Tag Archives: tcm

Antiviral Medicinal Plants

In both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal medicine, viral illness is understood not as a single entity, but as a dynamic interaction between an external pathogen and the internal terrain of the individual.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views the conditions that Western medicine calls infections in terms of “perverse” influences originating from outside the body—described with the terms Wind, Heat, Dampness, and Toxic Heat (extreme Heat)—interacting with the Defensive Qi* and deeper constitutional reserves. Modern research, meanwhile, investigates how viruses infect the host organism, how they replicate within its cells, how they interact with the host’s immune system, the body’s physiological responses and how symptoms are produced.

The following ten herbs are either native to the West or widely available as culinary spices, and can be understood clearly through both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern antiviral research.

[*Qi = vital energy.]

1. Elder Flower and Berry (Sambucus nigra)

Both the elder flowers and the berries have been traditionally used in the West in teas and syrups for seasonal wellness. A classic herbal remedy involves drinking a hot infusion of elder flowers (or berries) at the onset of a cold to induce a sweat and help speed up recovery. 

Scientific studies suggest elderberry may inhibit viral attachment (particularly influenza viruses) to host cells and reduce symptom duration when taken early. While elderflower is well studied for anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic (sweat inducing), and symptomatic relief, it has less evidence for direct antiviral mechanisms.

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, elderflower and elderberry are appropriate for different stages of an infection:

  • Elderflower clears Wind-Heat from the body’s surface and is more appropriate in the early stages of illness.
  • Elderberry clears Heat and Toxic Heat that has penetrated the interior of the body, and supports the body’s deeper energetic resources.

Cautions:
Avoid raw or unripe berries. Use cautiously in autoimmune conditions due to immune-stimulating effects.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Modern research demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral and immune-modulating effects, including enhanced natural killer cell activity.

In TCM, garlic is warming and dispersing, moving Qi and Blood, transforming Dampness, and counteracting Toxicity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, it is particularly useful when Dampness and Heat combine, such as in lingering or recurrent infections.

Cautions:
May increase bleeding risk at higher doses; use caution with anticoagulant medication.

3. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds shown to have antiviral activity against several viruses. While culinary use is gentle, concentrated extracts are significantly stronger.

In TCM oregano is categorized as a cooling, pungent, slightly bitter herb that dispels Wind-Heat, clears inner Heat, circulates Qi and reduces Dampness. It is a strongly dispersing herb, useful for digestive or respiratory illnesses especially when the pathogens linger.

Cautions:
Concentrated extracts or essential oils may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Modern herbalism recognises thyme for antiviral, antimicrobial, and expectorant actions, particularly in bronchial infections.

TCM considers thyme to Warm the Lung system, transform Phlegm, and support the downward movement of Lung Qi. In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, it is useful when cold, damp conditions impair respiratory function.

Cautions:
Essential oil should not be taken internally without professional supervision.

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Modern research shows ginger may inhibit viral attachment while also reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

Fresh ginger is a classic Wind and Cold–releasing herb in TCM, supporting the Defensive Qi (immunity) and harmonising the digestion. It is particularly valuable at the very onset of infection.

Cautions:
High doses may aggravate reflux or increase bleeding tendency.

6. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Scientific studies identify significant antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of viral replication.

Licorice is sweet, tonifying, and harmonising. In TCM it supports Spleen Qi, moistens the Lungs, clears Heat, and moderates the harsh properties of other herbs. It also has a long history of use for Toxic Heat conditions.

Cautions:
Avoid long-term or high-dose use in hypertension, low potassium, heart disease, or pregnancy.

7. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Modern research confirms its antiviral and antimicrobial activity, especially for oral and pharyngeal infections.

In TCM, sage clears Heat and resolves “toxicity” (acute inflammation) in the upper body, particularly affecting the throat and mouth. Its drying nature makes it useful when Dampness and Heat combine locally.

Cautions:
Not for long-term internal use. Avoid during pregnancy and in epilepsy.

8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Modern studies show strong antiviral activity against herpes-type viruses, alongside mild anxiolytic effects.

Lemon balm gently clears Heat while calming the Shen (mind). From a TCM perspective, it is especially useful where emotional stress contributes to viral recurrence, such as herpes flare-ups.

Cautions:
May interfere with thyroid medication; use cautiously in hypothyroidism.

9. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia)

Modern evidence supports its immune-modulating role rather than direct viral killing.

Echinacea does not fit neatly into classical Traditional Chinese Medicine categories but functions similarly to herbs that support Defensive Qi (immunity) without deeply tonifying. It is best used short-term at the onset of acute infection.

Cautions:
Use cautiously in autoimmune conditions. Not intended for long-term continuous use.

10. Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)

Modern research shows broad-spectrum antiviral activity and antioxidant effects.

Olive leaf clears Heat and Toxicity and mildly dries Dampness, making it particularly suitable for chronic low-grade infections or post-viral states. Its Mediterranean use parallels Traditional Chinese Medicine strategies for lingering pathogens.

Cautions:
May lower blood pressure or blood sugar; use caution alongside related medications.

Use

Most of the above herbs may be used simply by making a tea by infusing the fresh or dried herb. Ginger needs to be thinly sliced for this. Licorice root, being hard, will need to be boiled for 15 minutes. Garlic cloves are best just swallowed raw, but they need to be crushed first to activate the medicinally active compound allicin. This can be followed up with the juice of half a lemon, to take away the taste in the mouth and the odour on the breath!

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Medicinal plants may interact with medications or be inappropriate for certain health conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before therapeutic use.

Images

  1. Elderberries: Royalty-free image of Elderberry from Pxhere.com.
  2. Elderflowers: By Trish Steel, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
  3. Garlic: By Kjokkenutstyr, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
  4. Oregano: By Garitzko, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
  5. Thyme: By cookbookman17, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
  6. Ginger: Royalty-free image from Pickpik.com.
  7. Licorice Root: Royalty-free image from Hippopx.com.
  8. Sage: By Teresa Grau Ros, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr.
  9. Lemon Balm: By Jamain, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, undefined.
  10. Echinacea purpurea: By Eric Hunt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
  11. Olive branch showing leaves and fruit: Royalty-free image from Hippopx.com.

Winter Tonics for Older People

As we age, it is natural for our energy levels to decline. In Chinese medicine, this is explained by the concept of Kidney Essence—the fundamental reserve of vitality we are born with. This essence determines our capacity to generate energy from food and air, supporting growth, fertility, resistance to illness, and recovery from injury.

Each person is born with a different amount of this reserve. From early adulthood, typically after the mid-twenties, it gradually declines in everyone. Healthy living can slow this process, but it cannot stop it entirely.

One traditional way of supporting vitality later in life is through the use of tonic herbs. In Chinese medicine, tonics are never used as single herbs or universal remedies. They are prescribed as carefully balanced formulas, tailored to the individual’s constitution, digestion, temperature sensitivity, and overall state of health.

This is why the common Western habit of taking isolated tonic herbs, such as ginseng, without proper assessment is considered inappropriate in Chinese medicine and may even be harmful for some people.

Classically, people over the age of fifty—particularly those who feel cold easily, have chronic digestive weakness, or are less robust—may benefit from taking a tonic formula during the winter months, when the body naturally turns inward and rebuilding is most effective.

If you are considering a winter tonic, it is essential to seek individual advice rather than self-prescribing. A short consultation can help determine whether a tonic is appropriate for you, and if so, which type would best support your health at this stage of life.

Photo by “The Tran Dynasty” via Wikimedia Commons, reproduced under Creative Commons License CC BY-SA 4.0.

Summer Time in Chinese Medicine

Summer is the time of Fire, maximum Yang, the Heart and spirit (“Shen”), of joy and maximum vitality. But to stay healthy we must align with the seasons.

If summer’s heat and activity become overwhelming, signs of imbalance can appear:

• Anxiety, restlessness, poor sleep, insomnia.

• Palpitations.

• Excess sweating or feeling overheated.

• Heat exhaustion.

Quotes are from the classic text, the Huangdi Neijing:

“In the three months of summer, the qi of heaven and earth interact and the myriad things bloom and bear fruit.”

“In the three months of summer, there is an abundance of sunshine and rain. The heavenly energy descends, and the earthly energy rises. When these energies merge, there is intercourse between heaven and earth.”

“In the season of summer, the Heart governs; excessive heat and moisture lead to vexation, restlessness, and sweating. The wise harmonize with the season to avoid disease.”

“In summer, the Yang is flourishing. One should rise early, rest at noon, and go to bed late. The Heart is the ruler of summer; nourish it with serenity and avoid excessive anger.”

“In summer, the qi is vigorous, the blood is active. One should eat light and cooling foods, and avoid overeating, so as not to disturb the Heart and the Stomach.”

“When the sun is at its height, one should take advantage of the warmth to move, but also rest in shade. Excessive heat injures the Yin, and overexertion injures the Spirit.”

General guidelines from this text:

• Emotional Balance: Avoid anger and cultivate joy to prevent disturbances in the Heart.

• Dietary Adjustments: Hydrate sensibly. Consume light, cooling foods to counteract the heat and support digestion. (Caution: But don’t overdo cold foods if you have a weak digestion.)

• Appropriate Activity: Moderate physical activity during the cooler parts of the day, rest during peak heat.

• Adequate Rest: Align sleep patterns with the natural light cycle. Party in the evening, but ensure sufficient rest.

Enjoy life, connect with others, and make the most of high energy, but protect your Heart Qi!