Feeling the First Signs of Infection? Try This TCM Trick

Stay Energized When Everyone Else Gets Sick

Every year, as the leaves start to fall or when the first shy blossoms of spring appear, something strange happens. People around us begin to sniffle, sneeze, and drag their feet with fatigue. It’s almost as if the seasonal winds carry more than just falling leaves and blooming flowers—they seem to test our inner strength, our ability to adapt.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these moments of transition are seen as critical. The body faces extra demands from shifting weather, cooler winds, and fluctuating temperatures. And while Western thinking often jumps straight to supplements or last-minute remedies, TCM takes a gentler, preventive route. The idea is simple: if you strengthen your inner shield before the storm arrives, the storm passes more easily.

I’ve been working with TCM for years, both in Asia and back home, and I’ve seen countless times how small, everyday practices can make a huge difference. Today, I want to share two tried-and-tested approaches I’ve seen work again and again: herbal support and acupressure rituals. Plus, I’ll drop in some lifestyle tweaks, stories from China, and even a comforting recipe you can make tonight.

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The Herbal Allies of TCM

One of the most beautiful aspects of TCM is the way plants are used not just as “quick fixes” but as partners in helping the body stay balanced. Instead of fighting symptoms, the focus is on supporting the body’s natural energy—what in TCM is called Qi—so that seasonal challenges don’t overwhelm us in the first place.

Here are three classic herbal formulas I personally return to (and recommend) every autumn and spring:

Yin Chiao Jie Du Pian

If you’ve ever lived in China, you’ll know this name. Yin Chiao Jie Du Pian is the go-to formula that flies off pharmacy shelves the moment the weather turns crisp. Locals reach for it the way people in Europe might grab vitamin C tablets.

It’s traditionally used at the very first signs of seasonal changes: that scratchy feeling in the throat, the sudden chill after being out in the wind, or just the sense that your energy is dipping. The formula combines herbs like honeysuckle (jin yin hua) and forsythia (lian qiao), which in TCM language help “disperse wind and heat.” What that really means: they support your body in staying harmonized before discomfort digs in deeper.

The key here is timing. I’ve seen so many people wait until they feel really unwell, and by then Yin Chiao isn’t nearly as effective. Think of it as calling in your backup team before things get messy. Personally, I keep a box at home every autumn and spring, just in case.

Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root)

Ask any student in Beijing how they survive the cold months, and many will answer with one word: Ban Lan Gen. This herb has such a strong reputation in China that you’ll even find instant packets of it sold in convenience stores. Imagine grabbing a warming herbal drink instead of a cappuccino on a frosty morning—that’s how ingrained it is in everyday life there.

In TCM, Ban Lan Gen is seen as a cooling, cleansing herb that helps keep the throat and upper respiratory system in balance. I still remember mornings in Hangzhou, watching people line up at tiny herbal stalls to buy steaming cups of Ban Lan Gen tea. It was less about “treating something” and more about keeping the system in check during demanding weather.

Yu Ping Feng Wan (“Jade Screen Formula”)

This one is a true classic, dating all the way back to the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century. Its poetic name translates to “Jade Screen Pill”—and that says it all. The formula is like an invisible shield, strengthening the body’s defense layer known in TCM as Wei Qi.

The blend usually contains three herbs:

• Astragalus (Huang Qi) – a superstar for vitality
• Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) – supports digestion and energy
• Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng) – helps the body adapt to external challenges

I often suggest Yu Ping Feng Wan to people who say, “I catch every little thing that goes around.” Teachers, office workers, parents of young kids—it’s especially helpful for those constantly surrounded by others. One friend of mine, a 42-year-old teacher, used to feel drained every November. After incorporating Yu Ping Feng Wan alongside warm, nourishing meals, she told me the following winter was the first one she didn’t feel completely wiped out.

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Acupressure: The Five-Minute Ritual That Boosts Your Energy

Herbs are one part of the story. The second pillar I rely on is acupressure—a simple, hands-on way to activate the body’s own energy flow. You don’t need needles, training, or equipment. Just your fingertips and a few quiet minutes.

Here are three powerful points worth trying:

• LI4 (Hegu) – located between your thumb and index finger. Great for keeping energy circulating smoothly. Watch HERE
• ST36 (Zusanli) – about three finger-widths below your knee, next to the shinbone. This is known as the “longevity point,” famous for boosting stamina and general vitality. 👉 Coming soon on our YouTube channel – HERE
• LU7 (Lieque) – on the wrist, near the base of the thumb. A favorite for strengthening the lungs, which TCM views as extra vulnerable during seasonal shifts. Watch HERE

Press each point gently for 1–2 minutes. I often suggest doing it in the evening as part of winding down—think of it as tuning up your inner defenses.

A story that always makes me smile: one of my patients, a long-haul driver in his 50s, started pressing ST36 during breaks on the road. He came back after a few weeks saying, “I don’t know what it is, but I don’t crash in energy like I used to.” Sometimes the simplest rituals bring the biggest shifts.

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Life Lessons From China

When I studied in Beijing, I was struck by how deeply TCM was woven into everyday culture. One memory stays vivid: standing outside a student clinic on a frosty morning, watching older locals sip steaming Ban Lan Gen tea in plastic cups, chatting casually as if it were just their morning coffee.

Or the little moxa sticks being handed out at clinics with the reminder: “Don’t wait until the wind penetrates deeply. Strengthen your Qi before the cold arrives.” That advice has stuck with me ever since.

And here’s a fun fact: in some Chinese cities, you’ll find vending machines that dispense herbal formulas like Yu Ping Feng Wan. Imagine grabbing your “Jade Screen” defense on the way to work, the same way you’d grab a bottled water.

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Lifestyle Habits: The TCM Way of Thriving in Seasonal Transitions

Beyond herbs and acupressure, TCM emphasizes aligning your daily life with nature. Here are six tips worth trying this season:

1. Drink warm beverages. Skip the ice-cold sodas or juices straight from the fridge. Cold drinks weaken the stomach and spleen in TCM thinking, leaving you feeling heavy and tired. Instead, sip warm water, ginger tea, or cinnamon infusions.
2. Prioritize rest. Nighttime is when Yin—the calming, restorative energy—recharges. Staying up past midnight scrolling TikTok cuts into this vital renewal time. Try heading to bed before 11 p.m.
3. Move your body. Gentle movement like brisk walks supports Qi circulation. Just don’t forget a scarf and hat—TCM sees wind as “the messenger of a hundred ailments.”
4. Eat seasonal, warming foods. Think soups, root vegetables, whole grains, and lightly cooked meals. Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly sweet dishes that strain the digestive system.
5. Breathe with awareness. Even five minutes of deep breathing outdoors strengthens the lungs, which are especially important in autumn.
6. Nourish emotional warmth. TCM recognizes that emotions shape health. A heartfelt talk with a friend, laughter, or simply spending time with loved ones can be as protective as any herb.

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A Simple Comforting Recipe

Want something easy to try tonight? Here’s a soothing soup inspired by TCM traditions:

Ginger Root Soup for Chilly Days

Ingredients:

• 3–4 slices of fresh ginger
• A handful of dried dates
• 1 carrot, chopped
• A few goji berries

Method:
Boil water, add all ingredients, simmer for 15 minutes, and enjoy warm. It gently supports digestion, circulation, and that cozy feeling of being nourished from the inside out.

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What Modern Research Says

While TCM is rooted in centuries of observation and tradition, modern science is starting to catch up. On PubMed, you’ll find studies suggesting herbs like Ban Lan Gen and Astragalus (Huang Qi) have beneficial effects on immune resilience.

One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2018 tracked people taking Astragalus for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group, they reported higher vitality and fewer seasonal dips in energy.

This is just one example of how ancient wisdom and modern research are beginning to overlap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I combine TCM herbs with regular supplements?
Yes, many people do. Ideally, check with a qualified TCM practitioner for personalized guidance.

2. How quickly will I notice changes?
Some formulas, like Yu Ping Feng Wan, are best taken consistently for a few weeks. People often notice a difference in stamina and resilience after that period.

3. Is acupressure safe?
Absolutely, as long as you apply gentle pressure. Avoid pressing directly on fresh wounds or inflamed skin.

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The Takeaway: Wisdom for the Changing Seasons

Autumn and spring don’t have to be seasons of endless tissues, cough drops, and fatigue. By leaning on time-tested practices from Traditional Chinese Medicine—herbal allies, simple acupressure rituals, and lifestyle habits—you can face seasonal transitions with steady energy and ease.

Think of it this way: you don’t need magic to get through the colder months feeling good. You just need to tune into the wisdom of nature and the rhythms of your own body. When you do, what once felt like a vulnerable time becomes a chance to feel stronger, more grounded, and more connected to the cycles of life.

So as the wind starts to blow and the mornings turn crisp, ask yourself: will I just brace for the storm, or will I prepare my inner shield?

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✉️ If you’d like more TCM-inspired tips, recipes, and stories, join my weekly newsletter where I share fresh insights straight from the world of Eastern wellness!

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Where can I buy it?
If you’re looking for authentic, practitioner-recommended, high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas — available globally — we recommend the following herbal products. These time-tested formulas are crafted with the finest ingredients and are widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.

FYI: This post contains affiliate links to herbs we’ve actually tried from reliable, certified sellers. If you buy through them, you’re supporting our blog. Thanks! 🙏

Top Recommended High-Quality Herbal Formulas:

Before you decide to buy, check the detailed description and reviews in several stores to see if this product is right for you!

1. Yin chiao jie du pian
   It’s traditionally used at the very first signs of seasonal changes
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2.  Yu ping feng wan
   this formula supports the body’s natural protective mechanisms.
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3. Huang Qi
   Support protective energy.
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4. Ban lan gen
   Ban Lan Gen is a cooling, cleansing herb that helps keep the throat and upper respiratory system in balance
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5. Jiao Gu lan
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6. Shi quan da bu wan – Traditional formula supports both Qi and Blood
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These formulas are based on ancient herbal wisdom and are used by TCM practitioners worldwide. Be sure to consult a professional for personalized advice.

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Want more tips? Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine can naturally support emotional balance in Ask a TCM Doctor archive.

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