The lung is one of the organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) Five Organs (Zang Fu) theory. It is functionally defined and does not refer to the anatomical structure in modern medicine. Situated at the uppermost position among the other organs (Zang Fu), the lungs are delicate and most susceptible to external pathogens since it connects to the nose and throat.
The lung plays an important role in the circulation of ‘qi’ (vital energy) throughout the body and is absolutely essential for life. More importantly, the lungs circulate the healthy qi（正气）which is equivalent to our immunity, to our body surface for protection against external pathogens. A disharmony in the lungs or a deficiency of lung qi will result in a weakened healthy qi and increased vulnerability to illnesses.
In the midst of the current COVID-19 outbreak which originated from a seafood market in Wuhan, China, TCM remedies have shown promising results in the treatment of tens of thousands of COVID-19 confirmed cases in mainland China. Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include respiratory symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat and breathlessness, as well as other less common symptoms such as fatigue, aches and diarrhea. While there is no established cure or vaccine for the virus yet, Chinese doctors have been using a mix of methods including antiviral medications, corticosteroids, blood plasma from recovered patients and a healthy dose of TCM. The combination of using both Western and Chinese medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 have proven effective in combating the virus.
Besides the preventive actions you may have heard way too many times during this period of fear, you may also start focusing on your immunity and potentially protect yourself from harmful germs. From the TCM perspective, it is important to maintain harmony with your body and the external environment. By boosting your lung’s health, you can power up your immune system and boost your energy levels as well!
There are some Chinese herbs which you can include in your daily diet to strengthen your lung health. Lily bulb is used to provide moisture to the lung and treat respiratory disorders such as coughing and sore throat. It works to balance the heat from the lungs and relieve the heart fire by calming the nerves. White fungus is another herb that can moisten and clear the lungs. It is very suitable for persons with lung qi or yin deficiency. These two herbs can be easily incorporated into dessert and congee recipes for a health boost!
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Wild cordyceps, more commonly known as 冬虫夏草, is an ancient herbal tonic which has been used for centuries by the Chinese. Contrary to its Chinese name (dong chong xia cao) which loosely translates to “winter worm summer grass”, this herb is neither an insect nor plant. It is a type of parasitic fungi which grows on the larvae of insects. Its hefty price tag is attributed to the fact that it grows exclusively at very high altitudes in the Himalayas of Tibet and China. Supplements and products containing cordyceps extract have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits.
True enough, wild cordyceps is highly valued in TCM due to its impressive health benefits to the lung and kidney systems. It is believed that cordyceps can invigorate lung qi and ease respiratory difficulties. Overall lung health can be improved after long term consumption of cordyceps, and reduces the occurrence of respiratory problems such as chronic cough and asthma. Cordyceps is also a natural energy booster as studies have shown that it can increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. Due to its sweet nature, cordyceps is also believed to tonify kidney yang and nourish kidney essence for the treatment of impotence and premature ejaculation.
Modern science also found Cordyceps to be high in antioxidants which may explain its anti-aging properties. Antioxidants are molecules that fight cell damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can otherwise contribute to disease and aging. However, it is best to seek proper medical advice from a TCM medical practitioner before taking cordyceps, especially if you are scheduled to have surgery or on certain long-term medications for pre-existing medical conditions.
is produced using the finest quality cultivated Cordyceps mycelia and is well-suited for people suffering from poor respiratory health and immunity. Regular consumption of cordyceps can improve vitality and overall health, potentially safeguarding yourself against harmful factors.
