Wind-Cold? Wind-Heat?
Understanding Key Differences to Avoid Misunderstandings
As winter arrives, temperatures drop sharply.
The number of patients with colds in outpatient clinics has significantly increased compared to before.
Most present with symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion and runny nose,
throat pain, and general discomfort.
Everyone’s symptoms are quite similar,
but the medications prescribed by doctors vary.
What is the reason for this?
Colds can be classified intoWind-Heat colds and Wind-Cold colds. Today, Dr. Chen Yanxia from our TCM gynecology department will explain the differences between these two types of colds.
Wind-Cold
Cold
Wind-Cold Cold (Wind-Cold Attacking the Exterior Syndrome) often occurs in autumn and winter.
Main Clinical Manifestations: Severe chills, mild fever, no sweating, headache, body aches, nasal congestion with a heavy voice, or itchy nose with sneezing, occasional clear nasal discharge, itchy throat, cough with thin white phlegm, no thirst, or preference for hot drinks, thin white and moist tongue coating, floating and tight pulse.
Treatment Method:Focus on warming and dispersing the exterior.
Representative Formulas:Jing Fang Da Biao Tang or Jing Fang Bai Du San, etc.
Commonly Used Chinese Patent Medicines:Wind-Cold Cold Granules, San Ao Pian, Wind-Cold Cold Ning Granules, etc.
Commonly Used Herbs: Ma Huang (Ephedra), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Siler), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Cong Bai (Scallion), etc.
Wind-Heat
Cold
Wind-Heat Cold (Wind-Heat Attacking the Exterior Syndrome) often occurs in spring, early summer, and early autumn when the weather is warm.Main Clinical Manifestations: More severe fever, slight aversion to wind, sweating not smooth, headache, facial redness, cough, phlegm that is sticky or yellow, dry throat, red and swollen throat, nasal congestion, yellow nasal discharge, dry mouth with a desire to drink, red tongue edges and tip, thin yellow tongue coating, floating and rapid pulse.Treatment Method:Focus on cooling and dispersing the exterior.Representative Formulas:Yin Qiao San or Cong Chi Jie Geng Tang, etc.Commonly Used Herbs:Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Bo He (Mint), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), etc.Commonly Used Chinese Patent Medicines:Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsules, Pu Di Lan Oral Liquid, Lan Qin Oral Liquid, Jin Yin Hua Oral Liquid, Tan Re Qing Capsules, etc.
Daily Care for Colds
01
Be cautious with daily activities and adapt to temperature changes. It is especially important to prevent cold and keep warm. Even in summer, avoid excessive exposure to cold. Pay attention to exercise to strengthen the body and resist external pathogens.
02
During treatment, care is important. Those with fever should rest appropriately and maintain a light diet. For severe cases, elderly individuals, infants, and those with weak constitutions, close observation is necessary to monitor changes in condition, such as high fever, convulsions, or complications with other diseases.
03
During flu outbreaks, try to avoid crowded public places to prevent cross-infection. Indoor vinegar fumigation can be used to prevent infection.
04
For those who are prone to colds, daily massage of the Ying Xiang (Welcome Fragrance) acupuncture point is recommended, along with herbal formulas for prevention and treatment.
In the autumn and winter seasons of Wind-Cold, you can take Guanzhong Decoction (10g each of Guanzhong, Zi Su, and Jing Jie, 5g of Gan Cao (Licorice)); in the summer during hot and humid seasons, you can take Huo Pei Decoction (5g each of Huo Xiang and Pei Lan, 1.5g of Bo He, with double the amount for fresh herbs); if the pathogenic factors are strong and widespread, you can use Guanzhong, Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), and Sheng Gan Cao decoction.
Warm Reminder
Patients with colds using Chinese patent medicines or herbs should do so under the guidance of a qualified TCM physician to avoid worsening the condition!
Chen Yanxia, Chief Physician of TCM Gynecology, Master’s Degree, Communist Party Member, graduated from Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, trained under national-level experts, specializes in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopausal syndrome, dysmenorrhea, gynecological inflammation, ovarian cysts, HPV infection, postpartum diseases, etc.; has unique efficacy in treating inflammatory infertility due to fallopian tube issues, improving the success rates of IVF and artificial insemination; also treats weakness, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal diseases.Disclaimer: Some images are sourced from the internet; please contact for removal if there are any copyright issues.(Content Source: TCM Gynecology, Chen Yanxia)
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