I have a client who develops pneumonia each winter. How do you prevent pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a case where western diagnosis and treatment may be very beneficial. I would suggest using CordySeng possibly with Astra C for at least several months to improve breathing and lung function. At the very first sign of cold or flu, I would suggest aggressive treatment with Cold Away or Isatis Gold.
What about tonic herbs during cold and flu?
In general, tonic herbs and formulas are usually inappropriate during the initial stages of a cold or flu. In addition to making the body stronger, tonics may make the cold or flu more virulent. Instead of tonics, use specific cold and flu formulas and resume tonic formulas once the illness has run its course.
Do you have ma-huang substitutes?
Yes. Clear Air and Nasal Caps 2 have been reformulated without ma-huang.
How are dry coughs best treated?
Dry coughs are treated by using Lily Bulb for dry lungs without the heat.
What about for gastrointestinal flu, sinus congestion, productive cough and headaches?
Combine Cold Away or Isatis Gold with Quiet Digestion, Nasal Caps 2, Clear Air, or Head Q respectively.
What is the difference between Isatis Gold and Cold Away?
Isatis Gold is an East-West blend comprised of goldenseal, echinacea, and isatis extract. Cold Away is modern Chinese formula which combines yin chao and gan mao ling and includes the popular flu fighter andrographis (chuan xin lian). Having different ingredients mix allows you to help patients who have built up a tolerance to either echinacea products or yin chao. Thus people who have overly depended on echinacea product can be switched to Cold Away, whereas clients who find Chinese herbs don’t work as well for their cold or flu can be switched to Isatis Gold. Health Concerns also has Yin Chao Jin which is indicated for the initial stages of cold or flu, whereas Isatis Gold and Cold Away can be administered in any stage of cold or flu.
What is the best way to take Isatis Gold or Cold Away?
The best way is to take the formula at the very first stages of a cold or flu with plenty of liquids. For clients who have young children, elderly or weak immune systems, it is a good idea to have these products on hand.
Do you use these formulas preventively?
Occasionally for short term use. For example, health care workers might take Isatis Gold or Cold Away if they are feeling rundown and have been exposed to many sick patients. Similarly if you are around many sick people, it may be good to take Isatis Gold for one or two days to prevent infection.
I have a client who seems unable to recover from their colds. He is still lethargic two weeks after the main symptoms have been resolved. Do you have a recommended protocol?
For viral related fatigue, one of the best preparations is Power Mushrooms. I often combine Power Mushrooms with Ease 2 for lingering colds and flu. Ease 2 (chai hu gui zi tang) helps harmonize the interior and exterior and also helps move liver qi, which can be stuck.
What do you recommend for clients who develop frequent cold and flus throughout the years?
I typically recommend Astra C and/or Astra 8 in order to strengthen the body and to prevent cold and flu. For clients with specific lung conditions, I would recommend Astra C plus CordySeng.