Common Coldaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Viral Infections, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Throat & Pharyngeal Inflammations and Pains
Sub-symptom(s): Postpartum Common Cold Recurrent Colds
Did you mean? Influenza
What is Common Cold?
The common cold, known in medical terms as an anemopyretic cold, is a widespread ailment. It typically presents with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Unlike the singular view of a viral infection in Western medicine, the common cold in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reflects imbalances in Qi, the body's vital energy.
TCM perceives it as an invasion of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Dampness, disrupting the harmonious flow of Qi and blood, leading to the familiar symptoms.
How Does TCM View Common Cold?
In TCM, the common cold is seen as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's energy system. The diagnosis and treatment focus on identifying the unique pattern of disharmony in each individual. External factors such as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat are considered to invade the body, causing the symptoms.
TCM practitioners use a holistic approach, assessing symptoms, tongue appearance, and pulse to discern the underlying pattern, a method distinct from the more uniform treatment approach in Western medicine.
Root Causes of Common Cold in TCM
TCM identifies several causes for the common cold, each with distinct symptoms. A Wind-Cold pattern may show as chills, absence of sweating, headache, and clear nasal discharge.
In contrast, Wind-Heat can present with fever, sweating, sore throat, and yellow nasal discharge. The differentiation between these patterns is vital in TCM, as it determines the treatment approach. Another common cause is the invasion of Wind-Dampness, which leads to a heavy sensation, fatigue, and a feeling of chest fullness.
Explore below more details about what might cause Common cold according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Pericardium
- Kidney
Qi Deficiency
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Qi Deficiency | Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue | Yu Ping Feng San |
Pericardium
In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more
Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Qi Deficiency | Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue | Yu Ping Feng San |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Common Cold
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Protective Qi Deficiency | Recurrent colds, Spontaneous sweat, Bright pale face, Pale tongue | Yu Ping Feng San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Common Cold
TCM offers various formulas for treating the common cold, tailored to the specific cause and pattern. Ge Gen Tang, with Kudzu Roots, is effective against Wind-Cold patterns, especially when accompanied by stiff neck and upper back. Gui Zhi Tang, which contains Cinnamon twigs, is used to treat Greater Yang disorders and balances both Internal and External factors.
For cases of Wind-Cold with an underlying Qi Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, featuring Ephedra, is often recommended. These formulas illustrate TCM's nuanced approach, targeting the specific nature and underlying cause of the cold.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address common cold, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Yu Ping Feng San
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause common cold, such as Protective Qi Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some common cold-causing patterns like Protective Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Yu Ping Feng San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yu Ping Feng San | Protective Qi Deficiency |
| Bu Fei Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Common cold can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Gen Tang | Not applicable |
| Gui Zhi Tang | Not applicable |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Not applicable |
| Jin Fei Cao San | Not applicable |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Not applicable |
| Ma Huang Tang | Not applicable |
| Shi Shen Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Common cold can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin, with scallions as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin | Not applicable |
| Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang | Not applicable |
| Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Not applicable |
| Zai Zao San | Not applicable |
External formulas for External disorders
Common cold can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Jing Fang Bai Du San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Jing Fang Bai Du San | Not applicable |
| Ren Shen Bai Du San | Not applicable |
| Yin Qiao San | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
Common cold can be treated by these formulas if it originates from a wind-heat invasion.
One such formula is Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang | Not applicable |
| Sang Ju Yin | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders
Common cold can be treated by formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders if it stems from an initial invasion of pathogenic factors like wind or cold.
One such formula is Cong Chi Tang, with scallions as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for common cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cong Chi Tang | Not applicable |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that vent membrane source
Common cold can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Common cold can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Common cold can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Common cold can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, with korean mint as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and resolve Exterior
Common cold can be treated by these formulas when there's an interaction of external summer heat with the body's surface, requiring remedies that clear heat and release the exterior.
One such formula is Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin, with vietnamese balm as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Common cold can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Common Cold
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address common cold, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for common cold
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang |
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang | Ge Gen Tang |
| Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) | Sang Ju Yin |
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sang Ju Yin |
| Fermented Soybeans (Dan Dou Chi) | Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin |
| Greater Burdock Roots (Niu Bang Gen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Jing Fang Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo) | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Ren Shen Bai Du San |
| Tamarisk Twigs And Leaves (Cheng Liu) | Not applicable |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Jin Fei Cao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) | Jin Fei Cao San |
| Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang | Zai Zao San | Yu Ping Feng San |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang | Zai Zao San |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Common cold can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Fang Feng Tong Sheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (Da Huang) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
| Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Common cold can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for common cold
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Common cold can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Kuding Tea (Ku Ding Cha), which is directly recommended for common cold.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Common cold can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Lemongrass (Xiang Mao), which is directly recommended for common cold.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Marshmallow Root (Yao Shu Kui), which is directly recommended for common cold.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Common cold can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Korean Mint (Huo Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Common cold can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for common cold, like Xing Su San.