Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long, well documented history of treating and preventing common cold and influenza syndromes. During the SARS outbreak of 2003 (a deadlier but less infectious coronavirus), a group of TCM practitioners and researchers in Hong Kong developed an herbal formula (based on two well established TCM herbal formulas) with the idea of helping frontline healthcare workers to prevent contracting the disease.
Of the frontline workers that took the formula, none of them were infected. In contrast, a statistically significant number of frontline workers were infected in the group not taking the herbs.
The formula is called Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang (Fight Toxins and Tonify the Lung Decoction). Unfortunately it is not available in a prepared form like an herbal extract pill or capsule, but the good news is the two base formulas (and one of the additional herbs added) are readily available in prepared form.
If you have access to a Chinese herbal dispensary that can make a custom herbal formula, click here for the recipe to Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang. If not, the component formulas in prepared form are available from online sellers (see the individual formulas/herbs below for links).
To learn more about the previous SARS study and the current COVID-19 study using Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang to for prevention, see this review article published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, Trauma & Surgical Care:
Jade Windscreen Powder – Yu Ping Feng San
The first component of Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang, and in my opinion the most important formula to help prevent all colds, flu, and even seasonal allergies with it’s immunoregulatory effects, is Jade Windscreen Powder. This formula has documented use for roughly 800 years and has been extensively studied in modern research. The chief herb is Astragalus, a well know “immune boosting” herb.
In this study, the polysaccharides isolated from Jade Windscreen Powder were shown to exhibit significant immunostimulatory effects in both the innate (first line of defence) and adaptive (second line of defense /antibody production) immune response.
In addition to the modern studies and 800 years of clinical use, anecdotally TCM practitioners working with COVID patients are using Jade Windscreen themselves and prescribing it to those who may be at a higher risk of contracting it (specifically family members living with COVID patients). The feedback from these practitioners has been universally positive in regards to COVID prevention (in fact almost hard to believe).
Important Note! Jade Windscreen Powder is to be used in the Prevention Phase ONLY. Use should be discontinued (and definitely not started) if you are showing symptoms of any kind or are knowingly infected with COVID-19 or any cold, flu, or seasonal allergy flare-up.
Dosage: It varies by brand, so the recommended dose is probably a good place to start. If I was more likely to be exposed (frontline healthcare worker, family member in the same residence as someone infected, etc.) I would probably up the dose to 1.5 times the recommended dosage. From what I understand it takes about a week of use to fully get the immune benefits.
Where to Buy
US (affiliate link): PLUM FLOWER CHINESE TEA Yu Ping Feng San/Jade Wind Scr, 200 CT, Jade Screen Teapills Economy Size – Yu Ping Feng Wan – 1000 Pills
Canada: Sorry eh. I couldn’t find any online sellers that had any in stock. Best bet is to check with a local Chinese Herb shop or acupuncturist in your area. They may also be able to fill the entire Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang formula.
Mexico: So I found a version of it on Amazon Mexico, but it’s over triple the price as in the US. I would try to get it if you go to the states or have a friend mule some down. Immune System Support by Bamboo Pharmacy
Clear Wind-Heat Teapills – Sang Ju Yin
This is a relatively mild formula that can be used in both the preventative and infection phase. It’s used in Chinese Medicine to treat the initial stage of cold and flu causing a dry cough. It also is effective against the beginning stages of a sore throat.
While this formula doesn’t have the vast modern clinical research as Jade Windscreen does, it does have over 200 years of clinical use, has been shown in studies to be effective in combination with Jade Windscreen, and many of the individual herbs that make up the formula have antiviral effects. This formula is very safe to take.
Dosage: It varies by brand, so the recommended dose is probably a good place to start (or up to 1.5 times the recommended dose).
Where to Buy
US (affiliate link): Clear Wind Heat Teapills (Sang Ju Yin Wan), 200 ct, Plum Flower
Canada: Sorry eh again. I couldn’t find any online sellers that had any in stock. Best bet is to check with a local Chinese Herb shop or acupuncturist in your area. They may also be able to fill the entire Kwan Du Bu Fei Dang formula.
Mexico: This formula is also available on Amazon Mexico, but it’s also over triple the price as in the US with shipping. Otherwise I would try to get it if you go to the states or have a friend mule some down. Clear Wind Heat Teapills (Sang Ju Yin Wan), 200 ct
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom Extract
This herb was added to the formula not just for its potent immune stimulating effects, but because it has been shown in studies to directly interrupt the viral replication cycle of COVID-19 specifically. Interestingly this interruption takes place in the same phase of replication (the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase – RdRp) as the most promising antiviral being tested right now Remdesivir.
On a side note, if you don’t have access to the above formulas, Reishi by itself is a valid herb to help promote a healthy immune response and it looks like it has a direct effect on COVID-19. Right now I’m in Mexico making the price of Jade Windscreen and Clear Wind-Heat Teapills cost prohibitive for me, but I am able to get a quality Reishi extract at a decent price. I consider Reishi to be a priority for staying safe and healthy..
Dosage: It also varies by brand, so the recommended dose is probably a good place to start.
Cautions: Reishi may lower blood pressure and slow blood clotting, which actually may be beneficial in regards to COVID infection, but could be a problem if taking medications for high blood pressure or blood thinners. See WebMD Reishi Mushroom for side effects and interactions.
Where To Buy
US (Affiliate link): Host Defense, Reishi Capsules
Canada: Host Defense Mushrooms | Reishi Capsules
Mexico: REISHI – EXTRACTO DE GANODERMA LUCIDUM
Cautions and Contraindications:
As mentioned above these herbs are to be taken in the prevention phase only. Due to the potent immune stimulating effects, these formulas and herbs should not be used with:
- Individuals with a Pre-Existing Autoimmune Disease
- Individuals taking Immunosuppressants for Organ Transplants
- Severe COVID-19 Infection – Pneumonia and Cytokine Storm
Reference Research and Lectures
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and TCM: Scientific Research and Clinical Evidence of Chinese Herbs For specifics on the prevention phase 2:22 – 2:50
Thanks Doug, this is so interesting!
Cathy
Morning,
I’m placing an order again with Estafeta and I’d like to get one of these Chinese herbs. Which one would you recommend for immune maintenance or would recommend having all 3 for the “just in case” synario?