The H7N9 avian influenza is the first case of the disease in Taiwan to be diagnosed outside the country, which has caused a lot of panic among the public. Chinese medicine practitioners said, to strengthen their own immunity is very important, the herbs in the fish grass does have "heat detoxification" effect, can inhibit bacterial breeding, if coupled with atractylodes macrocephala, licorice and other removal of the bitter taste, more healthy spleen, tonic efficacy, but only in the throat and other symptoms of the early stage of the discomfort, because of the "cold" herbs, the proposal should not be used for long periods of time to avoid causing gastrointestinal discomfort.

According to Chinese medicine, herbs that clear away heat and detoxify the body can ease the initial symptoms of influenza. (Photo / Huang Zhiwen)

Fishweed belongs to the family of Sambucus, perennial herbaceous dicotyledonous plants, with nodes on the stem, heart-shaped leaves, with a special fishy flavor; bloom with small white flowers, small and dense, spikelike, pale yellowish-green, pungent slightly cold and bitter astringent taste. Clinically, fishy grass on Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae and many other gram-positive, and negative bacteria have inhibitory effect, and can enhance immunity, with heat detoxification function. Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Chih-Chin Yau, said that in the clinic and Da Chai Hu Tang, hooker, and Cortex, and can be used in hypertension. For chronic inflammation of the throat, fritillary can be used in conjunction with Xiao Chaihu Tang, Huanglian Antidote Tang, and honeysuckle.

Fishweed Anti-Influenza Tea Drink

Prescription: 5 Qian of Fishweed, 4 Qian of Honeysuckle, 4 Qian of Forsythia, 4 Qian of Scutellaria baicalensis, 3 Qian of Fenghuang, 8 Jujubes, 4 Qian of Platycodon grandiflorum, 3 Qian of Tinglizi, 3 Qian of Coix lacryma, 3 Qian of Apricot kernel, 2 Qian of Ligustici Chuanxiong, 2 Qian of Angelica dahurica, 2 Qian of Licorice, boiled to drink.

According to Dr. Chih-Chin Yau (pictured), getting enough sleep is the best way to boost your immune system. (Photo courtesy of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital)

Enhancing immunity against avian influenza

Basically, herbs, including Panax quinquefolium and Cynanchum, have the effect of "clearing heat and removing toxins," with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and reducing the damage caused by post-inflammation, but are limited to short-term symptomatic use. And enhance immunity is the king's way, it is recommended that usually use a small amount of traditional Chinese medicine, herbs boil tea with water to drink, can adjust the constitution, prevention of colds, enhance immunity, here proposed 2 vice tea to provide people with health care use:

H7N9 avian influenza is raging, Chinese medicine launched to enhance immunity medicinal tea favored by the public. (Photo courtesy of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital)

Pharmaceutical drinks to increase immunity:

Prescription 1: patchouli 3g, 1-2g of sandalwood, 3g of forsythia, rehmanniae 10g, 1 dose per day, boiled water infusion.

Target: For children aged 3 to 12 years.

Prescription 2: Huo Xiang 3g, Bai Mao Gen 5g, Chrysanthemum 3g, Bei Sha Shen 5g, Honeysuckle 3g, 1 dose per day, infused with boiled water. Those who are frail in advanced age and have chronic disease with Qi deficiency can add Jade Screen Fung San.

Target: Suitable for adults.

Chinese medicine practitioners little advice:

Dr. Yu Zhiqin said that the different physiques given the prescription and the dosage is different, the general public must ask qualified Chinese medicine practitioners to prescribe, do not self-judgment, choose. If you feel uncomfortable after taking the prescription, you should stop taking it immediately and consult with a professional Chinese medicine practitioner in a timely manner.

In the face of the H7N9 avian influenza on the rampage, it is recommended that the general public, if in and out of public **** occasions should still wear masks, wash their hands diligently, in addition to some of the prevention of cold and flu disease in addition to the basics, including the avoidance of cold and unclean food, loss of spleen and stomach. The theory of Chinese medicine is that "winter does not hide the essence of the spring will be sick warm", enough sleep for the repair of the body's functions have a certain degree of help to enhance the self-immunity, can be prevented before it is too late.