Promising Treatment of Covid-19 with Natural Supplements and Traditional Chinese Medicine

In December 2019, a mysterious viral pneumonia illness was discovered infecting patients in Wuhan, China.  This novel (new) coronavirus was named SARS-CoV-2.  COVID-19 is not the official name for the virus as the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses calls it the “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2”, or SARS-CoV-2, because it is related to the virus that caused the SARS outbreak in 2003. However, the virus is most often publicly referred to as COVID-19.

The most commonly reported patient symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are a fever, dry cough, fatigue and loss of smell.  In very mild cases people may just have a runny nose or a sore throat. About 50% of patients also have gastrointestinal distress and/or experience diarrhea.  In the most severe cases, people with the virus can develop difficulty breathing (dyspnea), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and may ultimately require hospitalization and advanced life support to survive. From the research in China and Italy, we know individuals of advanced age, (especially men); Type A Blood Type, and those with pre-existing diseases like Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Lung Disease are at the most risk for severe health complications.

Vitamins A (not Beta Carotene), C and D-3 are powerhouses of immune-boosting vitamins.  A quick research review of reputable scientific journals online reveals a plethora of studies demonstrating their immense anti-viral and immune boosting potential:

One such retrospective research study published in April 2020 examined the severity of Covid-19 symptoms and the levels of Vitamin D in patients called, “Vitamin D Supplementation Could Possibly Improve Clinical Outcomes of Patients Infected with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-2019).” https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3571484 

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An Overview of the results:

Serum Vitamin D levels predict severity of Covid-19 infection:

A retrospective analysis of 212 patients with confirmed Covid-19, and serum 25(OH)D3 were measured:

Of those with sufficient vitamin D level (above 30 ng/mL), 86% had mild illness, and 7% had severe or critical illness.

Of those with insufficient or deficient levels (below 30 ng/mL), 3% had mild illness and 93% had severe or critical illness.

The author of this research study concludes, “This study provides substantial information to clinicians and health policy-makers. Vitamin D supplementation could possibly improve clinical outcomes of patients infected with COVID-2019.”

Various clinical trials on Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338043085_The_antiviral_properties_of_vitamin_C)

show this antioxidant supports the body’s immune system by priming and supporting the body’s ability to naturally defend itself against various viral pathogens and reduces a deadly systemic cytokine inflammatory response.  It also fosters the body’s ability to generate helpful NK cells (Natural Killer), T-Lymphocytes produce and release cytokines, including interferons, which have antiviral activity.

Photo: e s

I prefer using a natural food or herb-based forms of Vitamin C for my patients.  I often use only the organic form of Rose Hips, Kakadu Plum powder, Camu Camu, Amla, Acai or Haskap berries.  All are an abundant natural source of Vitamin C among other beneficial immune boosting antioxidants.

Vitamin A is another powerful immune modulator and is involved in the development of the immune system and plays regulatory roles in immune responses.  The form that is most easily absorbed and utilized by the human body is an “emulsified Vitamin A palmitate” form and NOT the Beta Carotene form which may be linked with untoward health outcomes, especially in current or previous smokers.

In the published research, “A Novel Approach to Treating COVID-19 Using Nutritional and Oxidative Therapies” by David Brownstein, M.D. et al. published in the Science, Public Health Policy, and The Law Journal Volume 2:4-22 July, 2020, (https://stevenyager.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Steven-Yager-Dr-Brownstein-A-Novel-Approach-to-Treating-COVID-19-Using-Nutritional-and-Oxidative-Therapies.pdf)  Dr. Brownstein and his team published their outcomes using the antioxidants listed above with a few other non-traditional therapies for 107 Covid-19 positive patients.

“In summary, 107 COVID-19 patients, solely with biological therapies, all recovered. Only three were hospitalized. Of the three hospitalizations, two were hospitalized before beginning our treatment and sought our care post hospitalization. One was hospitalized while solely taking the oral regimen of Vitamins A, C, D, and iodine, and not the oxidative therapies. All recovered uneventfully. There were NO deaths.” Which is a powerful testament to the immune boosting and immune modulating power of antioxidants and supplements for healing for patients.

As a Nationally Board Certified and Florida Licensed Traditional Chinese Physician, Herbalist and Acupuncturist, I have treated almost forty cases of either suspected or test validated.

Covid-19 patients in Florida with very good results using Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas based upon differential diagnosis where I treat both the “root” and “branch” of a patient’s symptoms or disease manifestations.  This philosophy takes into account the patients’ unique constitution underlying excesses and deficiencies and their disease and/or its symptoms.

China has a long history of effectively treating over 320 epidemic diseases with herbal, nutritional therapies and acupuncture. The renowned physician Dr. Tong Xiao Lin from Guang An Men Hospital traveled to Wuhan at the beginning of the outbreak in China to treat Covid-19 patients in the hospitals.  Dr. Tong Xiao Lin and his team worked diligently to create herbal formulas that dramatically helped patients heal and recover from Covid-19.

Dr. Tong Xiao Lin and his team published research on outcomes of over 1,200 COVID-19 patients in 10 provinces of China. All patients were treated with variations of a combination of two classical herbal formulas called, “Qing Fei Pai Du Tang” and 97.78% have shown significant improvement and/or full resolution of their symptoms without ANY harmful side effects! None of the patients with mild symptoms had any exacerbation (worsening) of their symptoms after taking this herbal formula.

(http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-03/17/c_1125724822.htm), (https://www.ijbs.com/v16p1708.htm)

Some of the twenty herbal ingredients in the potent herbal formula “Qing Fei Pai Du Tang” are Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), etc.

Photo: Jonathan Pielmayer

The above research is a both a testament to the beauty and legitimate potency of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I am always in a state of profound wonder and awe when I am able to harness the power of the medicinal properties of herbal substances and plants to facilitate profound healing in my patients.

Below is a summary of immune supporting herbs and supplements:

(Please consult with your primary care physician or TCM physician before beginning any supplements or herbs)

Vitamin D-3   (easily purchased at a local pharmacy or grocery store)

Vitamin C   (easily purchased at a local pharmacy or grocery store)

Vitamin A   (emulsified Vitamin A palmitate may be purchased on Amazon)

Resveratrol (from organic French Muscadine Grapes or Polygonum Cuspidatum Herb from Chinese Medicine) (purchased at https://www.perfectsupplements.com/Perfect-ResGrape-Resveratrol-p/resgrape.html)

For treatment of Covid-19 viral symptoms using Traditional Chinese Medicine including, “Qing Fei Pai Du Tang” or other similar appropriate herbal formulas, please contact your local Chinese Medicine Physician or I may be contacted at the information below.

April C. Brader, DOM had a near-death experience at the age of two after a severe head injury and was hospitalized.  For 15 years she ran community-based hospital occupational medicine, injury prevention and wellness programs for HealthTrust, HCA and Community Health Systems for the State of Florida.   She discovered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after she developed acute kidney disease and credits Chinese medicine for healing her and changing her life path. 

She is a Nationally Board Certified and Florida Licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Herbalist and Acupuncturist studying and using medicinal plants from all over the world including rainforest herbs, TCM herbs, Western herbs, Native American and Ayurvedic herbs to facilitate healing in patients. You may contact her at: Healthypathways.com