Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine believe that internal body heat is one major culprit in people's vulnerability to flu attacks. To reduce such heat, people must regulate what they eat, they say.
What to eat
People should eat less heat producing foods such as mutton, beef and chicken. Instead, they should take more of vegetables such as spinach and white radish and fruits such as pear.
The staple food can be supplemented by porridge or soup made of mung beans or red beans.
As early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD220), the Chinese have treated infectious diseases with red beans.
Besides, straight ladybell root (sha shen) or white fungus are also recommended. They are believed to help moisten the lungs and bolster the immune system.
These recommended foods are all cold foods that can help reduce internal body heat.
Is bajiao beneficial?
Tamiflu, reportedly the only major anti-bird flu drug available so far, is abstracted from star aniseeds which Chinese call "bajiao."
Some people believe that cooking dishes spiced with bajiao can prevent bird flu.
TCM experts dismiss the idea.
"Bajiao" itself does not have any anti-viral effects. Also it has a warm property and cannot relieve the internal heat at all.
Keep indoor air fresh
Since the current flu type is characterized by "wind," it is suggested that people should avoid crowded places at the time of a flu epidemic.
Also, people should ventilate their rooms to keep the air inside clean and fresh. High-risk groups would do well to wear masks when they go outside.
Don't panic
Herbal medicines that help release body heat, as suggested by TCM doctors, also can be used.
But they caution that an excessive fear of a possible pandemic may actually expose people to a higher risk of the "heat" type flu.
As fear obstructs the flow of qi, more heat will be generated. Even in Western medicine, it is believed that nervousness can weaken one's immune system. TCM doctors say people should remain calm and relaxed when facing an epidemic.
(China Daily November 9, 2005)
