Did you know that Chinese herbs are effective in treating symptoms from all stages of the virus that causes Covid-19, including prevention, initial onset, acute, and recovery phases?
Note: Chinese herbalists are protective of their formulas because if taken without the appropriate presentation, they will either not be effective or can do more damage. I also understand that part of the power in herbalism is in its **power to the people** - taking health into our own hands, and that the practitioner-based prescription of herbs can feel less than empowering. With that idea in mind, you should still consult a trained practitioner before taking any Chinese herbs.
my herb collection; photo by Kelly 2018
What follows is a summary of herbal ideas for each potential stage of Covid-19, as suggested by Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, one of my favorite herb companies. These formulas can be ordered from your practitioner through Golden Flower, or adapted by your practitioner and ordered as bulk or granule formulas specific to your in-the-moment presentation of illness. Your practitioner is looking for signs and symptoms of yin/yang (as it is categorically understood in Chinese medicine theory), heat/cold, internal/external, deficiency/excess, etc… The herbs that fit your best constitutional presentation can be ordered ahead of time to have on hand in case of Covid-19 emergency, or they can be ordered at the time of illness based on your constitutional presentation plus present illness presentation; the latter is definitely more ideal, but also consider that it is time-consuming and may be more difficult if you are already feeling sick and run down. Each stage of an illness may also progress rapidly, so it’s a good idea to have a formula on hand for each possible stage, or at least an idea of where you can get one quickly if needed.
When choosing herbs for myself, I personally prefer to look at the prevention, initial, acute, and recovery stage categories to see which of the potentially appropriate formulas for my general constitutional presentation (and how I know myself to tend to present during illness) overlap. Consultation (in-person or online) with a Chinese herbal practitioner can help you figure this out for your constitutional and illness presentations and then order the formulas that may work for the most possible stages. This can save you time and money if done ahead of time.
The first words listed in italics for each formula listed below are the herb names in Chinese pinyin (what the Chinese characters sound like in English). They can sometimes refer to multiple species of the same herb, which can be confusing to botanists. There are also preparation specifications unique to Chinese herbal medicine, such as dry-fried,
baked, honey-fried, or ginger-fried that have important implications for herbal action within the formula/body. The botanical Genus name with herb part (flower, root, stem, leaf) is listed in parentheses; there are multiple ways to name each herb, so this just serves to further clarify which herb should be included, which part of the herb should be used, and how the herb
"Reed & Seed" formula, photo by Kelly 1/22 should be prepared; these are commonly
known for any Chinese herbal pharmacy and can be easily acquired. The percentage amounts shown are those found in the premade Golden Flower Chinese Herb bottled pill and liquid formulas, called “patent.” These amounts can be used as herbal ideas when your practitioner is creating individualized bulk or granule formulas and are presented here for educational purposes.
COVID-19 PREVENTION
Zheng Qi Support Formula (Zheng Qi Fang)
This is an overall formula for immune support. In terms of Chinese medical theory, the herbs in this formula “secure the exterior,” protecting from exterior pathogenic invasion. This formula also can alleviate chest pressure and dysregulated Lung qi (i.e., coughing). (1) The main herb, Huang Qi, is cautioned for use with strong excess conditions involving cold, heat, damp, damp-heat, damp-cold, etc… because these pathogens could be moved deeper into the body. (Note, it is possible to have cold, heat, and dampness that are not excess, but instead are deficiency in nature, so it truly is best not to self-diagnose.) Huang Qi is the herb known as Astragalus in western herbalism, and is a well-studied immune-booster, as are several of the other herbs in this formula. The formula also contains nourishing herbs (consider these like the basic yin building blocks of physiological stuff - blood, fluid, tissues…), astringent herbs (good for sweating, cough), harmonizing herbs (encourage all the herbs to “play nice” together), energizing herbs (give the yin substances the impetus needed to have yang function), and herbs that break through stagnation to allow physiological currency of the body and all of the herbs themselves to flow more freely where they are supposed to go.
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix/Astragalus) 25% Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma/Chinese Yam) 20% Ge Gen (Puerariae Radix/Kudzu Root) 14% Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root) 10% Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis/Chinese Sumac gallnut) 10% Xi Yang Shen (Panacis Quinquefolii Radix/American Ginseng Root) 7% Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps/Cordyceps mycelium) 7% Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus/Bitter Orange) 7% (3)
Functions: secures the exterior to prevent invasion of pathogenic influence,"supports central qi, wei qi and yang, secures the exterior, generates jin fluids, frees the chest, regulates the lungs, and astringes lung qi" (1)
Patterns: Lung/wei qi xu (thin, pale, spontaneous sweating, tired; thin/soft/weak pulse, pale tongue) with qi stagnation (tightness, tension, irritability)
Jade Windscreen (Yu Ping Feng San)
This is a famous classical formula for the prevention of illness. (1) It is normally prescribed in the summer and fall to prevent winter sicknesses but can be taken anytime with the correct presentation. The herbs regulate the middle and the Spleen, which can be understood as similar to pancreatic function, secure the exterior from invasion, and boost immunity. It is not taken for purely excess conditions, and with Huang Qi, a measure of caution is advised when excess is present.
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma/White Atractylodes Rhizome) 40%
Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix/Siler) 40%
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix/Astragalus) 20% (2)
Function: secures exterior to prevent invasion of pathogenic influences (1)
Patterns: Lung/wei qi xu (thin, pale, spontaneous sweating; thin/soft/weak pulse, pale tongue)
Jade Defense Plus (Jia Wei Yu Ping Feng San)
Any formula with “Jia Wei” at the beginning means that additional herbs have been added to the Classical formula. This one combines Yu Ping Feng San and Yin Chiao (Qiao) San. It’s an ideal combination to both prevent illness and to treat early-stage bacterial or viral infections presenting with heat signs. This formula is commonly used in Chinese hospitals to shield frontline hospital staff from infection and to treat early-stage illness. (1)
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix/Astragalus) 20% Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma/White Atractylodes Rhizome) 20% Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix/Siler) 16% Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium/Tangerine Peel) 10% Yu Xing Cao (Houttuyniae Herba/Houttuynia) 8% Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus/Forsythia) 8% Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix/Platycodon Root) 8% Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma/Phragmites Rhizome) 6% Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome) 4% (2)
Functions: prevents invasion of pathogenic influences and treats early exposure to pathogens while still in exterior stage (1)
Patterns: (Lung and Wei Qi Xu) tendency towards illness with low immunity; pale tongue, pale skin; spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath (3)
Five Mushroom Formula (Wu Gu Fang)
This formula is described by Golden Flower Chinese Herbs as “an immune-booster for the blood” and “especially good for building immunity in patients who may be in organ failure or whose white blood cell counts tend to be low.” (1) It’s basically an overall immune-boosting formula for major systems of the body that present with general deficiency signs, as it nourishes/boosts the Chinese Medicine organ system concepts of Spleen, Kidney, Lung, and Liver. (2)
Ji Song Rong (Agaricus Subrufescens, 45% polysaccharide concentrate from fruiting body Himematsutake Mushroom) 22%
Yun Zhi (Trametes Versicolor, 30% polysaccharide concentrate from fruiting body Coriolus, Turkey Tail) 22%
Ling Zhi (Grifola Frondosa/Maitake) 22%
Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) 12% (2)
Function: boosts immunity
Pattern: (Lung and Wei Qi Xu) tendency towards low immunity
Bupleurum & Cinnamon Formula (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang)
This formula appears in the prevention and acute categories and is specific to what is known in Chinese medicine as a Shaoyang/Taiyang presentation (exterior and pivot stage). Once again, please consult your practitioner. It is a combination of Xiao Chai Hu Tang and Gui Zhi Tang. The herbs move Liver qi, move and cool blood, dry damp-phlegm, cools/clears heat, softens and harmonizes, and warms/invigorates/soothes the middle. The formula releases the muscle layer, harmonizes interior and exterior, and harmonizes nutritive and protective qi aspects. (1)
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix/Bupleurum Root) 23.6%
Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix/Codonopsis) 17.6%
Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum/Pinellia, ginger-cured) 11.8%
Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus (Cassia Twig/Chinese Cinnamon) 8.8%
Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix (Chinese Scullcap/Scute) 8.8%
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix alba/white Chinese Peony) 8.8%
Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens/fresh Ginger) 8.8%
Hong Zao, Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus/red Jujube Date) 5.9%
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root) 5.9%
Functions: releases the muscle layer, harmonizes interior and exterior, and harmonizes nutritive and protective qi aspects (1)
Patterns treated: Taiyang + Shaoyang combination: (taiyang pattern) deficiency-type exterior wind-cold invasion who get sick easily, tend to be frail, pale, easily/spontaneously sweat, with low immunity + (shaoyang pattern) tendency towards liver-qi stagnation and liver (wood) --> --> spleen (earth), subcostal pain, flank pain, inflexible side body, a tendency towards anger (1,3)
Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang)
This is a hugely popular formula commonly prescribed for children. It is a Shaoyang presentation formula that “supports the qi, clears heat, resolves phlegm, frees the chest, and discharges pathogens.” (1) Like all Chinese herbal formulas, it should be used only with the correct presentation. Talk with your practitioner or set up an herbal consultation with a practitioner you trust!
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix/Bupleurum Root) 22%
Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum/ginger-cured Pinellia) 21%
Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 17%
Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix (Chinese Scullcap/Scute) 12%
Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens/fresh Ginger) 12%
Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata/honey-fried Chinese Licorice Root) 8%
Hong Zao, Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus/red Jujube Date) 8% (2)
Functions: "supports the qi, clears heat, resolves phlegm, frees the chest, and discharges pathogens" for those with shaoyang pattern symptoms (see above description) (1) Pattern: Shaoyang signs and syptoms - see above
COVID-19 INITIAL ONSET
Jade Defense Plus (Jia Wei Yu Ping Feng San) - see above
This is a great formula to have on hand because it can be used in both the prevention and initial illness onset stages. It contains herbs that do both jobs. If you work in an environment where you could be exposed to illness, especially now during the pandemic, this could be an ideal formula for you. (1)
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix/Astragalus) 20% Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma/White Atractylodes Rhizome) 20% Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix/Siler) 16% Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium/Tangerine Peel) 10% Yu Xing Cao (Houttuyniae Herba/Houttuynia) 8% Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus/Forsythia) 8% Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix/Platycodon Root) 8% Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma/Phragmites Rhizome) 6% Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome) 4% (2)
Functions: prevents invasion of pathogenic influences and treats initial early-stage exposure (1)
Patterns: (Lung and Wei Qi Xu) tendency towards illness with low immunity; pale tongue, pale skin; spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath (3)
Yin Chiao (Yin Qiao San)
This is the other half of Jade Defense Plus. Yin Chiao fights early-stage illness presenting with heat-toxin signs and symptoms. (1) Illness tends to move rapidly during early stages, so this stage may be fleeting. If not caught early, the pathogens tend to dive deeper into the body, requiring different herbs for treatment.
Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Flos/Japanese Honeysuckle Flower) 15.6%
Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus/Forsythia) 15.6%
Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma (Phragmites/Common Reed Rhizome) 15.6%
Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus/Burdock Fruit) 12.4%
Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Herba/Schizonepeta) 9.3%
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix (Platycodon Root/Balloon Flower Root) 6.3%
Bo He (Menthae Haplocalysis Herba/Mint) 6.3%
Dan Dou Chi (Sojae Semen Preparatum/Soybean, prepared) 6.3%
Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri Herba/Lophatherum) 6.3%
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Licorice Root) 6.3% (2)
Function: treats initial/early-stage exposure to wind-heat invasions (1)
Pattern: Wind-Heat: heat signs such as red, sore throat, fever, nasal discharge with yellow phlegm, fever, aversion to wind (2)
Viola Clear Fire Formula (Di Ding Qing Huo Pian)
Again, similar to Yin Chiao, this is a stronger formula for clearing deeper heat toxins (acute bacterial and viral infections). This is "a good formula for children and adults who tend to develop secondary bacterial infections (strep throat, for example) when they catch a virus." (1) These herbs can vent initial-stage exterior wind-heat, but they also clear deeper blood-level heat. In addition, this formula treats gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A note - once GI symptoms develop, you may already be in the acute illness phase and may want to consider herbal formulas from that category; this one treats initial pathogen exposure with GI distress. (1)
Bai Hua She She Cao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba (Hedyotis/Oldenlandia) 18%
Yu Xing Cao (Houttuyniae Herba/Houttuynia) 16%
Zi Hua Di Ding (Violae Herba/Viola, Tokyo Violet) 12%
Da Qing Ye (Isatidis Folium (Isatis Leaf/Indigo Woad Leaf) 8%
Ban Lan Gen (Isatidis seu Baphicacanthis Radix/Isatis Root) 8%
Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographitis Herba/Andrographis) 8%
Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Flos/Japanese Honeysuckle Flower) 7%
Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae Spica (Heal All Spike/Self-Heal Spike) 6%
Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus/Forsythia) 6%
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium/Tangerine Peel) 4%
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root) 4%
Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma/Coptis) 3% (2)
Functions: clears wind-heat and blood-level heat, and attacks gastrointestinal pathogens (1); it is more of a western-idea formula in that it specifically targets viral and bacterial invasions (more of the pharmacological vs pattern-based diagnosis and treatment approach)
Patterns: wind-heat signs (red, sore throat, fever, nasal discharge with yellow phlegm, fever, aversion to wind) (2) with middle burner/gastrointestinal symptoms (pain, nausea, discomfort)
Gan Mao Ling (Gan Mao Ling Pian)
This is a modern formula for the common cold that treats sore throat and nasal symptoms. (1) It has heat-toxin clearing attributes for fighting viral infections. It is similar to Yin Chiao San, but broader-spectrum (1) and stronger.
Mao Dong Qing (Ilicis Pubescentis Radix/Pubescent Holly Root, Ilex) 25%
Ban Lan Gen (Isatidis seu Baphicacanthus Radix/Isatis Root) 20%
San Ya Ku (Evodiae Radix/Evodia Root) 20%
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos/Chrysanthemum) 13%
Man Jing Zi (Viticis Fructus (Simple-Leaf Chaste Tree/Vitex Fruit) 12%
Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Flos/Japanese Honeysuckle Flower) 10% (2)
Function: clears heat-toxins (1)
Pattern: wind-heat invasion
Andrographis (Chuan Xin Lian Kang Yan Pian)
This is a strong anti-viral formula with only three ingredients: Andrographis, Isatis, and dandelion root. (1) No messing around here. It has strong anti-bacterial functions as well. As most of these formulas, it is strongly cooling, and meant for short-term use.
Chuan Xin Lian (Andrographis Herba) 50%
Ban Lan Gen (Isatis seu Baphicacanthus Radix/Isatis Root) 25%
Pu Gong Ying (Taraxaci Herba/Dandelion) 25% (2)
Functions: clears heat, targets viruses
Patterns: wind-heat (red, sore throat, fever, nasal discharge with yellow phlegm, fever, aversion to wind), damp-heat (fever worse in afternoon, aversion to cold, swollen glands, heavy feeling, epigastric oppression, sticky taste, thirst with no desire to drink, sticky white (or yellow) tongue coating with soggy (or slippery rapid) pulse (3)
Bupleurum & Cinnamon Formula (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang) - see above
For Taiyang/Shaoyang presentations that continue into initial stage illness, this formula can continue to be used. I suggest doing so with the addition of specific antiviral herbs.
Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) - see above
For Shaoyang presentations that continue into initial stage illness, this formula can continue to be used. I suggest doing so with the addition of specific antiviral herbs.
ACUTE COVID-19
Reed and Seed (Wei Jing Tang + San Ren Tang)
Here is a bulk replication of a Golden Flower Chinese Herbs formula called “Reed and Seed,” based on the Classical formulas Wei Jing Tang and San Ren Tang for the acute phase of Covid. Its action includes relieving the lungs of heat-toxin and pus, diffusing qi and regulating the qi mechanism, transforming phlegm-dampness, and removing blood stasis and clumped phlegm from the lungs. (1)
Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma/Phragmites Rhizome) 19% Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen/Job’s Tears Seed) 17% Dong Gua Zi (Benincasae Semen/Winter Melon Seed) 16% Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen/Apricot Seed, Chinese Bitter Almond) 10% Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma/Japanese Knotweed Root & Rhizome) 10% Bai Dou Kou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus/Chinese Cardamom) 8% Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex/Magnolia Bark) 7% Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatheri Herba/Lophatherum) 6% Hua Ju Hong (Citri grandis Exocarpium Rubrum/Pomelo Rind) 4% Lian Zi Xin (Nelumbinis Plumula/Lotus Plumule) 3% (2)
Functions: clears heat-toxin from Lungs, diffuses qi and regulates qi mechanism, transforms phlegm-dampness, and removes blood stasis and clumped phlegm from the lungs Pattern: Lung heat (high fever, feeling of heat, likes cool/cold, has thirst, cough w/ yellow phlegm, short breath, sweating; red tongue with yellow coat and slippery, rapid pulse (3)
Lung Defense Formula (Fei Wei Fang)
This is an acute-stage go-to formula for “hypoxia, difficulty breathing, and dry cough.” Note, this formula is primarily a recovery-stage formula but can be combined with formulas such as Reed & Seed or Agastache Tummy Syrup during the acute phase. It can be used on its own if there are few overt heat/cold or dampness signs. (1)
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix/Astragalus) 12% Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola Herba) 12% Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma/Japanese Knotweed Root & Rhizome) 12% Yu Xing Cao (Houttuyniae Herba/Houttuyniae) 12% Sang Bai Pi (Mori Cortex/White Mulberry Root Bark) 10% Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix/Chinese Salvia Root) 10% Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix/Chinese Licorice Root) 10% Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix/Platycodon Root) 8% Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix/Trichosanthes Root) 8% Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps/Cordyceps mycelium) 6% (2)
Functions: resolves lung dryness and shortness of breath Pattern: Lung qi xu (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, spontaneous sweating) with dry-heat in Lungs (fever, averse to cold, dry cough, sore throat; dry tongue with thin, white coat and floating-rapid pulse) (3)
Bupleurum & Cinnamon Formula (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang) - see above, also used in the prevention and initial exposure phases
For Taiyang/Shaoyang presentations that continue into initial stage illness, this formula can continue to be used. I suggest doing so with the addition of specific anti-viral herbs.
Agastache Tummy Syrup (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Gao)
This is a warming formula that acts on the lungs and gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea) to expel cold, resolve the exterior, soothe rebellious qi (qi that moves upward from where it should normally go, such as vomiting), and is gentle on the digestive system. It releases the exterior and resolves dampness with mild or no heat signs. This formula treats acute-stage illness that is still mainly exterior in nature with predominant GI symptoms. (1)
Huo Xiang (Agastaches Herba/Chinese Giant Hyssop) 14%
Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens/fresh Ginger) 10%
Fu Ling (Poria (Poria/Hoelen, Tuckahoe) 8%
Da Fu Pi (Arecae Pericarpium/Betel Nut Palm Peel) 8%
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma/Atractylodes Rhizome) 8%
Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix/Platycodon Root) 8%
Jiang Chao Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex/Magnolia Bark, Ginger-fried) 8%
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium/Tangerine Peel) 8%
Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum/Pinellia, ginger-cured) 8%
Zi Su Ye (Perillae Folium/Perilla Leaf) 6%
Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix/Purple Angelica) 6%
Da Zao, Hong Zao (Jujubae Fructus/red Jujube Date) 4%
Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata/Chinese Licorice Root, honey-fried) 4% (2)
Functions: releases the exterior and resolves dampness with mild or no heat signs (1)
Patterns: exterior wind invasion with dampness (feeling of heaviness in body/head, sticky tongue, slippery pulse) and middle burner distress (nausea, vomiting) (3)
Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) - see above, also used in the prevention and initial exposure phases
For Shaoyang presentations that continue into acute stage illness, this formula can continue to be used. I suggest doing so with the addition of specific antiviral herbs.
COVID-19 RECOVERY
Lung Defense Formula (Fei Wei Fang) - see above, also used in acute stage
This is primarily a recovery-stage formula. It oxygenates the blood, improves blood circulation, generates fluids, and eliminates lingering heat-toxins from the lungs. Interestingly, “some of the ingredients in this formula have been shown to have an anti-fibrotic effect on scarring from pulmonary fibrosis.” (1)
Zheng Qi Support Formula (Zheng Qi Fang) - see above, also used in the prevention phase
This formula helps to speed post-covid-19 recovery by freeing the chest, regulating the lungs, and astringing Lung qi. (1)
Sheng Mai Formula (Sheng Mai San)
This is a formula known for treating weak or soft pulses. It has classically been used for centuries as post-recovery from major illness that has left the person lacking in vitality. Practitioners, look for a pulse that is weak/soft and thin, weak/soft and rapid, or large and scattered. It has three herbs only, so there is focused attention on the issue being treated. They boost qi, nourish and astringe fluids, and clear heat.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix/Asian Ginseng Root) 37.5%
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix/Ophiopogon Tuber) 37.5%
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus/Northern Schisandra Fruit) 25% (2)
Functions: improves weak/soft pulse (boosts qi, nourishes and astringes fluids, and clears heat) (1)
Patterns: Heart and Lung Qi Xu, Lung and Kidney Qi Xu, Lung Qi and Yin Xu (4)
Baked Licorice Formula (Zhi Gan Cao Tang)
This formula treats people who have an irregular pulse after the cessation of illnesses such as Covid-19. The irregular pulse indicates that the pathogen has just totally wiped the person out (qi and blood deficient, low oxygen, lingering mild heat). This formula treats “pulmonary disease, night sweats, dry weak cough, and cardiac insufficiency” in people with the correct pulse presentation (knotted or intermittent). (1)
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix/unprocessed Rehmannia) 28%
Hong Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus/red Jujube Date) 13%
Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata/honey-fried Chinese Licorice Root) 12%
Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus/Cassia Twig) 10%
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix/Ophiopogon Tuber) 8%
Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens/fresh Ginger) 8%
He Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix/Polygonum Root) 7%
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata/prepared Rehmannia) 6%
Bai He (Lilii Bulbus/Lily Bulb) 4%
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix/Asian Ginseng Root) 4% (2)
Functions: boosts qi, nourishes blood and yin, restores/regulates the pulse, clears heat (1)
Patterns: Heart and Lung Qi Xu
Chinese herbs (royalty-free), Jan 2022
Conclusion There are so many possible permutations of these formulas! That is the lovely thing about bulk (and granule) herbs – they can be tailored to meet your needs at the moment, they tend to be stronger (you can boil them down several times to extract all the goodness), and you are working with dried plant materials (one step closer to nature/the living plant). However, the convenience of patent/tablet formulas cannot be underscored enough, especially during a pandemic when seeing a practitioner in person is likely not possible and having herbs on hand to treat an illness immediately is of utmost importance. I suggest talking with your practitioner or finding one that you trust to discuss formulas that would be best for your general constitutional presentation at each possible stage of covid and having these on hand. Each 60-count bottle from Golden Flower runs about $15-20 and 240-count about $45-50. That is at-cost pricing with no profit to the practitioner! Spendy, but your health is worth it!
There are also western antiviral herbal formulas. My favorite is called “Get Well Formula,” and the recipe is included in the image below.
herbal recipe based on Rosemary Gladstar formula; herbs and photo by Kelly, Dec 2021
Best healing wishes and blessings to you all!
Kelly A. Ilseman, L.Ac., M.Ac.O.M., M.S., M.Ed., Jan 13, 2022
Sources:
1) Heuertz J. News Autumn 2020: Covid-19 & Chinese Medicine: Golden Flower Chinese Herbs; 2020.
2) Golden Flower Chinese Herbs. Accessed January 2022. https://gfcherbs.com/
3) Maciocia G. Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 3rd Ed. Elsevier; 2015.
4) Penner J. American Dragon. Accessed January 2022. https://www.americandragon.com/