According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the common cold is an external pathogenic disease caused by the invasion of external evils, primarily categorized into two types: Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. The treatment for different types of colds must be approached differently.
1. Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat
In TCM etiology, there is the concept of Wind Evil. When Wind Evil invades the body together with Cold Evil, it is termed Wind-Cold Syndrome; when it invades with Heat Evil, it is termed Wind-Heat Syndrome. For example, during the autumn and winter seasons, the combination of Wind and Cold is common, leading to more cases of Wind-Cold; in spring and summer, the combination of Wind and Heat is prevalent, resulting in more cases of Wind-Heat colds.
However, it cannot be said that Wind-Cold colds only occur in winter and Wind-Heat colds only in summer. If there is a sudden change in climate during summer, with abnormal cold and heat, exposure to cold, excessive consumption of cold foods, or getting wet in the rain, symptoms of Wind-Cold can appear. Additionally, individuals with a deficiency of Yin or a Yang-predominant constitution may also exhibit symptoms of Wind-Heat.
Therefore, the pathogenicity of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat is not only related to the season but also closely linked to individual constitution and lifestyle factors.
2. Differentiation between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat
Both Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat can cause fever and head and body pain, and an elevated temperature does not necessarily equate to a Heat Syndrome; thus, when differentiating between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat, the presence and severity of fever and head and body pain are not the most critical factors. The main differences between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat are:
1.Severity of Chills.One of the key characteristics of Wind-Cold colds is a strong aversion to wind and cold, while Wind-Heat colds may present with mild chills but will not have chills and shivering.
2.Sore Throat.The presence or absence of pain and swelling in the throat is an important indicator for judging Wind-Heat colds, but those with Wind-Cold colds may also have slight throat redness. However, if the throat is significantly red or congested, it is a typical manifestation of Wind-Heat.
3.Nature of Nasal Discharge.Nasal discharge in Wind-Cold colds is clear, while patients with Wind-Heat colds produce thicker, yellow nasal discharge.
4.Presence of Thirst.In the early stages of Wind-Cold colds, there are no symptoms of thirst because the body fluids are not damaged. In contrast, Wind-Heat colds typically present with noticeable thirst early on due to the invasion of Heat Evil affecting body fluids.
Symptoms and Signs of Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat Colds
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Type |
Symptoms |
Signs |
|
Wind-Cold Cold |
Aversion to wind and cold |
Pale face and cold limbs |
|
Clear nasal discharge and nasal congestion |
Pale red tongue with thin white coating |
|
|
White phlegm and mild cough |
Throat not red or slightly red |
|
|
Throat itch |
Tonsils not congested |
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No sweating and no thirst |
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|
Wind-Heat Cold |
Heat without cold |
Red face and red eyes |
|
Thick yellow nasal discharge |
Red tongue with yellow coating |
|
|
Sore throat and hoarseness |
Red and congested throat |
|
|
Constipation |
Swollen tonsils |
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|
Sweating and thirst |
3. Different Medications for Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat
The basic treatment principle for Wind-Cold colds is to release the exterior and warm the body. Commonly used TCM formulas include Ganmao Qingre Granules, Ganmao Soft Capsules, and Ganmao Shufeng Tablets; the basic treatment principle for Wind-Heat colds is to release the exterior and clear heat, with commonly used TCM formulas including Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid, Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets, and Banlan Gen Granules.
It is important to note:
If symptoms do not improve after three days of medication, it may indicate improper medication or that the condition is worsening. In such cases, it is essential to visit a reputable hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid delaying recovery.
TCM Formulas for Treating Wind-Cold Colds
|
TCM Formula |
Ingredients |
Indications |
|
Ganmao Qingre Granules |
Jingjue, Bohe, Fangfeng, Chaihu, Zisuye, Gegen, Jiegeng, Kuxingren, Baizhi, Kudi Ding, Lugen |
Disperse wind and dispel cold, clear heat. Used for Wind-Cold colds with symptoms of headache, fever, aversion to cold, clear nasal discharge, and dry cough. |
|
Ganmao Soft Capsules |
Qianghuo, Mahuang, Guizhi, Jingjue, Fangfeng, Baizhi, Chuanxiong, Shichangpu, Gegen, Bohe, Kuxingren, Danggui, Huangqin, Jiegeng. |
Disperse wind and relieve heat. Used for headaches and fever caused by Wind-Cold invasion, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, aversion to cold without sweating, and body aches. |
|
Wind-Cold Cold Granules |
Mahuang, Gegen, Zisuye, Fangfeng, Guizhi, Baizhi, Chenpi, Kuxingren, Jiegeng, Gancao, Ganjiang. |
Release the exterior and induce sweating, disperse wind and dispel cold. Used for Wind-Cold colds with symptoms of fever, headache, aversion to cold, no sweating, cough, nasal congestion, and clear nasal discharge. |
|
Chuanxiong Tea Adjusting Granules |
Chuanxiong, Baizhi, Qianghuo, Xixin, Fangfeng, Bohe, Gancao. |
Disperse wind and relieve pain. Used for headaches caused by Wind Evil, with or without aversion to cold, fever, and nasal congestion. |
|
Ganmao Shufeng Granules |
Mahuang, Kuxingren, Guizhi, Baishao (wine-fried), Zisuye, Fangfeng, Duhuo, Jiegeng, Guya (fried), Gancao, Dazao, Shengjiang. |
Disperse cold and release the exterior, regulate the lungs and middle. Used for fever and cough caused by Wind-Cold colds, with symptoms of headache, aversion to cold, clear nasal discharge, body aches, and fatigue. |
|
Formula Explanation |
Commonly used herbs: Jingjue, Fangfeng, Qianghuo, Suye, Baizhi, Jiegeng, Baiqian, Guizhi, Congbai, Dandouzi, etc. Modifications: For significant headache, add Gegen; for aversion to cold without sweating, add Mahuang; for vomiting, add Banxia, Shengjiang; for external cold with internal heat, add Huangqin, Banlan Gen. |
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Precautions |
Patients with hypertension and heart disease should use caution with formulas containing Mahuang. |
TCM Formulas for Treating Wind-Heat Colds
|
TCM Formula |
Ingredients |
Indications |
|
Banlan Gen Granules |
Banlan Gen |
Clear heat and detoxify, cool the blood and benefit the throat. Used for sore throat and dry mouth caused by excess heat in the lungs and stomach; for acute tonsillitis with the above symptoms. |
|
Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid |
Jinyinhua, Huangqin, Lianqiao |
Disperse wind and release the exterior, clear heat and detoxify. Used for colds caused by Wind-Heat invasion, with symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat. |
|
Lanqun Oral Liquid |
Banlan Gen, Huangqin, Zhizi, Huangbai, Panzhihua |
Clear heat and detoxify, benefit the throat and reduce swelling. Used for acute pharyngitis and lung-stomach heat syndrome causing sore throat, dry throat, and burning sensation in the throat. |
|
Qingkailing Granules |
Bile acid, mother of pearl, deoxycholic acid, Zhizi, water buffalo horn, Banlan Gen, Huangqin, Jinyinhua |
Clear heat and detoxify, calm the mind. Used for Wind-Heat invasion with internal heat causing high fever, agitation, sore throat, red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; upper respiratory infections, viral colds, acute tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, and high fever with the above symptoms. |
|
Wind-Heat Cold Granules |
Banlan Gen, Lianqiao, Bohe, Jingjue, Sangye, Lugen, Niubangzi, Chuhua, Kuxingren, Sangzhi, Liushenqu |
Disperse wind, clear heat, benefit the throat, and detoxify. Used for Wind-Heat colds with symptoms of fever, sweating, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, cough, and phlegm. |
|
Formula Explanation |
Commonly used herbs: Jinyinhua, Lianqiao, Bohe, Niubangzi, Dandouzi, Jingjue, Jiegeng, Gancao, Danzhuye, Sangye, Daqingye, etc. Modifications: For high fever, add Zhizi, Huangqin; for red and swollen sore throat, add Chan Tui, Dandelion, Xuan Shen; for constipation, add Zhi Shi, Da Huang. |
|
|
Precautions |
Not suitable for patients with Wind-Cold colds. Use with caution in patients with chronic illness and diarrhea. |
TCM Formulas for Treating Influenza
|
TCM Formula |
Ingredients |
Indications |
|
Lianhua Qingwen Granules |
Lianqiao, Jinyinhua, Mahuang (roasted), Kuxingren (fried), Shigao, Banlan Gen, Mianmaguan, Yuxingcao, Guanghuoxiang, Dahuang, Hongjingtian, Menthol, Gancao |
Clear epidemic heat and detoxify, disperse lung heat. Used for treating influenza with symptoms of heat toxin attacking the lungs, including fever or high fever, chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, cough, headache, dry throat, sore throat, red tongue, yellow or greasy coating. |
|
Lingyang Ganmao Soft Capsules |
Lingyang horn, Jinyinhua, Jiegeng, Lianqiao, Jingjue, Danzhuye, Gancao, Niubangzi, Dandouzi, Menthol, Peppermint oil. |
Clear heat and detoxify, disperse wind and release the exterior: used for preventing influenza. Used for early symptoms of cold, aversion to cold, fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. |
Commonly Used TCM Formulas for Treating Colds
|
Wind-Cold Cold Medications |
Wind-Heat Cold Medications |
Qi Deficiency and Other Cold Medications |
|
Ganmao Qingre Granules, Ganmao Soft Capsules, Ganmao Shufeng Tablets, Wind-Cold Cold Granules, Jingfang Granules, Jiedu Cold Tablets, Tiaowei Xiaoshi Pills, Ginger Date Cold Dispersion Powder, Pugang Tablets, External Wind-Cold Granules, Sweating Powder, Heat Pills for Wind and Lung Regulation, Zhengqi Tablets. |
Wind-Heat Cold Granules, Lingqiao Jiedu Pills, Sangju Cold Tablets, Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets, Yinchai Granules, Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid, Chaihu Oral Liquid, Compound Jinyinhua Powder, Compound Sangju Cold Powder, Compound Sangju Cold Tablets, Compound Four Seasons Green Tablets, Compound Wild Chrysanthemum Cold Granules, Ganmao Shu Granules, Vitamin C Yinqiao Tablets, Ganmao Jiedu Powder, Refined Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets, Qingre Cold Powder, Children’s Cold Granules, Children’s Heat Speed Clear Oral Liquid, Children’s Wind-Heat Clear Oral Liquid, Children’s Release Exterior Granules, Children’s Clear Throat Powder. |
Shensu Pills, Ganmao Jiedu Pills, Xiangju Cold Granules, Sangjiang Cold Tablets, Cold Dispersion Powder, Ganmao Jiedu Granules, Qingre Ling Granules, Compound Huoxiang Tablets, Jingfang Baidu Tablets, Additive Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills, Jingju Cold Tablets, Meisu Powder, Ganmao An Tablets, Ganmao Ling Powder, Ganmao Ling Capsules, Compound Pugongying Tablets, Gante Ling Capsules, Cold Stop Capsules, Xiangshi Shuangjie Bagged Powder, Ganmao Cough Powder. |
Source: Drug Evaluation Center
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