Manage Cold & Flu Season with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Autumn heralds a shift in weather that brings with it a host of challenges for our bodies. The wind picks up, whipping through the air with a chilly bite that can leave us feeling cold and damp in coastal cities like Cape Town, or dry and crisp in Gauteng and other inland regions. Unfortunately, these changes don’t just affect the temperature - they also create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses that can make us sick.

Those with weaker immune systems, such as children with still-developing systems or elderly folks with decreased immunity, are particularly vulnerable to falling ill. While we can’t avoid these seasonal shifts entirely, there are steps we can take to give our immune systems a fighting chance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the key to a strong immune system is Wei Qi - and to nourish it, we need to focus on Lung Qi, the source of Wei Qi. This is where Yu Ping Feng San (or Jade Screen Powder, referring to a screen made from Jade, to shield one from the wind attack) comes in - a traditional formula used to fortify our defences against the elements. And if you’re already feeling under the weather with a tight chest and runny nose, Gui Zhi Tang (aka Cinnamon Stick Soup) may just do the trick.

But that’s not all - when the mercury drops, we can also give our bodies a boost by tweaking our diets. Think warm, cooked foods with pungent spices like cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. And if you’re a fan of traditional Chinese cuisine, you’ll want to add Astragali (Huang Qi) to your shopping list - it’s a key ingredient in nourishing broths that are perfect for chilly weather. So go ahead and embrace the changing seasons - armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to take on whatever autumn throws your way!