Fatigue: When I feel tired and run down, the first thing I do is turn to my Chinese Herbs. A good time to start taking tonic Chinese Herbs is AFTER an illness has passed, not whilst you're still sick.
When I ended up getting a virus (yes that one that's going around!) first thing first, I needed to get through it and allow my body to build up antibodies naturally. I helped it along with Vitamin C, D and Zinc, while I was sick. I took Panadol when I felt the usual flu-like symptoms of headaches and body aches. Unfortunately I was in isolation, but in any other situation I would get help with acupuncture for those musculoskeletal symptoms.
[perfectpullquote align="full" bordertop="false" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]Tip: Take tonic herbs once you feel over the worst of it. When the main symptoms have passed and you want to build up your energy again, wait for the sickness to pass through FIRST.[/perfectpullquote]
My main concern though was what was going to come after the virus passed through. I had heard several of my clients dealing with post-viral fatigue, lethargy, brain fog and worried that I would be dealing with family life and work life with the fatigue still hanging around. Once I felt the worst part of the virus was over, I changed to adding a Chinese Herbal Formula for building up energy levels again. A good choice is a traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine formula called Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
What is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang indicated for?
- Strengthens the Spleen - relates to Gut health, digestion and energy production through better absorption in the Gut
- Replenishes Qi - relates to tiredness and fatigue, building up your energy reserves again with excellent herbs such as Astragalus.
- Lifts sunken Middle Qi - relates to prolapse of the bowel, uterus, also slow metabolism, fluid retention, sluggish digestion.
- Regulates Qi in some cases of Qi Stagnation - relates to people that have a lot of stress and tension, irritable bowel symptoms and lethargy simultaneously.
What's in this fatigue fighting formula?
Tonics:
Astragalus (Huang Qi) - Strongly tonifies qi, Spleen and raises Yang. Often used with Ginseng or Atractylodes.
Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) - Strongly tonifies Qi, Spleen and strengthens Yang.
Codonopsis (Dang Shen) OR Ginseng (Ren Shen) - Ginseng is optional in this formula and can be added for severe lethargy and fatigue. For lingering moderate to mild fatigue, Codonopsis is used.
Moving Qi Herbs:
Angelica (Dang Gui/Dong Quai Root) - Tonifies Qi and Blood, Improvs circulation of blood.
Bupleurum (Chai Hu) - Raises Yang and moves stagnation
Cimifugae (Sheng Ma) - Raises Yang, guides other herbs upwards, good for clearing the brain fog.
Citrus Reticulata (Citrus Peel/ Chen Pi) - Regulates Qi, Tonifies Qi, aids digestion and prevents bloating.
Harmonising Herbs:
Glycyrrhiza (Licorice Root/ Gan Cao) - Regulates other herbs, protects Spleen and Stomach
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger Root/ Sheng Jiang) - Protects Spleen and Stomach
Ziziphus Jujuba (Red Date/ Da Zao) - Protects Spleen and Stomach
When NOT to take Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for fatigue
If you're taking other medications, Chinese Herbs may not be a good fit. Have your Chinese Medicine Practitioner check any drug interactions with any herbal medicine they may be considering giving you.
If you run hot generally, and your body is on the hot side (aside from fever), this formula may not be for you. There are other tonic formulas that use similar herbs that don't have the warming herbs in them. Ask your Chinese Herbal medicine Practitioner about those suggestions.
Professional advice from a Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner about what is the right formula for you right now, is best practice.
This is because as the symptoms shift and change, you need to also change your strategy with herbs and adjust the formula.
The expertise and knowledge of a registered practitioner is invaluable. It means you will be getting a pulse and tongue inspection and a proper Chinese Medicine Diagnosis before receiving your herbs. Just because I took these herbs, doesn't meant it will work for everyone. Chinese Medicine is not a one size fits all approach. But This formula is a good place to start building your energy levels back up if you'r not taking medication.
To make an appointment for a Chinese Herbal Medicine consultation click here and from there herbs can be ordered for you to improve your tiredness, lethargy and fatigue.
You can read more about Chinese Herbs and the Immune System here: Jade Windscreen Powder
Or some DIY home blends for Warming the Yang and Easing a cough.
