According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), influenza activity is increasing. There are states scattered around the country where cases range from local to regional to widespread. You can view the CDC map to see what’s happening in your area.

In the October map, flu is looking "widespread." Unlike western medicine, the Chinese system is not concerned with identifying a particular strain. There are combinations of strengthening herbs that are “not strain specific” meaning that their benefits are not based on a prediction about what strain might be coming your way. This is not in the attack mode that is so popular here in the West.

A strong and healthy person will use their “righteous chi” to handle “unwanted guests” and it appears there will be many external forces trying to invade the body this year. In Chinese medical philosophy, a balanced combination, can help in the quest for good health by keeping you strong and fueled regardless of what strain you may comes around.

It is possible to have an invasion with minor symptoms and have it pass through you quickly. While battling an unwanted guest you may choose to take herbs using the “another way” set of directions where you are given permission to take two caps every twenty minutes. Doing this for an hour or two will really help the formula to kick in and jump start the fight. It is best to consume your herbs during the daytime. Don’t neglect the recovery phase where the “basic way” dose would be more appropriate.

With school back in session, the germs flying and the early incidences of illness, a basic way dose might be useful to keep you strong while that CDC map is marking severe activity. Yes, you can take some Chinese herbal formulas as maintenance formulas. It’s what we’re doing around the OHCO office.