Chinese Medicine for Common Cold & Flu

Chinese Medicine for Common Cold & Flu.

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat also known as an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Most people recover from a common cold within 1 to 2 weeks, although for some people certain symptoms may take longer to resolve.

Although some symptoms are similar, the flu is a viral infection caused by influenza viruses. Flu symptoms range from mild to severe and complications can require hospitalisation and worsen pre-existing health issues such as asthma. The flu can be deadly for the elderly and immunocompromised which is why prevention, early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Cold and flu symptoms may also be caused by bacterial and lung infections which can be life-threatening. If in doubt, always seek advice from your family's trusted healthcare professional.

What does the research say?

The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of chinese medicine for common cold & flu.

Consult with our practitioners for personalised care and advice.

Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.

When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you'll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.

Scientific References

Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on chinese medicine for common cold & flu.

It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.



BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

2018, Mar 18

The use of maoto (Ma-Huang-Tang), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, to alleviate flu symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

This review highlight the effectiveness of Ma Huang Tang in relieving flu symptoms.

Yoshino, T., Arita, R., Horiba, Y. et al Full Article

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

2013, Mar 28

Chinese medicinal herbs for influenza
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane

Most Chinese medical herbs in the included studies showed similar effects to antiviral drugs in preventing or treating influenza. Few were shown to be superior to antiviral drugs. No obvious adverse events were reported in the included studies. However, current evidence remains weak due to methodological limitations of the trials. More high‐quality RCTs with larger numbers of participants and clear reporting are needed.

Jiang L, Deng L, Wu T. Full Article


Yin Tang
“It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.” The Classic of Acupuncture
Circa 1st Century BCE