Explaining a study on the effectiveness of the Chinese herbal medicine formula, QDQF1, for treating and preventing COVID-19
Key takeaways:
Explaining what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is.
COVID-19 symptoms and how TCM herbal medicine, QDQF1, can help prevent or alleviate them, according to a study.
Effective herbs found in the QDQF1 herbal formula.
How the components of the herbs found within the herbal formula may help patients with COVID-19.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an effective treatment for issues ranging from migraines to digestive difficulties to menopausal symptoms. But can it be used to treat COVID-19?
According to a research study co-authored by Eacuwell physician, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, it just may. The study, concerning the clinical efficacy of TCM herbal medicine formula, Qu Du Qiang Fei I Hao Fang (QDQF1), for COVID-19 treatment, shares some insight into how herbal medicine can be used to alleviate or prevent symptoms.
We will talk more about the findings of this study and how Traditional Chinese Medicine may be a viable solution for treating COVID-19 symptoms.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses specific wellness techniques rooted in ancient Taoist medicinal practices that date back thousands of years. These ancient practices have been honed and perfected over time to overcome medical, physical, and psychological difficulties. Some issues that TCM can help treat include:
IBS
Neuropathy
Stress
Infertility
Depression
Arthritis
Congestion
Migraines
Chronic and acute problems
And more
TCM is an effective treatment method that addresses these issues and more through holistic means. The goal of TCM is to allow the body to heal itself by regulating the internal system and alleviating imbalances.
Chinese herbs and their effects on COVID-19 symptoms
There is substantial evidence that suggests TCM can treat many of the symptoms that occur with COVID-19. It uses various methods of alternative treatment, including herbal medicine. The herbs are plant-based and have significant healing properties that work to treat the body holistically from the inside out. This has proven to be highly effective for COVID-like symptoms, such as:
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Fever
Sore throat
Congestion
GI symptoms
This is due to the herbs’ ability to reduce inflammation by regulating the immune system. According to research conducted for this study, TCM has been used to treat epidemics in China for over 2000 years. One occurrence of this was seen during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak (SARS). Herbal preparations were successfully used for treatment to support modern medical practices, bringing the mortality rate down from 52% to 4%.
Because of the success of this strategy, Chinese Medicine has been used in Wuhan, China to treat COVID-19 symptoms. Supplementing treatments with Chinese Medicine showed marked symptom improvement, shortened the course of the illness, and treated 85% of patients with COVID-19.
TCM herbal formula: QDQF1
This study, co-authored by one of our primary care physicians, Dr. Jennifer Cruz, focused on the effects of TCM herbal formula Qu Du Qiang Fei I Hao Fang (QDQF1) on COVID-19 symptoms. This synergistic blend contains a variety of herbs with different properties that may be used for treating symptoms related to COVID-19.
The potent herbs present in the QDQF1 formula include:
Astragali Radix (Huang Qi): This has been used to treat Japanese encephalitis virus and it increases antibody production of spleen cells. It also rebalances the body, promotes tissue regeneration, reduces edema, and regulates cytokines. It has been used for treating symptoms such as fever, chronic fatigue, chronic phlegm, anemia, loss of appetite, and bleeding.
Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae (Zhi Fang Feng): This herb has been used to treat colds, rheumatisms, fever, stroke, diarrhea, body aches and spasms, stiff neck, and headaches. It contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that contribute to regulating the functions of the body.
Lonicerae Japonicae (Jin Yin Hua): This herb is effective for sore throats, fever, chills, and headaches. It reduces swelling and inflammation, treats infection, clears toxins, and promotes healing through its antioxidant, antitumoral, antiangiogenic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antidiabetic, and antiviral properties.
Fructus Forsythiae (Qing Lian Qiao): This herb addresses symptoms of influenza, such as high fevers, chills, and sore throats. It can also reduce abscesses and dissipate clumps and sores. Like several of the other herbs in the QDQF1 formula, Fructus contains antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antiemetic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects.
Glehnia Root (Bei Sha Shen): This root nourishes the lungs and stomach and generates body fluids. It is beneficial for dry coughs, phlegm, sore throats, chest pain, dysuria, and lung abscesses. Bei Sha Shen is often used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
Radix Platycodi (Chuan Jie Geng): This herb dispels phlegm and helps those with throat pain, coughing, and loss of voice. It can also reduce allergic airway inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the immune system.
Radix Isatidis (Ban Lan Gen): This herb benefits the throat because of its antimicrobial effects and can inhibit viral infections through its immune-stimulating abilities.
Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae (Chao Cang Zhu): This herb strengthens the spleen and stomach through its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. It has also been shown to have a positive effect on treating gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, and functions as a potential inhibitor for influenza.
Viola Yedoensis (Zi Hua Di Ding): This herb reduces swelling and infections, like bronchitis. It also helps relieve pain and inhibits the growth of certain bacterias. Viola Yedoensis contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can additionally help to suppress certain viruses.
Glycyrrhiza Sp. Raw (Sheng Gan Cao): This herb is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidative, antiallergic, antidepressive, and antiviral. It has proven to be effective against certain viruses through its bioactive constituents and various flavonoids.
Each of the herbs found in the QDQF1 herbal medicine formula have historically been used for their noted anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. The research results of this study show that this specific formula can provide comprehensive and balanced therapeutics, as well as immune-boosting relief for symptoms that are typically found in COVID-19 patients.
This study intended to analyze the potential effectiveness of TCM on COVID-19 symptoms and note its effectiveness on previous viruses and illnesses. Understanding the facts on how supplementing your treatments with alternative solutions can help you find relief from COVID-19 symptoms is monumental in maintaining health and wellbeing through holistic means.
To learn more
To learn more about the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Cruz or one of our other practitioners, reach out to Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness today. Our team is ready to help you find the best holistic solutions for your health.
