Traditional Chinese medicines to beat Covid-19 | Sunday Observer

Traditional Chinese medicines to beat Covid-19

14 February, 2021

The whole world is haunted by the dark shadows of Covid-19. Surprisingly China, better known for its long history was the birthplace of this global pandemic. At present scientists and researchers are racing to discover a medicine to save thousands of lives affected by the virus.

However, much attention has been focused on traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) to beat the Covid-19 virus. According to the theoretical system of TCM, the material basis of the human body is named as essence, spirit, blood and body fluids. In addition, the viscera of the body and its manifestation are named Zangxiang in Mandarin.

The structures that hold the physical basis of the body and connect the viscera are called meridians and collaterals, vessel and trijiao. The function of the human body as a whole is in a delicate and dynamic balance. According to TCM when the homeo-stasis is broken and the regulatory ability is out of control the diseases can occur.

In 2003 TCM had occupied a vital role during the SARS epidemic. It has been revealed that the traditional Chinese medicine for infectious diseases has a long history. If we wish to have a striking effect it is not sensible to lose sight of the Chinese Acupuncture. According to clinical studies , acupuncture therapies include different treatments such as, acupuncture, moxibustion, electro acupuncture, fire needle acupuncture, acupoint injection and auricular point therapy. The famous doctor named Sun Simiao in the Tang Dynasty stated in his book titled, Beiji Qianjinyao Fang , ‘Those who travel to the areas affected by infectious diseases have to undergo moxibustion - acupuncture and form moxibustion so that they will not be infected by malaria and warm malaria .’

Also, a famous physician named Li Shi Zhen in the Ming dynasty had suggested in his book, ‘compendium of materia medicine’ that Moxibustion- acupuncture can smoothen the meridian patency, cure hundreds of diseases, and cure people who suffer from long-term illness.

According to the statements made by the ancient doctors it is clear that acupuncture can prevent infectious diseases. However, the main objective of TCM is strengthening immunity.

It is evident that acupuncture had been widely used to relieve breathlessness and possible symptoms, for instance, anxiety disorders, nausea, insomnia, leukopenia, fatigue, abdominal pain and so on. Hence, during the outbreak of Covid -19 acupuncture- moxibustion had been recommended by scientists for Covid-19 patients. According to clinical researches acupuncture can improve the function of the lungs, strengthen immunity and remove residual virus.

Jinhua Qinggan Granule

Except for acupuncture, the other traditional Chinese medicines such as Jinhua Qinggan Granule, Lianhua Qingwen Capsule, Xuebijing, Qingfei Paidu Decoction, Huashi Baidu Formula, and Xuanfei Baidu Formula can be considered to be “Three TCM prescriptions and three medicines” that act as a group of effective therapeutics against Covid-19 in China.

The Jinhua Qinggan granule is proven to be a patented Chinese formulation which was developed for the treatment of influenza A (H1N1) in 2009. It consists of 12 Chinese medicines including Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix). Studies have pointed out that Jinhua Qinggan in combination with routine treatment could significantly and rapidly improve not only the symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, and expectoration but also the patient scores on the Hamilton anxiety scale.

According to the findings, Jinhua Qinggan Granule was selected in the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for the Covid19 global pandemic. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Jinghua had a significant therapeutic effect on the clinical symptoms of mild Covid19 patients, such as fever, cough, fatigue, and expectoration.

According to clinical researches the Lianhua Qingwen Capsule exhibits broadspectrum antiviral effects and it has been composed of Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Jinyinhua (Loni cerae Japonicae Flos), Zhi Mahuang ( Ephedrae Herba), Mianmaguanzhong (Dryopteridis Crassirhizom atis Rhizoma), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Radix), Shigao (Gyp sum Fibrosum), Bohenao (Menthol), Guanghuoxiang (Pogostemonis Herba), Hongjingtian (Rhodiolae Crenu latae Radix et Rhizoma), Yuxingcao (Houttuyniae Herba), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Chao Kuxingren (Processed Armeniacae Semen Amarum) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).

Xuebijing injection

Xuebijing played a vital role in adjusting and strengthening the immunity of the human body. Xuebijing (XBJ), a traditional Chinese medicine injection approved by the China FDA activates blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, eliminating pathogenic heat from the blood and degrading toxins.

Qingfei Paidu decoction

Qingfei Paidu decoction (QFPD) is one of the recommended Chinese medicine prescriptions. It is a traditional Chinese medicine compound first created by Zhang Zhongjing.

It is composed of Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction, She Gan Ma Huang Decoction, Xiao Chai Hu Decoction, and Wu Ling San. Herba Ephedrae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, Gypsum Fibrosum, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Rhizoma Alismatis, Polyporus Umbellatus, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Scutellariae, Rhizome Pinelliae Preparata, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Radix Asteris, Flos Farfarae, Rhizoma Belamcandae, Herba Asari, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, and Herba Pogostemonis. In terms of modern pharmacological analysis, the prescription has multiple functions of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, and antipyretic. No doubt it has also been clinically proven to have a good effect on Covid-19.

The Huashi Baidu

The Huashi Baidu decoction is composed of Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Huo Xiang (Pogostemonis Herba), Hou Po (Magnoliae offici- nalis Cortex), and Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma). This prescription is capable of strengthening the immunity against viral infections, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immunity. The Huashi Baidu decoction has been proven to be suitable for treating patients exhibiting mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of Covid-19. Clinical studies have confirmed that it can be effective as a multi-target comprehensive treatment regimen in SARS-positive patients as well.

Xuanfei Baidu was created on the basis of classic decoction formulae which includes Maxing Shigan, Maxing Yigan, Tingli Dazao Xiefei, and Qianjin Weijing. It also includes 13 Chinese herbal medicines such as Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Huo Xiang (Pogostemonis Herba), and Qing Hao (Artemisiae annuae Herba).

Xuanfei Baidu was proven to be effective for the treatment of mild and moderate cases of Covid-19. Clinical researches have demonstrated that this formula effectively shortens the improvement time of clinical symptoms and temperature spikes.

We hope that 2021 will be the victorious year in which Covid-19 is beaten. 

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