by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

3 Herbal Decongestants for Congestion Relief and Stuffy Nose

In the fast-paced, urban landscape of modern society, respiratory issues and congestion have become all too common. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its roots dating back thousands of years, offers a holistic approach to wellness that resonates with many seeking alternatives to conventional treatments. One particularly noteworthy aspect of TCM is its herbal decongestants, which have stood the test of time in addressing a wide array of ailments including congestion and respiratory issues. In this blog, we will dive into TCM’s approach to respiratory health and three herbal decoctions meant to serve as natural decongestants.

Watch: The Real Cause of a Constant Phlegmy Throat (Or Mucus)

TCM Approach to Respiratory Issues

In TCM, the common cold is classified into several different patterns based on the specific symptoms and underlying imbalances observed in the patient. Here are some of the common types of cold patterns recognized in TCM:

Wind-Cold Invasion: This is the most common type of cold in TCM. It is characterized by symptoms such as chills, aversion to wind, headache, and a runny or stuffy nose with clear discharge.
Wind-Heat Invasion: This type of cold is characterized by symptoms of fever, sore throat, thirst, and a runny or stuffy nose with yellowish discharge. The patient may also experience aversion to wind.
Summer Heat Turning into Dampness: This pattern can occur in hot and humid climates. Symptoms may include fever, heavy sweating, headache, and a feeling of heaviness in the body.
Dryness and Heat in the Lung: This pattern is associated with symptoms like dry cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and a sensation of heat in the chest.
Dampness and Phlegm Accumulation: This pattern is characterized by symptoms like a heavy feeling in the head, dizziness, chest congestion, and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the body.
Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness: This pattern involves symptoms such as fatigue, loose stools, a pale complexion, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
Lung and Kidney Qi Deficiency: This pattern is characterized by symptoms like a weak cough, shortness of breath, aversion to cold, and a feeling of coldness in the lower back.

A 2015 article discussed different traditional Chinese medicine formulas and their effectiveness as complementary and alternative medicine. Products like Andrographis paniculata (Kalmcold), Echinacea purpurea, and Pelargonium sidoides extract (Umcka Coldcare) have shown efficacy in treating the common cold in adults.

These remedies are not only convenient and affordable but also considered safe, with some even being common foods like ginger, scallion stalk, and porridge. They do not typically cause adverse reactions sometimes seen in over-the-counter drugs.

Moreover, this article emphasized traditional Chinese medicine formulas specifically for wind-cold type common cold in individuals with normal and weak constitutions, and how these remedies have shown effectiveness, affordability, and safety over thousands of years.

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TCM Decoctions Comprised of Herbal Decongestants

Ma Huang Tang

Ma Huang Tang (MHT), also known as Ephedra Decoction, is primarily used to treat conditions of external wind-cold patterns, characterized by symptoms like chills, fever, headache, and a floating pulse.

MHT is known for its ability to induce sweating and promote the release of exterior pathogens, making it an effective remedy for early-stage common colds and respiratory conditions. It is comprised of the following herbs:

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia)
Xing Ren (Prunus armeniaca)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

MHT can be used to combat the effects of respiratory issues, including flu and asthma among others. A 2018 study examined the potential of Ma Huang Tang (MHT) in treating asthma and the research indicated that high doses of MHT effectively prevent inflammation and airway remodeling in a mouse model of acute asthma. Eosinophil count, a key factor in asthma pathogenesis, was reduced in the high-dose group compared to lower doses, suggesting a dose-dependent response to MHT.

Additionally, bioinformatics and RNA-seq analysis revealed that MHT regulates multiple signaling pathways to treat asthma, with a focus on the TLR9 pathway. TLR9 activation has been associated with suppressing airway remodeling and reducing allergic inflammation. The study concluded that MHT, through its constituent compounds, may downregulate TLR9 and potentially serve as a therapeutic target for patients with acute asthma.

Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang

Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang, also known as Magnolia Flower Lung Clearing Decoction, addresses conditions of nasal congestion, sinusitis, and respiratory disorders caused by wind-cold or wind-heat patterns.

This formula is renowned for its effectiveness in dispersing pathogenic factors from the nasal passages, promoting nasal discharge, and alleviating associated symptoms like headache and facial pain. It combines the following ingredients:

Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia liliflora)
Cang Er Zi (Xanthium sibiricum)
Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica)
Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

A 2016 study demonstrated that the administration of Magnolia Flower Lung-Clearing Decoction effectively suppressed allergy markers in a murine allergic reaction induced by nasal sensitization. Additionally, the decoction activated immune activity indicators in the same allergic model, thereby restoring the decreased immune activity/allergy marker ratio, crucial in balancing the body’s immune responses.

The results suggested that the decoction may alleviate allergic reactions without impacting the development of helper T cells, potentially by modulating mast cell-mediated nasal symptoms and reducing anti-OVA IgE antibody production.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of individual components within the decoction, emphasizing the potential synergistic action of these compounds.

Yin Qiao San

Yin Qiao San, also known as Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder, is widely used to address early-stage symptoms of wind-heat patterns, such as fever, sore throat, and headache, making it a popular choice for combating common colds and flu-like illnesses. It consists of the following Chinese herbs:

Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera japonica)
Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa)
Jie Geng (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx)
Niu Bang Zi (Arctium lappa)
Dan Dou Chi (Glycine max)
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia)
Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum gracile)
Lu Gen (Phragmites australis)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

Yin Qiao San is also a trusted decoction in combating COVID-19 symptoms and shows promise as a preventative measure as well. A 2021 study aimed to thoroughly review forsythia honeysuckle (FH) capsules to understand how they work in fighting COVID-19. The researchers searched for relevant papers and clinical data using specific keywords related to FH capsules and COVID-19.

They summarized the active ingredients and discussed the pharmacological and clinical trials related to FH capsules and various viruses. Additionally, they outlined how specific substances in FH capsules may help fight SARS-CoV-2 and reduce cytokine storm syndrome. In conclusion, this review supported FH capsules as a potential option for helping ease COVID-19 symptoms.

Watch: My Daily Herbal Medicine Routine

Conclusion

There you have it. Three Chinese medicine decoctions that serve as herbal decongestants. Embracing TCM for respiratory health offers a profound understanding of the body’s energies and the delicate balance required for optimal well-being. By incorporating natural remedies such as the herbal infusions discussed, you can empower yourself with effective, holistic approaches to decongestion.

This not only provides relief from immediate discomfort but also supports long-term respiratory health, fostering a sense of vitality and harmony within the body. Choosing these natural methods is a step towards a more balanced and mindful approach to overall wellness.