Wind-Cold Common Cold is usually caused by exposure to cold, with typical early symptoms including sneezing and a runny nose.
This article introduces four simple, convenient, and effective remedies for the early stage of a Wind-Cold common cold, which are safe, environmentally friendly, economical, and have no side effects from injections or medications.
First Remedy: Take a hot shower. Be sure to keep warm while bathing to avoid getting cold again.
Second Remedy: Use a hairdryer. Blow from the back of the neck up to the top of the head, focusing on key areas: the Dazhui (大椎) point at the back of the neck and the Yuzhen (玉枕) point at the back of the head. If symptoms are more severe, you can expand the area and blow along the entire spine, starting from the waist up to the Dazhui and then to the top of the head. You will feel your body warming up and starting to feel comfortable; then let the airflow from the hairdryer blow from below upwards towards the throat, allowing the nose to also benefit from the warmth. The feeling at this moment can be described as “like a spring breeze!”
Third Remedy: Ginger and brown sugar tea. When I was a child and caught a cold, I would always drink the ginger and brown sugar tea that my mother made, which was said to be passed down from her mother. Don’t tell me you don’t know that “ginger and brown sugar tea = shredded ginger + brown sugar + water”! Note that after the water boils, simmer it on low heat until the ginger aroma is released before turning off the heat. When drinking, let it cool slightly so it can be swallowed easily, and then drink it all while it’s still hot.
Fourth Remedy: Immediately cover your head and sleep. Yes, you read that right. After drinking the ginger tea, you should immediately cover your head and sleep. If it feels too stuffy, you can leave a small gap for your nose. If all goes well, you will soon feel warmth spreading from your abdomen throughout your body, and once you start sweating, you will feel comfortable and basically be out of danger. At this time, be careful not to expose yourself to cold air right after sweating.
Note:
1. For Wind-Cold common cold, the treatment methods vary depending on the stage. The four remedies mentioned in this article are very effective for the early stage of Wind-Cold common cold. Do you remember the discussion of diseases in “Bian Que Meets Cai Huan Gong”?
“If the disease is in the skin, it can be treated with hot compresses; if it is in the muscles, it can be treated with acupuncture; if it is in the intestines and stomach, it can be treated with warming decoctions; if it is in the bone marrow, it is beyond the physician’s control.”
Translation:
“If the disease is in the skin, it can be treated with hot compresses; if it is in the muscles, it can be treated with acupuncture; if it is in the intestines and stomach, it can be treated with warming decoctions; if it is in the bone marrow, it is beyond the physician’s control.”
It is best to detect, treat, and recover from diseases early. For Wind-Cold common cold, the initial symptoms of sneezing and a runny nose indicate the early stage; symptoms such as nasal congestion, yellow nasal discharge, sore throat, fever, and headache indicate the middle stage; and when phlegm increases and coughing begins, it indicates the late stage.
2. If symptoms are mild, a hot shower and using a hairdryer may be sufficient, or even just using the hairdryer alone may resolve the issue; this method was recently seen online, and after trying it with 3 or 4 friends, we found it really works!
The hairdryer has different power settings; experts recommend using the low setting for prolonged blowing, as warm treatment is effective; or use the high setting with a towel on the skin, or keep a distance with the high setting; in any case, it should not feel excessively hot.
Be cautious with children as their skin is delicate; if the hot air from the hairdryer is too strong, it can easily cause skin damage.
3. Ginger and brown sugar tea should generally be used in conjunction with covering the head while sleeping for better results.
4. This article also includes information on “Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods of Common Cold”; additionally, there is an online article about the hairdryer that has some exaggerated claims, which I cannot evaluate as I have not tried it. At the end of this article, I have included a more objective review by a TCM expert titled “Is the Hairdryer Really That Amazing?” for your reference.
Types of Common Cold:
The common cold is a common illness, and because it is common, most people consider it a minor illness and are reluctant to go to the hospital; however, even minor illnesses should be clearly distinguished and treated accordingly.
According to TCM concepts, the common cold is divided into four types: Wind-Cold common cold, Wind-Heat common cold, Summer-Damp common cold, and Epidemic Influenza, each with different symptoms and causes, which may be due to a combination of wind and cold, wind and heat, or dampness and heat, while epidemic influenza is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus.
Wind-Cold Common Cold:
Symptoms:
Generally occurs in autumn and winter, caused by external wind-cold and the failure of lung qi to disperse. Main symptoms include severe chills, mild fever, headache without sweating, aching limbs, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, heavy voice, coughing with thin phlegm, itchy throat, white tongue coating, and floating tight pulse.
Key Feature: Fear of cold, clear nasal discharge, commonly referred to as “running clear nose.”
Treatment:
Use warming and dispersing herbs to release the exterior, with representative formulas being Cong Bai Guo (葱白鼓汤) and Jing Fang Bai Du San (荆防败毒散).
For patent medicines: Zheng Chai Hu Yin (正柴胡饮冲剂), Chuan Shao Tea (川芍茶调散), Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Wan (九味羌活丸), Shen Su Li Fei Wan (参苏理肺丸), Tong Xuan Li Fei Wan (通宣理肺丸); after taking the medicine, drink some hot porridge or soup to induce slight sweating and help the medicine disperse wind-cold.
Traditional Recipe: 5 sections of scallion white, 9 grams of fermented soybeans, 3 slices of ginger, decoct in water, take once a day; or 30 grams of ginger and 30 grams of brown sugar, decoct and divide into three doses.
For Wind-Cold headache, the pain extends to the neck and back, worsens with wind exposure, often preferring to wrap the head, with mild aversion to wind and no thirst; tongue coating is thin and white, pulse is floating.
Treatment Method: Disperse wind and cold, promote circulation and relieve pain.
Wind-Heat Common Cold:
Symptoms:
Generally occurs in summer and autumn, caused by external wind-heat and disharmony of lung defense. The main manifestations include constipation, high fever, mild chills, slight sweating, headache, aching limbs, coughing with yellow phlegm, red swollen throat, dry mouth with thirst, nasal congestion with yellow discharge, thin yellow tongue coating, and floating rapid pulse.
Key Feature: Usually, before symptoms like fever and headache appear, the throat starts to feel dry and painful, with thirst and coughing, followed by other severe symptoms.
Wind-Heat common cold is often caused by constipation, frequently belonging to Yangming channel syndrome. Typically, after two days of constipation, throat pain appears for one or two days, followed by cold symptoms; of course, it can also be due to external heat evil first attacking the lungs.
Why does constipation lead to a cold?
TCM believes that the lungs and large intestine are interrelated; if bowel movements are not smooth, the large intestine affects the lungs, leading to cold symptoms.
Conversely, if Wind-Cold common cold is not treated in time or not treated correctly, it can lead to internal heat, causing constipation or diarrhea. In fact, diarrhea after Wind-Cold common cold is considered a transformation syndrome in TCM, indicating that the disease has entered the interior; do not casually use anti-diarrheal medications.
Treatment:
Use cooling and dispersing herbs to clear heat and release the exterior, commonly using Chrysanthemum (菊花), Peppermint (薄荷), Mulberry leaves (桑叶), etc.
Representative formulas include Yin Qiao San (银翘散) and Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Drink (桑菊饮).
For patent medicines: Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan (银翘解毒丸), Ling Qiao Jie Du Wan (羚翘解毒丸), Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Cold Tablets (桑菊感冒片), Ban Lan Gen Powder (板兰根冲剂), etc. If fever is severe and throat swelling is obvious, you can also take Shuang Huang Lian Oral Liquid (双黄连口服液) or Clear Heat and Detoxify Oral Liquid (清热解毒口服液). For Wind-Heat common cold, drink plenty of water and eat light foods, such as radish soup or pear soup.
Traditional Recipe: 3 grams of peppermint, 30 grams of reed root, 15 grams of Ban Lan Gen, and 6 grams of licorice, one dose per day; or 10 grams of bamboo leaves, 3 grams of peppermint, 9 grams of apricot kernel, and 9 grams of forsythia, one dose per day.
Wind-Heat headache is severe, as if it is going to split, with fever and aversion to wind, red face and eyes, thirst, constipation, and red urine; tongue is red with thin yellow coating, pulse is floating and rapid.
Treatment Method: Disperse wind, clear heat, promote circulation, and relieve pain.
Acupuncture: Points include Taiyang (太阳), Fengchi (风池), Shuaigu (率谷), and Lieque (列缺), using the reducing method, leaving the needles for 20-30 minutes.
Massage: First knead Fengchi, Fengfu, and Tianzhu, then knead Quchi and Hegu, to the point of tenderness; then use an open palm to pat the Dazhui point until the skin is slightly red, and pat both sides of the bladder meridian until slightly red; finally, knead both sides of Jianjing, press Tianzong, and finish with the five meridians, using the fingers to knead from the forehead to Fengchi, ending with pressing Baihui (百会).
Summer-Damp Common Cold:
Symptoms:
Only seen in summer, due to pre-existing damp-heat in the patient, exacerbated by cold exposure or excessive consumption of cold drinks and fruits. Main symptoms include chills and fever, headache and heaviness, chest fullness, abdominal pain and rumbling, vomiting and diarrhea, fatigue, bland taste, and loss of appetite.
Treatment:
Use aromatic herbs to transform dampness and harmonize the middle, such as Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Capsules (藿香正气胶囊), Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan (银翘解毒丸), Shidi Water (十滴水), Liuyi Powder (六一散), Yunxiang Essence (云香精), Si Zheng Wan (四正丸), Liuhua Ding Zhong Wan (六合定中丸), Tian Zhong Tea (天中茶), Gan Lu Tea (甘露茶), Gan He Tea (甘和茶), etc.
Epidemic Influenza:
Symptoms:
Similar to Wind-Heat common cold, but with rapid onset, severe illness, high fever, chills, severe headache, body aches, fatigue, red tongue, yellow coating, and floating rapid pulse.
Treatment:
Clear heat and detoxify, disperse wind and release the exterior, using antiviral oral liquids, compound Yin Huang oral liquids, Ban Lan Gen powder, etc.
According to Western medicine, the common cold is divided into viral and bacterial colds, with viral colds further divided into common colds and epidemic influenza.
Viral Common Cold:
The main manifestation is severe runny nose; rest, ventilation, light diet, and plenty of water are essential. Medications can only control symptoms, as the virus is primarily cleared by the body’s immune system.
Bacterial Common Cold:
Main manifestations include red and swollen throat, yellow nasal discharge; if high fever persists after taking antipyretics for 2-3 days, it is likely a bacterial cold, and a blood test and antibiotics should be sought.
Common Cold:
Commonly referred to as “catching a cold,” it is a common upper respiratory viral infection. It is primarily caused by exposure to cold, excessive fatigue, and other factors that lower the body’s resistance, allowing the rhinovirus, which is latent in the nasopharynx, to become active, and can also be caused by parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coxsackie virus, etc. The incubation period is short, onset is gradual, respiratory symptoms are prominent, and toxic symptoms are mild. Early manifestations include throat itching, dryness, and burning, followed by chills, low fever, nasal congestion, clear watery nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing. If secondary tracheobronchitis occurs, hoarseness and worsening cough may appear. Systemic symptoms include muscle aches, headache, fatigue, abdominal bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Epidemic Influenza:
Epidemic influenza, commonly known as flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, characterized by high infectivity, short incubation period (1-4 days, sometimes just hours), and high incidence, especially in spring and winter. Clinical manifestations typically show mild respiratory symptoms but severe systemic symptoms. Influenza viruses are classified into three types: A, B, and C, with type A often causing outbreaks and pandemics, type B causing smaller outbreaks, and type C being sporadic. There is no cross-immunity between the three types, and the virus is prone to mutation, leading to repeated infections.
Drug Prevention: Take Ban Lan Gen orally, or Amantadine 0.1g every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks, or use herbal remedies for prevention. Regular exercise suitable for one’s condition, cold water baths, and cold water face washing can enhance the body’s resistance and adaptability to cold, which is the best way to prevent colds.
Finally, let’s clarify some concepts and misconceptions that may be confusing.
* Viral common cold does not equate to Wind-Heat common cold; the virus is a Western medical term, while TCM focuses more on the human body. Therefore, it is incorrect for some doctors to treat viral common cold as Wind-Heat common cold.
* Sore throat is not the key to distinguishing between Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold common colds; Wind-Cold common cold can also cause sore throat.
* Coughing, runny nose, and high fever are also not key indicators to differentiate between Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold common colds.
* Do not simultaneously undergo Western and TCM treatments, as they are different treatment systems. If you have taken antibiotics, there is no need to drink ginger and brown sugar water. Why? One aims to cool the body, while the other aims to induce sweating, which is almost contradictory. Can the body handle that? This will reduce the effectiveness of both TCM and Western medicine.
* Treatment for colds should be targeted, but during self-treatment, there is often misuse of cold medications. Some people think they should take cold medicine after coming into contact with a cold patient to avoid getting infected. However, most Western cold medications primarily consist of antipyretic and analgesic drugs, which only relieve some symptoms and do not enhance resistance or have antibacterial or antiviral effects. On the contrary, long-term use of antipyretic and analgesic drugs may lead to decreased white blood cells, which lowers the body’s resistance and makes it more susceptible to infections.
* Some patients, due to severe cold symptoms or lack of improvement after taking one medication, take several cold medications at once. Cold medications often contain the same or similar ingredients, and taking multiple at once can easily lead to overdose, with cumulative toxic side effects. The toxic side effects of cold medications can lead to decreased white blood cells, gastrointestinal reactions, and even cause ulcers, perforations, bleeding, and liver and kidney damage.
* Some patients experience runny nose, sore throat, fever, and general discomfort, thinking they have a cold. After taking medication and sweating, their temperature drops, but after a few hours, the temperature rises again, repeating for several days. Some people may not have a fever anymore, but symptoms like cough, headache, joint pain, and vomiting do not improve or even worsen, yet they keep taking cold medications without seeing a doctor, which is dangerous. This may not be a simple cold or may not be a cold at all, and continuing to take cold medications may delay treatment—many diseases have symptoms like fever and headache, so it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and targeted treatment.
In summary, while the common cold is not a serious illness, there is still much knowledge involved in its treatment. Western and TCM treatments differ; Western medicine focuses on bacteria and viruses, while TCM pays more attention to the overall human body. When treating, use either TCM or Western medicine, and ensure treatment is targeted; otherwise, confusion may arise, leading to counterproductive results.
Is the Hairdryer Really That Amazing?
Dr. Li Liping, Associate Chief Physician of the Acupuncture Department at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Dr. Chu Jiamei explain:
Is the hairdryer really that amazing? The two professionals state that the hot air from a hairdryer, similar to TCM external treatment methods, can sometimes be effective, but it cannot replace conventional treatment; it is best to trust doctors. Regarding some small uses of the hairdryer, some are useful, while others should not be used; Dr. Chu Jiamei explains each one. Let’s first look at practical information on what conditions can be treated with a hairdryer.
● It is said that when the abdomen is cold or improper diet causes bloating and diarrhea, you can use a hairdryer centered on the navel and blow warm air outward for a few minutes, and you will feel relief in the abdomen, with gas being expelled. Generally, 2-3 times will suffice.
Dr. Chu Jiamei: For conditions caused by “cold,” and not too severe, this method can indeed be used as an emergency measure.
● It is said that when muscle soreness occurs after exposure to cold, you can blow warm air along the painful area until it becomes warm and reddened, then stop; doing this once or twice a day can alleviate symptoms and gradually improve.
Dr. Chu Jiamei: This method is also acceptable.
● Can acute sprains and strains also be treated with a hairdryer as an emergency measure?
It is suggested online that some sprains and other orthopedic pains can be treated with a hairdryer as an emergency measure.
Dr. Chu Jiamei: For acute sprains and strains, do not use this method, as it may worsen the pain. Do not blindly trust the hairdryer; seek timely medical treatment to avoid delaying the best treatment time, which is detrimental to recovery. The correct method is to apply cold compresses to prevent stimulating capillary dilation, which would worsen symptoms.
Moreover, if you need to use heat therapy or relieve symptoms, it is better to use a hot water bottle, as it allows for better temperature control during hot compresses.
Why can a hairdryer treat diseases?
“The hot air from a hairdryer is a form of ‘warm treatment’.”
Dr. Li Liping states that this is a commonly used physical therapy method, using substances above body temperature to act on the local or whole body to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve spasms, and provide comfort. This method is generally divided into dry heat therapy and moist heat therapy. Hot water bottles and heating lamps belong to dry heat therapy, while hot water sitz baths and warm water soaking belong to moist heat therapy.
From this perspective, the hot air from a hairdryer can effectively relieve certain symptoms, but only for cold-related diseases.
For example, hiccups caused by cold can be alleviated by blowing warm air on the stomach. However, hiccups caused by emotions or liver disease will not be relieved by blowing warm air.
Similarly, for stiff necks, if the neck is cold, the muscles contract, and the small joints are disordered, blowing warm air can relax the muscles and alleviate the symptoms. However, if the stiff neck is caused by improper posture, blowing warm air will not be effective.
Additionally, some suggest that sinusitis and runny nose can be treated with a hairdryer. Dr. Li Liping states: “Indeed, blowing warm air can relieve nasal congestion, which is normal, but sinusitis is not that simple; for those with yellow nasal discharge, using a hairdryer may worsen the condition, which is counterproductive.”
Therefore, for conditions caused by cold, a hairdryer can indeed play a role, using the warm air to relieve soreness and improve local blood circulation, achieving the effect of dispelling cold and relieving pain. However, it should not be generalized or oversimplified.
When the abdomen is cold or improper diet causes bloating and diarrhea, you can use a hairdryer centered on the navel and blow warm air outward for a few minutes.
When muscle soreness occurs after exposure to cold, you can blow warm air along the painful area until it becomes warm and reddened, then stop; doing this once or twice a day can alleviate symptoms and gradually improve.
It is best to use the low setting and blow for a prolonged period.
Dr. Chu Jiamei states that for some mild cold-related conditions, a hairdryer can be used as the most economical and effortless medical tool, but it cannot replace conventional treatment.
Experiments have found that “in a short time, the temperature of the air from a hairdryer can exceed 50°C, and as moisture evaporates rapidly, humidity decreases quickly. If such high temperatures are blown directly onto the skin, such as the nose, it will only cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness or even peeling. If the temperature is too high, it can cause burns, redness, and subsequent pain.”
The hairdryer has different power settings; Dr. Chu Jiamei recommends using the low setting for prolonged blowing. “After all, prolonged blowing can be unbearable for the skin, while short blowing will not have much effect; only sustained warm treatment can be effective.” Therefore, if using a hairdryer to treat mild cold-related conditions, either place a towel on the skin or maintain a distance so that it feels “not excessively hot.”
Especially for children, whose skin is delicate, strong hot air from a hairdryer can easily cause skin damage, and in severe cases, may lead to rashes.
“Do not exaggerate the uses of a hairdryer; it can be used in emergencies at home, but it is still best to trust doctors and conventional treatments,” Dr. Chu Jiamei advises.