The common cold is the most common respiratory infectious disease caused by various viruses, primarily characterized by localized inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or sore throat, and coughing. Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus; its clinical manifestations are generally similar to those of the common cold, but it has a sudden onset, is more severe, and is highly contagious. In traditional Chinese medicine, both the common cold and influenza are collectively referred to as “cold.”
Colds can occur throughout the year but are most common in winter and spring. When winter arrives and the weather suddenly turns cold, the body’s defense mechanisms are not yet fully established. Individuals are particularly susceptible to colds if they are excessively fatigued, have a weak constitution, lead an unbalanced lifestyle, or suffer from chronic respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or tonsillitis. The common cold often leads to secondary bacterial infections, which can spread from the nasopharynx and cause acute rhinitis, otitis media, and tracheobronchitis. Due to the effects of pathogens’ toxins and the body’s immune response, some patients may develop rheumatic fever, nephritis, myocarditis, or connective tissue diseases. These secondary conditions are far more severe than a simple cold and pose a serious threat to human health; therefore, the common cold must never be underestimated, and active treatment is essential upon contracting it. If, about half a month after catching a cold, you experience lower back pain, facial swelling, or blood in the urine; joint pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, you should consult a doctor to determine whether the cold has led to complications such as nephritis, rheumatic fever, or myocarditis. Therefore, proactive prevention and treatment of colds are even more important.
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers many methods for preventing and treating colds, such as strengthening the constitution, avoiding overexertion, engaging in regular physical exercise, and practicing qigong, tai chi, self-massage, ear acupressure, acupressure patches, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.
According to TCM’s syndrome differentiation and treatment principles, a wind-cold type cold is characterized by severe chills, mild fever, no thirst, no sweating, headache, pain in the limbs, nasal congestion and runny nose, cough, thin phlegm, a thin white tongue coating, and a floating and tight pulse. Treatment requires herbal medicines that are pungent and warm to release the exterior, promote lung function, and dispel cold. At the onset of a cold, patients can prepare a decoction by boiling 5 slices of ginger and the white parts of 3 scallions in one cup of water, add a small amount of brown sugar, and drink it while hot. Resting in bed until a light sweat breaks out often yields quick relief for patients with mild symptoms. If it is a wind-heat type cold, the patient will have a high fever, mild aversion to cold, thirst, a red and sore throat, a cough with yellow phlegm, a thin yellow tongue coating, and a floating and rapid pulse. In this case, herbal medicine that is pungent and cool to relieve exterior symptoms, promote lung function, and clear heat should be taken, such as the commonly used Yinqiao San granules. However, since colds vary depending on the patient’s constitution—some may have qi deficiency or yin deficiency, while others may have underlying dampness or summer-heat—a doctor must adjust the prescription according to the specific symptoms to ensure the medication effectively cures the illness.
