Chinese Herbs for Runny Nose

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, wind, heat and cold are external forces that can invade the body and create symptoms such as a runny nose. Wind combines with heat and cold differently. For example, a runny nose caused by wind-cold will have clear or white mucus, while a runny nose caused by wind-heat will have yellow mucus.

Common Herbs

• Common Chinese herbs for a runny nose include Bo He (mint), Gan Cao (licorice), Gui Zhi (cinnamon), Lian Qiao (forsythia), Ma Huang (ephedrine) and Xi Xin (wild ginger).

Wind-Heat

• Chinese herbal combinations for a runny nose caused by wind-heat include Sang Ju Gan Mao Pian, Gan Mao Dan and Yin Chao Jin. The herbs in these combinations are said to expel wind and produce a cooling effect.

Wind-Cold

• Chinese herbal combinations for a runny nose caused by wind-cold include Xaio Qing Long Tang, Cang Er Zi San and Ma Huang Tang. These herbal combinations expel excess wind and produce heat in the body.

Symptoms

• Chinese herbal combinations for runny nose are formulated to address specific symptoms that may accompany a runny nose. Always talk to a qualified herbalist to choose the best Chinese herbs for your particular symptoms.

Considerations

• The effectiveness of Chinese herbs for a runny nose has not been thoroughly tested by modern science. Check the herbal combination for possible side effects or contraindications before consuming.