The universe has aligned itself in a way that is now making us all focus on immunity support and prevention. Which is so great! This is one of the founding principals of Chinese medicine, for the past 3,000 years. Diet, lifestyle, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are all meant to support and maintain our good health. Assuming there is no serious imbalance, herbs for prevention often translate into herbs that support the qi (energy) of the spleen and lungs. Let’s explore some of the most common formulas used to support immunity:
Jade Windscreen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San)—A famous and commonly used formula. Used to support defensive qi (immunity) and also “releases the exterior” mildly, which means it contains a low level of antibacterial/antiviral properties.
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen’s Decoction)—Used to strongly support the spleen’s qi. Since the spleen is the source of all energy, it needs to be supported so that it can create the defensive qi (immunity!)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang—Similar to si jun zi tang, this formula is also used to support the spleen’s qi, but also contains Astragalus (Huang Qi). Huang Qi is used across various herbal traditions for its wide variety of benefits, including immune support.
Xiao Yao San—Used to support spleen energy AND move liver qi. Pathologies are often times the result of stagnated energy, which this formula addresses
Bu Fei Tang—This formula is focused on the lung, ONLY. This is more commonly used for people with a history of lung deficiencies.
Of course, these formulas are all focused on respiratory health prevention. Chinese medicine views the maintenance of energy flow and balance as a means of prevention for a wide variety of conditions. Keeping energy, blood and fluids moving and properly balanced throughout the body are key methods of preventing any kind of imbalance.
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