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Swerve Seasonal Sickness: Top 5 Herbal Remedies for Cold, Flu & More



As the chill of autumn sets in, the threat of colds and the flu (in Chinese, the dreaded Gan Mao, 感冒) becomes a familiar concern. However, ancient practices rooted in Chinese herbal medicine offer compelling solutions that may be just as effective—if not more so—than conventional antiviral treatments (PMID: 23543533). At Mind + Body, our holistic approach to preventing and treating disease emphasizes enhancing the body’s natural defenses and promoting balance, rather than merely reacting to illness.


In this blog post, we explain how Chinese herbal medicines and traditional lifestyle practices work to strengthen your immunity, prevent infections, speed up recovery and regulate your nervous system to promote overall well-being. From nourishing foods that promote immune system health to targeted herbal remedies designed for early and effective intervention, we provide you with practical strategies & tried-and-true herbal products so you can navigate the colder months with resilience and vitality.


Chinese medicine is first and foremost about prevention of illness using lifestyle techniques that align our bodies’ (Qi, 氣) with the natural environment around us. Avoid getting sick this fall/winter season with these wellness tips and the targeted support of Chinese herbal medicine:


🫁Add in foods that support Lung health and immunity: pears, apples, white mushrooms, Goji berries, daikon (Chinese radish), garlic, turmeric and fresh ginger are all excellent dietary support.

❄️Keep the back of your head and neck covered and warm. In Chinese medicine, contagious illnesses like colds, the flu, COVID and RSV “invade” the body via this area so protecting it with a scarf or hat when chilly winds blow can save you from the sniffles

👣Keep your feet warm and dry. This maybe goes without saying, but since many of the body’s most powerful acupuncture channels (aka meridians) go to the feet, keeping your feet warm and avoiding walking on cold surfaces barefoot will keep your defenses strong.

🍵Stay hydrated with plenty of warm fluids. Too much cold fluid may damage digestive fire, leading to weakened immunity. Try herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger tea. 

👍Get acupuncture. Consider acupuncture to support and balance your Lung Qi and immunity. Acupuncture regulates the immune system, improves respiratory function, reduces stress and promotes overall well being. 

😮‍💨Breathe Deep. Just 5-10 minutes a day of breathwork exercises such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong or somatic breathing help strengthen the Lungs and fortify the immune system (as well as reducing stress and promoting healthy blood pressure). 


🌿 Boost Immunity with Chinese Herbal Remedies


Why Take Herbs? Do They Really Work?

  • Biomedical research shows that certain Chinese herbal medicines are just as effective if not more effective than pharmaceutical antiviral medications in treating and preventing the flu and common cold (PMID: 23543533).

  • Herbal medicine boosts your body’s natural ability to fight off infection so you can recover more quickly and spend less time suffering.

  • Herbal medicine is highly effective when used early in the course of a disease, and prevents overuse of antibiotics that destroy gut health and also contribute to larger scale issues like antibiotic resistant “superbugs.” 

  • Chinese herbal medicine prevents you from getting sick in the first place. This is the hands down best defense against “long COVID” and any form of post-viral syndrome.

  • By reducing your viral load, Chinese herbal medicines help you feel better faster, avoid long-term complications, rebuild your immunity and avoid passing sickness to others.  


Gan Mao Ling, Cold Season Tea Tablets

Treats: preventive formula packed with broad-spectrum antiviral, antimicrobial and immune boosting herbs to prevent you from getting sick in the first place. 

How To Use: start taking just before fall flu season starts, or when you expect to be exposed to potential contagious diseases (i.e. before air travel, concert, family gathering, conference, etc). In this case, take a dose 2-3 hours before the start of the exposure, and continue to take every 6-8 hours you are exposed.

Our Price: $12 per bottle (100 pills)


Bi Yan Pian, Benefit Nose and Sinus Teapill

Treats: sinus pressure/headache, nasal and sinus congestion, sinus pain due to congestion, yellow or green mucus, sinus drainage, early stages of sinusitis; may be used to prevent sinus infection from developing.

How to Use: Take 2-3 pills 2-3 times per day, or as prescribed by your licensed herbalist. If symptoms worsen, contact your herbalist for a stronger prescription. 

Our Price: $10 per bottle (60 pills)


High Strength Yin Qiao Pian, Lonicera & Forsythia Pills

Perfect to stop a developing infection in its tracks, this is the top formula for early stage respiratory infections due to pathogenic wind-heat. 

Treats: fever, sore and/or scratchy throat, possible cough, headache, thirst, irritability. 

How to Use: Take 4-5 pills 2-3x per day at the very first feeling of getting sick-- typically, as soon as your throat starts to feel even a little sore or scratchy.  

This formula can also be used as a preventive measure if you plan to travel, be around sick people or be in large crowds. Take a dose 2-3 hours before and continue to take every 6-8 hours you are exposed to avoid contracting communicable diseases. 

Our Price: $12 per bottle (100 pills)


Jing Fang Bai Du San (Release Exterior & Overcome Pathogen Pills)

Treats: early stage respiratory infections with cough, body aches, fever and/or chills, headache, fatigue, stiffness/tenderness of the back of the neck, thirst. This is early stages of cold, flu and upper respiratory infection where the body is fighting hard to expel the invading pathogen.

How to Use: Take 8 teapills 3 x per day while symptoms persist OR take as prescribed by your licensed herbalist. When symptoms shift, it's time to change your herbs!

Our Price: $25 per bottle (200 pills)


Southern Ban Lan Gen Pian (Isatis Root Pills)

Traditionally used to combat early stage symptoms of cold/flu and respiratory infections. Also known as Isatis Root, Ban Lan Gen has potent anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunity boosting properties (25873046).

Treats: sore throat, painful throat, fever, cold and flu with fever and malaise, pneumonia, viral and bacterial infections with significant heat signs, thirst, high fever, irritability. This single herb may also be combined with others in a customized herbal prescription to treat early stages of tonsillitis, strep throat and similar upper respiratory conditions.

How to Use: take 3 pills 2-3x per day, or as prescribed by your licensed herbalist.

Our Price: $12 per bottle (200 pills)


Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)

This is my favorite formula for a productive cough with an uncomfortable pressure or fullness in the chest due to wind-heat and dampness/phlegm in the Lung.

Treats: Cough with yellow or green mucus that is hard to cough out; possibly nausea or poor appetite; possible fever, labored breathing, persistent chest cold; sinus congestion draining into lungs; may also have sinus pressure, thirst, fatigue and aversion to warmth.

How To Use: Take as prescribed by your licensed herbalist. Standard dose is printed on the bottle. Liquid form is available for pediatric use.

Our Price: $20 per bottle (200 pills), $30 per bottle (4 oz liquid pediatric formula).


HERBAL SAFETY NOTE: Please consult a licensed herbalist to determine which herbal products are most appropriate for you! We are here to answer your questions.

Always inform your licensed herbalist of any allergies or dietary restrictions as well as all current medications and supplements to prevent any potential interactions. Additionally, always inform your herbalist of medical history and if you are currently pregnant. Always consult your physician or primary healthcare provider before starting any supplements. 


Need to ask a question? Contact us via CHAT or text 512-541-9673 during business hours. We are more than happy to assist you!


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8700 Menchaca Rd. Suite 203 Austin, TX 78748

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(512)-541-9673

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