rinses	Simple saline and baking soda mixed with water help relieve allergy symptoms	For any allergy including pollen, dust, mold, dander.
Quercetin	Researched antioxidant that is found to be the best one for reducing incidence of allergies	Helps inhibit histamine production and shorten or deter rash, itching, hives
Vitamin C	Most widely applicable oxidant for improving detoxification including allergic reactions	Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation associated with allergies
Diamine Oxidase	An enzyme that deactivates and breaks down histamine	An important addition for those who suffer chronic allergies or have other signs of high histamine
Xin Yi San (Magnolia Flower decoction)	Allergic rhinitis with post nasal drip, runny nose, itchy nose or eyes	A combination of herbs offers quick symptomatic relief for sinus pain and congestion. Also used for sinusitis.

Irrigation of the nasal passageways with a saline rinse is recommended by both allied health care and complementary care providers. Rinsing away dust, mold, bacteria or pollen assists the body by reducing antigens and inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Do this twice a day, morning and evening.

Make a nasal rinse by mixing 1 tsp baking soda, 3 tsp sea salt, and 1 cup water. Put a puddle of solution in palm of hands and snuff this into each nostril to clear passageways. Alternatively, use a Neti pot or an ear bulb from drugstore to cleanse nasal passages. Sea salt is a natural antibacterial and is also an anti-inflammatory.

Hista-Aid by QuickSilver Scientific contain the two best antioxidants and flavonoids for allergies – quercetin and vitamin C. Flavonoids are polyphenolic plant compounds that can inhibit mast cell activity and resulting histamine release. Using antioxidants helps to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions. For prevention or to reduce allergic severity, take this or a similar supplement 2-4 weeks prior to allergy season.

Hista-Gest DAO is essential for severe allergy sufferers who require something strong and prefer a natural solution. Diamine oxidase is an enzyme that deactivates and breaks down histamine. Histamine is the substance responsible for itching, rashes, hives and inflammation. Some people have a faulty genetic predisposition that disables the body’s ability to effectively break down histamine.

Another good reason to choose natural remedies for cold, flu and allergies is to avoid the side effects of commonly used medications. For example, amantadine and rimantadine are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of influenza. Amantadine and rimantadine, however, have been associated with neurologic toxicities and gastrointestinal side effects.

Magnolia Flower Decoction (Xin Yi San) has been found to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis and paranasal sinusitis. The volatile oils in magnolia flower are anti-histaminic, analgesic and sedative. It is also a decongestant and has been shown to be as effective as ephedrine in opening the nose. I have given this formula to dozens of patients over the years and can attest to its efficacy (as can they)! It not only provides symptomatic relief, it improves breathing and heals sinus passageways.

Good Sea Salt Ye Have Many Uses!

Rinses and Recipes… Rinsing with a saline solution not only disinfects, it cleanses away mucus, dust, pollen, mold and other particles that make their way into our delicate passageways. The nose and eyes are the most vulnerable areas. Saline and sugar dissolved in water is also handy to restore the system after a bout of dehydration or vomiting. Each of these recipes are so so easy to follow. Keep a bit of sea salt on shelf, and even with you when you travel.

Saline solution for sinus irrigation

To make a sinus rinse, or nasal irrigation solution:

• mix together 3 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of baking soda
• add 1 tsp of this mixture into 1 cup of water and stir until the solids have dissolved

Using a neti pot, ear bulb, or saline rinse bottle, squeeze the solution into the right then the left nostril. Keep the head over a sink or bath, as the solution will come out of the nostrils.

Homemade saline solution for eye wash

• use 4 cups of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water
• add 2 teaspoons of non-iodized salt (sea salt)
• store in an airtight container with a lid, such as a bottle
• shake or mix together until salt is fully dissolved

Using a clean metal spoon splash the solution in the eyes to remove debris. This solution can also ease itchy and inflamed tissues. If you do get a large particle in your eye, like tree bark, follow up with your doctor to make sure the eye has not been damaged.

If you store any saline solution, use a sterile container like glass and keep it in the refrigerator if possible. Bacteria can grow in any liquid solution after 24 hours.

Saline & sugar solution for dehydration

• 4 cups of filtered, boiled (for at least 20 minutes) or bottled mineral water
• 1 heaped tablespoon of sugar (20 g)
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt (3.5 g)
• Mix all the ingredients well and stir until you get a clear mixture. Drink 8 cups a day, in small sips throughout the day

This solution replenishes the water and mineral salts lost through vomiting and diarrhea. It can be taken during bouts of gastroenteritis or if you have chronic diarrhea due to a bug or food poisoning, for example. It is suitable for all ages and can even be given to dogs and cats when necessary.

Indigestion and Food Poisoning

Whether it’s due to eating the wrong thing, a bad combo meal, or just eating too much… tummy troubles happen when you least expect it.

Curing Pills by TCM Zone (and others) is a “miracle” pill that quickly eases nausea and indigestion. It contains herbs that help gently move food particles through the stomach and intestines. In TCM terms herbs that are aromatic and regulatory, and eliminate stagnation in the large intestine. Curing Pills is in the top five herbal formulas to prevent such problems, both at home and while on the road. And it is good for easing nausea from chemotherapy, morning sickness and vertigo.

Core Ingredients of Curing Pills & Their Traditional Uses:

• Fu Ling (Poria Cocos): A fungus known for its diuretic properties, it helps eliminate dampness and stagnant fluids, and calms the spirit.
• Bai Zhu (Atractylodes): A Qi tonic that strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness, and supports digestion.
• Xiao Hu Xiang (Fennel): Supports digestion, relieves gas and bloating, and alleviates abdominal pain.
• Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica): Used to relieve headaches, especially those caused by wind-cold or wind-dampness.
• Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel): Regulates Qi, dries dampness, and strengthens the Spleen.

Headaches

The cause for headaches is varied, from poor digestion to fatigue to stress and tension, and many more etiologies. Aspirin that is coated like Bayer is the best to take in a pinch, as it will help open up and dilate blood vessels very quickly. For more complex patterns of headaches, I recommend consulting with me to ferret out causes. There are Chinese herbal formulas that address all sorts of headache patterns, and since it is a more complex problem I believe your health deserves a more focused diagnosis. Headaches is one of my specialty areas and I have dedicated myself to learning advanced herbal solutions for treating tension, migraine, occipital, sinus and combination head pain.

Bonus First Aid Tips

• Keep gauze and medical tape on hand for covering a wound.
• Apply pressure to wounds to stop bleeding. Don’t apply antibiotic ointment onto an open wound.
• Clean wounds with saline solution after bleeding has been stemmed.
• Apply antibiotic ointment on the edges of wounds to slow growth of bacteria.
• Petroleum jelly and aloe vera gel are both good to use for slow healing wounds, since they will keep the skin protected and help prevent it from drying out too soon.
• Useful items to add to a first aid kit include tick removers or tweezers, calamine lotion, aspirin, Benadryl, bandages, wrist and knee splint (easy to find at a drugstore), and compression bandages for wrapping joints or crafting a makeshift sling for an injured arm.

REFERENCES

He F, Ru X, Wen T. NRF2, a Transcription Factor for Stress Response and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 6;21(13):4777. doi: 10.3390/ijms21134777. PMID: 32640524; PMCID: PMC7369905.

Hou, J. P., Jin, Y. (2012). The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

Li ZT, Li L, Chen TT, Li CY, Wang DQ, Yang ZF, Zhong NS. Efficacy and safety of Ban-Lan-Gen granules in the treatment of seasonal influenza: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2015 Mar 28;16:126. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0645-x. PMID: 25873046; PMCID: PMC4383212.

Pitchford, P. (1993). Healing with whole foods: Oriental traditions and modern nutrition. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Taotao Gao, Jinbing Liu, Nan Huang, Yingxuan Zhou, Conglin Li, Yintong Chen, Zifan Hong, Xiaoyan Deng, Xiaoli Liang, Sangju. Cold Granule exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 334, 2024.

Yu JS, Ho CH, Hsu YC, Wang JJ, Hsieh CL. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments for upper respiratory tract infections/common colds in Taiwan. Eur J Integr Med. 2014 Oct;6(5):538-544. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2014.06.003. Epub 2014 Jun 12. PMID: 32288884; PMCID: PMC7102745.