After contracting COVID-19, many individuals, regardless of whether they have had an initial infection, second infection, or multiple infections, may experience lingering symptoms. The manifestations of these post-COVID symptoms can vary based on individual constitution, but common issues include fatigue, persistent cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath, phlegm and wheezing, palpitations, chest pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal dysfunction, weakened physical function, chronic throat discomfort, swollen lymph nodes, and menstrual irregularities in women. These long-term symptoms pose a serious threat to public health, and in rare cases, improper care can lead to severe complications and even death. Understanding and treating these post-COVID conditions to restore health is one of the most urgent issues that needs to be addressed today.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches health from a holistic perspective, focusing on the balance of the entire body and using syndrome differentiation to treat various chronic ailments. This makes TCM an ideal treatment for those suffering from post-COVID symptoms. As descendants of Qi Huang, we should not ignore the healing methods passed down by our ancestors but instead focus on applying them effectively. It's important to learn about TCM knowledge, practice self-care ("long-term illness makes one a doctor"), and follow the principle of "filial piety" in caring for the elderly. This approach is the key to dealing with major epidemics and reflects the greatest wisdom and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine.
Based on the symptoms and stages of post-COVID syndrome, I have outlined several treatment strategies using TCM formulas for reference and learning.
1. Early to Mid-Stage Symptoms of COVID-19
During the early and mid-stages of COVID-19, patients often experience high fever, sore throat, body aches, and other symptoms. At this stage, symptomatic treatment is key. One can consider using traditional formulas such as Ma Huang Tang, Ge Gen Tang, Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, and Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang. These formulas require careful study and are not the main focus of this article, but they provide important insights into addressing early-stage COVID-19 symptoms.
2. Chronic Post-COVID Symptoms (Long-lasting)
For individuals suffering from long-term post-COVID symptoms, regardless of the specific issue, the focus should be on strengthening the spleen and stomach to restore qi and support the body's immune system. This helps to revitalize overall vitality (immunity). Formulas like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San are suitable for nearly all ages, including children, the elderly, and women. Key ingredients include Codonopsis Root (Dangshen) and Chinese Yam (Shanyao) to tonify qi and nourish vitality, Atractylodes (Baizhu) and Poria (Fuling) to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, Licorice Root (Gancao) and Platycodon Root (Jiegeng) to detoxify and stabilize, and Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) and Reed Root (Lugen) to clear heat and resolve toxins. Si Jun Zi Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang can also be effective, especially with long-term use.
3. Persistent Cough and Phlegm
A common post-COVID symptom is damage to the heart and lung functions. However, simply nourishing the heart and lungs is not enough. It's essential to also focus on regulating qi, transforming phlegm, and strengthening the spleen to resolve the root causes of the phlegm. Er Chen Tang is a classic formula for this condition, and modifications can be made. Key herbs include Pinellia (Banxia) and Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) to resolve phlegm and regulate qi, and Poria (Fuling) to strengthen the spleen. If the patient experiences thin, clear phlegm or excessive coughing, adding Dried Ginger (Ganjiang) and Schisandra (Wuweizi) can help. In more severe cases, Asarum (Xixin) can be used to treat phlegm-dampness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and even "White Lung" (a severe lung condition). These modifications help tackle the root causes of phlegm and improve overall respiratory health.
4. Chronic Heart and Lung Disease in the Elderly
For elderly patients who already have chronic heart and lung conditions (such as chronic bronchitis, phlegm-wheezing, and hypertension), post-COVID complications can be especially dangerous. If not addressed promptly, the post-COVID symptoms can exacerbate existing conditions and even become life-threatening. In addition to the treatments mentioned above, Codonopsis Root (Dangshen) and Licorice Root (Gancao) should be used to tonify qi. For further support, herbs like Perilla Seed (Zisu Zi), Radish Seed (Laifuzi), and Ting Li Zi can help relieve phlegm and smooth the qi. By ensuring unobstructed airways and reducing heart and lung stress, we can prevent the risk of life-threatening conditions. This combination of herbs is commonly referred to as Sanzi Yangqin Tang.
5. Treatment for Children and Weak Women
For children and women with weak constitutions, the herbal formulas should be gentle, and the medicine should not have a strong or unpleasant taste. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San are suitable for addressing root causes and should be used in a mild and balanced approach.
6. Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes
For those with persistent sore throat or swollen lymph nodes, herbs like Raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gancao), Platycodon Root (Jiegeng), Patrinia (Baijiangcao), and Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) can be used. In more severe cases, Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua) and Forsythia (Lianqiao) can be added to clear heat and detoxify. However, these herbs are cold in nature, so patients with weak spleen and stomach or chronic coldness should avoid large doses. The key is to adjust the dosage as symptoms improve and be flexible with treatment.
7. Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
For patients with significant diarrhea and abdominal pain, formulas should avoid harsh cold herbs. Liu Jun Zi Tang and Li Zhong Tang can be used as the base. The spleen is considered the "mother" of the lungs, so treating lung-related issues must start with strengthening the spleen. If there is cold-related diarrhea, reduced appetite, or abdominal discomfort, use herbs like Codonopsis Root (Dangshen), Atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Licorice Root (Gancao), Fried White Hyacinth Bean (Bai Bian Dou), Cardamom (Sharen), Cardamom (Doukou), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), and Chinese Yam (Shanyao). These herbs warm and tonify the spleen and stomach, reinforcing the body's foundation.
8. Excessive Sweating and Low-grade Fever
Excessive sweating and low-grade fever are signs of lung qi deficiency and insufficient exterior yang. Treatment should focus on tonifying the body's yang with herbs like Codonopsis Root (Dangshen), Chinese Yam (Shanyao), and Astragalus (Huangqi). If the symptoms persist, adding Cornus (Shanzhuyu) can help regulate the liver and improve the results. For low-grade fever due to deficiency, tonifying the body's vital energy and avoiding excessive cooling or cold treatments is key. A simple remedy with Raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gancao) can help address these symptoms.
9. Loss of Senses (Smell, Taste, Hearing)
A decrease in sense of smell, taste, or hearing is a sign of deficient vital qi and blocked orifices. The treatment should focus on restoring the qi and opening the orifices. The general approach remains to tonify qi and strengthen the body, while specific herbs like Asarum (Xixin), Acorus (Shichangpu), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), Chuanxiong and Angelica Dahurica (Baizhi) can help clear blocked orifices. However, these herbs should be used cautiously and not in high doses or for extended periods.
10. Severe Post-COVID Syndrome (White Lung)
For those with severe post-COVID syndrome, particularly "White Lung" (acute severe lung damage), I have written a separate article discussing TCM treatment in detail. Interested readers can refer to it for further guidance.
11. Chronic Diseases and Post-COVID Syndrome
For patients with multiple chronic conditions who also experience post-COVID syndrome, TCM's holistic approach is particularly useful. Even with multiple chronic conditions, focusing on the primary health issue and using syndrome differentiation to guide treatment is essential. TCM's approach of macroscopic treatment and holistic care is the key to solving complex health
