Information on how the Chinese healthcare system has confronted COVID-19 over the last four months is beginning to be communicated to Licensed Acupuncturists via university seminars and lectures.
In Summary:
China’s modern healthcare system integrates western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, herbal pharmacology, moxibustion, etc.). As a result, 85% of the 80K infected Chinese - approximately 60K patients - received both western medicine and herbal medicine.
What Did They Find?:
None of the current western anti-viral medication are effective at combatting the virus. (Including the off label use of the malaria drug which has been mentioned in the media.) Disappointing, for sure.
However, a number of Chinese herbs appear to be helpful in the prevention of infection - The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has released a ‘preventative formula’ for its healthcare providers - and classic formulas are being modified based on modern research to help reduce the active stage symptoms once infected. (Some of the in vitro/in vivo herb research is based on the similar structure of CO-19 to SARS, studied by the Chinese during the SARS outbreak in the early 2000’s.) The best preventative herb to help boost immune function according to their research is Huang Qi (Astragalus); it is the chief herb in the PRC preventative formula and it can be found in most health food stores and pharmacies.
During the early infection stage, Clear Hear herbs like Yu Xing Cao (Herba Houttuyniae), Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis), Jin Yin Hua (Flors Lonicerae Japonicae), and Xiang Chun Ye (Folium Toonae Sinensis) have potent anti-viral effects and seem to reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the disease course.
For precise information on which herbs to take and when, dosage, contraindications, etc. please reach out to your local Acupuncturist trained in Chinese herbology. Our office is available for telemedicine consultations and dispensing these critical herbs to help keep Summit County healthy. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Tip:
Astragalus (Huang Qi) can be found at Natural Grocers and Whole Foods.
For a consultation, or to pick up supplements for immune support:
Contact Michael Wiadro, MSOM, L.Ac
Summit Sacred Healing
424 S. Ridge Street #3, Breckenridge, CO 80424
info@mikewiadro.com | | 970-771-3074
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