TWO SIMPLE HERB FORMULAS FOR FLU

Depending on the presentation of the symptoms, flu can be classified into the cold type and the heat type.

Flu Formula #1 is used for the cold type and Flu Formula #2 is used for the heat type. Flu Formula #1 aims to dispel the cold while Flu Formula #2 aims to dispel the heat. These herbs, when prepared as a tea and/or for valor treatment, can relieve sinus congestion and throat irritation.

Flu Formula #1 consists of bupleurum (cai hu), pinellia tamata (ban xia), sileris (fang feng), and asarum (xi xin).

Bupleurum, also known as Hare’s Ear Root, treats both external/acute and internal/chronic conditions. Externally, it relieves alternating chills and fever along with a bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, and a sensation of congestion in the chest. Its strong ascending action picks up the body’s energy and sagging spirits.

Pinellia tamata enters the spleen and stomach meridians. It helps ease conditions of chronic coughs, excess phlegm, nausea and vomiting.

Sileris relieves pains and aches in muscles and joints and to build up the immune resistance to colds and flu for Yin-weak constituents.

Asarum is an effective relief for all types of pain in the head.

Flu Formula #2 consists of bupleurum (cai hu), bamboo leaves (zhu ye), peppermint (bo he), and lily bulb (bai he).

Bamboo leaves are effective for heat excess symptoms, such as dryness and bitterness in the mouth. The indications of peppermint are colds, headaches, and sore throat due to “wind-heat”. The lily bulb, like mint and bamboo leaves, is a cooling herb.

Both formulas are pre-packaged and available at PCMC herb center..

February 1999