Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) categorizes colds primarily into two types: Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat, emphasizing the importance of syndrome differentiation in treatment.The characteristics of Wind-Cold colds include: significant chills, mild fever, severe headache, noticeable joint pain, nasal congestion with a heavy sound, clear nasal discharge, no thirst, cough with white thin phlegm, throat pain not obvious, or only a scratchy throat, tongue not red, thin white coating that is moist. The treatment method is to use warming and dispersing techniques. Over-the-counter medicines include Wind-Cold cold granules, cold clearing heat granules, Jingfang granules, Shen Su pills, and Wushi tea granules.The characteristics of Wind-Heat colds include: significant fever, mild chills, or slight aversion to wind, dry and painful throat, even redness and swelling of the throat and tonsils, nasal congestion with yellow thick nasal discharge, thirst and desire to drink water, cough with sticky phlegm, red tip and edges of the tongue, thin yellow coating. The treatment method is to use cooling and dispersing techniques. Over-the-counter medicines include Wind-Heat cold granules, Lingqiao detox pills, Sangju cold tablets, Yinqiao detox granules, Yinchai granules, Banlangen granules, and Shuanghuanglian oral liquid.Below are the instructions for various types of cold patent medicines:1. Wind-Cold Cold GranulesFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind and induce sweating, expel cold. Used for Wind-Cold colds, fever, headache, chills without sweating, cough, nasal congestion, and clear nasal discharge. Those with symptoms of influenza or acute bronchitis may also take this medicine.
PrecautionsUse with caution in patients with hypertension and heart disease.ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients.CompositionEphedra (Ma Huang), Kudzu root (Ge Gen), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye), Siler (Fang Feng), Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), Dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Bitter apricot (Ku Xing Ren), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Licorice (Gan Cao), Dried ginger (Gan Jiang). Each bag contains 8 grams.DosageDissolve in warm water: 1 bag each time, 3 times a day; children over 7 years take half the adult dose, children aged 3-7 take one-third of the adult dose.During medication, the diet should be light. Drink plenty of boiled water, and do not sweat excessively.2. Jingfang GranulesFunction and IndicationsInduce sweating and relieve the exterior, dispel wind and eliminate dampness. Used for Wind-Cold colds, headache, body aches, chills without sweating, nasal congestion with clear discharge, cough with white phlegm. This formula can also be used for initial stages of sores, swelling and pain, fever, and chills.
ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients.CompositionSchizonepeta (Jing Jie), Siler (Fang Feng), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Angelica (Du Huo), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Radix Peucedani (Qian Hu), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Bitter orange (Zhi Ke), Poria (Fu Ling), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Licorice (Gan Cao). Each bag contains 15 grams.DosageDissolve in boiling water. 1 bag each time, 3 times a day. Other forms: Jingfang mixture, 100 ml per bottle. Oral, 10-20 ml each time, 3 times a day.Avoid raw and cold foods.3. Cold Clearing Heat GranulesFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind, expel cold, relieve the exterior, and clear heat. Used for Wind-Cold colds, headache, fever, chills, body aches, clear nasal discharge, cough, and dry throat.
PrecautionsNot suitable for those with weak bodies who often have spontaneous sweating.CompositionSchizonepeta (Jing Jie), Mint (Bo He), Siler (Fang Feng), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye), Kudzu root (Ge Gen), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Bitter apricot (Ku Xing Ren), Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), Bitter herb (Ku Di Ding), Reed root (Lu Gen). Each bag contains 12 grams (or 6 grams for sugar-free type).DosageDissolve in boiling water: 1 bag each time, 2 times a day. This product contains sucrose; diabetic patients can take the sugar-free granules. Other forms: Cold clearing oral liquid, 10 ml per bottle. Oral, 10 ml each time, 2 times a day. Cold clearing capsules, take as directed.4. Shen Su TabletsFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind, expel cold, eliminate phlegm, and stop cough. Used for Wind-Cold colds, weak colds, shortness of breath, fatigue, aversion to cold and fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough with abundant phlegm, chest tightness, and nausea. This can also be used for upper respiratory infections, acute bronchitis, etc.
ContraindicationsNot suitable for patients with Wind-Heat colds.CompositionCodonopsis (Dang Shen), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye), Kudzu root (Ge Gen), Radix Peucedani (Qian Hu), Poria (Fu Ling), Pinellia (Ban Xia, processed), Dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Bitter orange (Zhi Ke, roasted), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Licorice (Gan Cao), Costus root (Mu Xiang).DosageOral. 3-5 tablets each time, 2-3 times a day. Other forms: 1 Shen Su pill (water pill) orally: 1 bag (9 grams) each time, 2-3 times a day; 2 Shen Su capsules orally: 4 capsules each time, 2 times a day; 3 Shen Su granules (powder) each bag 20 grams. Dissolve in boiling water: 20 grams each time, 2 times a day. Or as directed by a physician.Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods.5. Wushi Tea GranulesFunction and IndicationsRelieve the exterior and harmonize the stomach. Used for Wind-Cold colds, exposure to wind and cold, chills and fever, internal food accumulation, or accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal colds, acute gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, indigestion, allergic enteritis, etc., may also use this.
ContraindicationsNot suitable for those without food accumulation or those with Wind-Heat colds. This product contains sucrose; diabetic patients can choose sugar-free types.CompositionAtractylodes (Cang Zhu), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Siler (Fang Feng), Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Patchouli (Guang Huo Xiang), Radix Peucedani (Qian Hu), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Hawthorn (Shan Zha), Bitter orange (Zhi Shi), Malt (Mai Ya, roasted), Licorice (Gan Cao), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Six God Qu (Liu Shen Qu, roasted), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye), Magnolia bark (Hou Po), Black tea. Each bag contains 6 grams.DosageDissolve in boiling water. 1 bag each time, 1-2 times a day. Other forms: Wushi tea (tea bag) 1 bag each time, 1-2 times a day.6. Wind-Heat Cold GranulesFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind, clear heat, benefit the throat, and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds, fever with sweating, nasal congestion, headache, throat pain, cough, and phlegm. Influenza, acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, and epidemic mumps with the above symptoms may also take this.
ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients.CompositionBanlangen (Ban Lan Gen), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Mint (Bo He), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), Reed root (Lu Gen), Burdock seed (Niu Bang Zi), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Bitter apricot (Ku Xing Ren), Mulberry branch (Sang Zhi), Six God Qu (Liu Shen Qu). Each bag contains 10 grams.DosageDissolve in boiling water. 1 bag each time, 3 times a day; children over 7 years take half the adult dose, children aged 3-7 take one-third of the adult dose.Diet should be light, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods, drink plenty of hot water, and avoid wind and cold.7. Qingkailing Soft CapsulesFunction and IndicationsClear heat, detoxify, calm the mind, and soothe the spirit. Used for fever caused by external Wind-Heat, irritability, sore throat; upper respiratory infections, viral colds, acute pharyngitis, etc., belonging to the above syndromes.PrecautionsUse with caution in pregnant women and patients with hypertension and heart disease.
ContraindicationsAvoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy, raw, and greasy foods. Not suitable for Wind-Cold colds, which present as significant chills, mild fever, no sweating, headache, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, and throat itch cough.Drug InteractionsNot suitable to take nourishing TCM simultaneously during medication.DosageOral, 1-2 capsules each time. Other forms include tablets, capsules, granules, oral liquids, etc.8. Lingqiao Detox PillsFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind, clear heat, and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds, chills and fever, dizziness, cough, and throat pain. Influenza, upper respiratory infections, acute tonsillitis, mumps with the above symptoms may take this.ContraindicationsNot suitable for Wind-Cold colds.
CompositionAntelope horn (Ling Yang Jiao), Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Mint (Bo He), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Bitter soybean (Dan Dou Chi), Burdock seed (Niu Bang Zi, roasted), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Bamboo leaf (Dan Zhu Ye), Licorice (Gan Cao). Each pill weighs 9 grams.DosageOral. 1 pill each time, 2-3 times a day. Other forms: 1 Lingqiao detox pill (water pill) orally: 5 grams each time, 2-3 times a day; 2 Lingqiao detox pill (concentrated pill) orally: 8 pills each time, 3 times a day; 3 Lingqiao detox granules (powder) each bag 10 grams. Dissolve in boiling water: 10 grams each time, 2-3 times a day; 4 Lingqiao detox tablets orally: 4 tablets each time, 2 times a day.9. Sangju Cold TabletsFunction and IndicationsDisperse wind, clear heat, and relieve cough. Used for the initial stage of Wind-Heat colds, headache, cough, dry mouth, and throat pain. This can also be used for the initial stage of certain acute febrile diseases with the above symptoms.CompositionMulberry leaf (Sang Ye), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Peppermint oil (Bo He You), Bitter apricot (Ku Xing Ren), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Licorice (Gan Cao), Reed root (Lu Gen). Each tablet weighs 0.5 grams.
DosageOral. 4-8 tablets each time, 2-3 times a day, taken with warm water; children over 7 years take half the adult dose, children aged 3-7 take one-third of the adult dose. Other forms: 1 Sangju cold granules (powder) dissolve in boiling water: 1-2 bags each time, 2-3 times a day (not suitable for diabetic patients); 2 Sangju cold pills (concentrated pills) orally: 25-30 pills each time, 2-3 times a day; 3 Sangju cold powder each bag 9 grams. Oral: 4.5 grams with warm water, or 9 grams soaked in boiling water, 2-3 times a day; 4 Sangju cold syrup, 100 ml per bottle. Oral: 15-20 ml each time, 3 times a day; 5 Sangju cold mixture orally: 15-20 ml each time, 3 times a day. Shake well before use.Be cautious of greasy and rich foods; a mild allergic reaction may occur, and those with allergic symptoms should discontinue use.10. Yinqiao Detox GranulesFunction and IndicationsWarm and cool the exterior, clear heat, and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds, fever, headache, cough, dry mouth, and throat pain. Influenza, acute tonsillitis, upper respiratory infections, and mumps with the above symptoms may also take this.Contraindications1. This product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients; 2. Those allergic to this product (or its components) should avoid it.
CompositionHoneysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Mint (Bo He), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Bitter soybean (Dan Dou Chi), Burdock seed (Niu Bang Zi, roasted), Platycodon root (Jie Geng), Bamboo leaf (Dan Zhu Ye), Licorice (Gan Cao). Each bag contains 15 grams.DosageDissolve in warm water: 1 bag each time, 3 times a day. Other forms: 1 Yinqiao detox tablets orally: 4 tablets each time, 2-3 times a day; 2 Yinqiao detox pills (honey pills) each pill weighs 9 grams. Take with reed root soup or warm water: 1 pill each time, 2-3 times a day; 3 Yinqiao detox capsules orally: 4 capsules each time, 2-3 times a day; 4 Yinqiao detox mixture orally: 10 ml each time, 3 times a day. Shake well before use.Occasionally may cause allergic reactions, presenting as urticaria-like rashes, polymorphic erythema drug rashes, drug-induced dermatitis, etc.11. Yinchai GranulesFunction and IndicationsClear heat, relieve the exterior, and stop cough. Used for Wind-Heat colds, fever, and cough.ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients.CompositionHoneysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Reed root (Lu Gen), Mint (Bo He), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Loquat leaf (Pi Pa Ye). Each bag contains 12 grams.
DosageDissolve in warm water: 1 bag each time, 3-4 times a day. Yinchai mixture oral liquid: 30-40 ml each time, 4 times a day.12. Chaihu Oral LiquidFunction and IndicationsRelieve the exterior and reduce fever. Used for Wind-Heat colds, treating cold fever while improving other symptoms such as upper respiratory infections, throat pain, headache, runny nose, fatigue, etc., and has liver-protective, bile-promoting, and anti-inflammatory effects.ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, not suitable for diabetic patients.
CompositionBupleurum (Chai Hu). Each vial contains 10 ml.DosageOral. 10-20 ml each time, 3 times a day; children over 7 years take half the adult dose, children aged 3-7 take one-third of the adult dose.13. Banlangen GranulesFunction and IndicationsClear heat and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds, viral colds, and sore throat.ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients; can take sugar-free granules or tablets, capsules.CompositionBanlangen (Ban Lan Gen). Each bag contains 5 grams or 10 grams.
DosageOral. 5 grams each time, 4 times a day. Other forms: 1 Banlangen tablets orally: 2-4 tablets each time, 3 times a day; 2 Banlangen syrup orally: 15 ml each time, 3 times a day (not suitable for diabetic patients). Reduce dosage for children; 3 Banlangen oral liquid orally: 10 ml each time, 4 times a day (not suitable for diabetic patients). Reduce dosage for children; 4 Banlangen capsules orally: 4 capsules each time, 4 times a day.14. Shuanghuanglian Oral LiquidFunction and IndicationsClear heat and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds, cough, and sore throat.ContraindicationsThis product contains sucrose, contraindicated for diabetic patients.CompositionHoneysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Forsythia (Lian Qiao). Each vial contains 10 ml.
DosageOral. 20 ml each time, 3 times a day; children over 7 years take half the adult dose, children aged 3-7 take one-third of the adult dose. Other forms: 1 Shuanghuanglian granules (powder) dissolve in boiling water: 10 grams each time, 3 times a day (not suitable for diabetic patients); 2 Shuanghuanglian tablets, each tablet weighs 0.5 grams. Oral: 4 tablets each time, 3 times a day. Reduce dosage for children or as directed by a physician; 3 Shuanghuanglian syrup, 100 ml per bottle. Oral: 20 ml each time, 3 times a day. Reduce dosage for children or as directed by a physician; 4 Shuanghuanglian aerosol, 6 ml per bottle. Shake well, inhale orally. 1-2 times a day, with intervals of 0.5 hours between each inhalation, 10-15 sprays each time; for children, 5 sprays each time or as directed by a physician; 5 Shuanghuanglian capsules; 6 Shuanghuanglian lozenges; 7 Shuanghuanglian chewable tablets.If there is slight sediment, please shake well before use; it does not affect efficacy.
