Wind-cold syndrome

The principal syndrome where the main pathological development is identified manifests through a series of main symptoms. For example, the main symptoms indicating an exterior wind-cold syndrome are chills and fever, headache and generalized body pain. These result from the invasion of wind and cold at the superficial region of the body, the failure of the Defensive-Qi to spread, and obstruction in the blood circulation. 

A secondary syndrome develops from the principal syndrome and manifests in a series of secondary symptoms. When the principal syndrome is treated, the secondary syndrome may disappear as well. For example, in an exterior wind-cold syndrome, since the superficial region is obstructed, the Lung-Qi is unable to disperse so the nose may be blocked and there may be shortness of breath. As soon as the wind-cold is expelled from the superficial region of the body, the Lung-Qi obstruction disappears and the secondary symptoms disappear too. 

Wind-cold syndrome is caused by exogenous pathogenic wind and cold. According to different conditions of health and constitutions, the reaction of the body can be different, thus an excess or a deficiency condition can develop. 

Sheng Jiang and Cong Bai are often used in the initial stage of wind-cold syndrome in either excess or deficiency conditions. In China, a briefly cooked decoction of Sheng Jiang and Cong Bai is a commonly used folk remedy to treat the common cold. 

These three herbs are able to expel wind, cold and dampness from the skin, subcutaneous region and muscles. They can be selected as chief in a formula to treat a severe excess condition of wind-cold syndrome. 

Qin Jiao is neutral, bitter and pungent. Its function of expelling wind, dampness and cold is gentler than that of the other two herbs. It is more suitable for treating a deficiency condition of wind-cold syndrome. It is also used for conditions where there is coexisting heat. 

Gui Zhi is pungent, warm and sweet. Besides expelling wind and cold to treat exterior syndrome, Gui Zhi is able to warm the blood, promote blood circulation and reduce the general pain, stiffness and cold. It is particularly chosen as deputy to enhance the strength of chief herbs to expel wind-cold in treating a severe excess condition of wind-cold syndrome when the general pain of the body is severe. 

Xi Xin is a very pungent and hot herb with an aromatic smell. It does not enter the Bladder meridian, but does enter the Kidney meridian. It can be selected as deputy in the formula to enhance the action of the chief herbs in treating an excess condition of wind-cold syndrome and can release pain. 

A side effect of Xi Xin occurs when it is applied incorrectly. Because it is very hot and pungent, it can easily injure the Yin, blood, body fluid and Qi. It should not be used, or must be used with caution, in patients who suffer from exterior wind-cold syndrome where internal heat also coexists and the Yin, blood and body fluids are deficient. The dosage of Xi Xin should also be controlled carefully in the range of 1-3 g per day for crude herbs. If the powdered herbal extract is used, the dosage should be reduced to 0.1 -0.5 g per day. Overdose may cause numbness in the throat and tongue, a stifling... 

Bai Shao Yao is often selected in the deficiency condition of an exterior wind-cold syndrome when the Yin, body fluids and blood are weakened through sweating. 

These combinations make this formula effective and safe for short-term use in a severe excess condition of a wind-cold syndrome. 

This formula can induce sweating and expel wind, cold and dampness. It is used in a common case of an excess condition of a wind-cold syndrome, or at the initial stage of a febrile disease. Patients suffer from chills, fever, headache with a heavy sensation, no sweating and have a blocked nose. A white tongue coating and a superficial, rapid pulse are seen in this syndrome. 

Figure 1.2 Pathology of deficiency condition of wind-cold syndrome.

Gui Zhi is sweet and warm, and primarily enters the Heart meridian. It has an aromatic smell that gives this herb a thin pungent property, which makes it move quickly and lightly. It can particularly warm the blood, stimulate the Heart and promote the blood circulation thus it can treat cold hands and feet, cramp of the muscles and pain due to cold obstruction of the blood circulation. In addition, Gui Zhi also enters the Lung and Bladder meridians, is able to expel wind and cold in the superficial region and can therefore treat exterior wind-cold syndrome. 

Jing Jie and Fang Feng are pungent and slightly warm. They can expel wind and are commonly used for mild exterior wind-cold syndrome. In the syndrome of disharmony of Ying and Wei, they can be selected as assistants to expel wind and directly relieve aversion to wind. 

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