I. Preventing Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases during Strong Cold Waves:
During severe cold waves, with a sudden drop in temperature, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases may be triggered. What preventive methods does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommend?
- Pay attention to basic daily living care. For instance, keep warm by adding clothing promptly and avoid exposure to cold wind. Maintain a regular lifestyle, avoiding exhaustion and late nights. Scientifically wear masks and practice regular handwashing. Patients with underlying conditions should adhere to routine treatment, avoiding sudden discontinuation. Maintain blood pressure at a reasonable level, neither too high nor too low.
- Boost the body’s resistance through TCM dietary therapy or herbal tea alternatives. To prevent respiratory diseases, the “Four-White Congee” is recommended, made with lily, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and white rice. This congee nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, invigorates the spleen, and supports the heart. It strengthens the body’s vitality, aiding in resistance against external pathogens. However, individuals with diabetes should avoid excessive consumption to prevent elevated blood sugar levels. Those susceptible to wind-cold can use herbs like codonopsis and adenophora as tea alternatives. For preventing cardiovascular diseases, the “Lotus Leaf Hawthorn Drink” made with lotus leaf, hawthorn, and tangerine peel can be used to dispel dampness, transform phlegm, and invigorate the spleen.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and moderate exercise. Consume adequate water daily, incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits, ensure the intake of high-quality proteins from meat, eggs, and dairy, maintain a light diet to avoid cold and greasy foods, engage in light to moderate exercises like tai chi or Baduanjin, and promote blood circulation through daily foot soaks. These practices collectively enhance the body’s immune system.
II. Alleviating Coughs from a TCM Perspective:
- For patients with chronic respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma, maintain the existing foundational treatment and seek consultation at specialty clinics for proper adjustments. Avoid self-adjustments to prevent exacerbation.
- For those without chronic respiratory diseases, in the late recovery stage, symptoms like throat dryness, itching, reduced phlegm, and mild cough may occur. TCM attributes these to insufficient lung yin and recommends dietary therapies or herbal teas to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and alleviate coughs. “Lung-Nourishing Soup,” made with pear, lily, tangerine peel, and rock sugar, is suggested. Herbal teas like “Schaarfen Wacholdertee” with adenophora, Solomon’s seal, and dwarf lilyturf can also be consumed. Honey water has a soothing effect on the lungs but is not recommended for diabetic patients.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing adequate water intake, sufficient sleep, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, and refraining from spicy foods. Maintain appropriate indoor humidity to help alleviate coughs.
III. Strengthening the Body during the Recovery Phase from Respiratory Diseases:
- Strengthen protection to avoid reinfection or additional infections during the recovery or early recovery phase. Practice frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, ventilation, nutrient-rich diets, and minimize contact with patients.
- Maintain a disciplined daily routine to prevent fatigue, ensuring sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and stress reduction, facilitating a quicker recovery.
- Enhance body resistance through TCM dietary therapy. For instance, “Four-White Congee” and Prince Ginseng infusion, made with Prince Ginseng, can help replenish qi and nourish yin, assisting the body in resisting pathogens. Individuals with allergies to ingredients in these dietary therapies or herbal teas should use them cautiously.
- Engage in moderate exercise for critical roles in physical recovery. Daily activities like walking or light jogging for 20-30 minutes are advisable. Tailor the exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to individual health conditions, avoiding excessive fatigue.