
What Formulas Can Help Boost Qi & Immune-Function?
When SARS-CoV-2 first hit the UK in 2020, Chinese medicine research introduced three immune-supporting herbal formulas with the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (FTCMP). The formulas focused on boosting Qi and improving the immune system in the colder months. As the year progressed, the number of cases and deaths decline significantly, due to warmer weather.
However, when the weather starts to turn cold and as the infection rate is rising, many health professionals recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help support immunity. For many vulnerable individuals, prevention is key and herbal medicine may help to protect against the COVID-19 causing novel Coronavirus.
TCM for COVID-19
A research project conducted by doctors in China analyzed the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus with Chinese medicine. The project aimed to test the efficacy and advantages of combined treatment using both Western medicine and traditional Chinese methodology.
The results showed that Chinese medicine can be effective in preventing COVID-19. The curative effect of Chinese medicine was outstanding with a national participation rate of over 90%. More than 70,000 people were cured of COVID-19 and discharged from hospital.
Boosting your Qi
As well as using Chinese medicine to support your immune system, lifestyle and dietary changes can be beneficial at supporting your immune defence. Small changes could make a big difference in overall health and wellbeing. Try to include more Qi boosting foods to help you defend yourself and your family against viruses in cold weather:
Fruit: apples, apricots, banana, blackberry, blackcurrants, blueberry, cherry, dates, goji berries, grapes, grapefruit, guava, kiwi, lemon, longan fruit, mango, melon, nectarine, orange, papaya, pear, pineapple, strawberry and watermelon.
Vegetables: avocado, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chives, garlic, kale, leafy greens, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnips, peas, pepper, potato, pumpkin, shallots, shiitake mushroom, spinach, squash, sweet potato, sweetcorn, tomato and watercress.
Nuts and seeds: almond, beat sprouts, cashew, chia seeds, linseed, pine nuts, pistachio, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, tahini, and walnuts.
Grains and pulses: amaranth, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, butterbeans, chickpeas, lentils, millet, oats, popcorn, rice, soya and wheatgerm.
Whether you use these techniques on yourself, your family, or your patients, they could be beneficial for improving immune defence to stop the spread of infections and viruses.