Some of you may have already noticed Lianhua Qingwen being discussed in your Telegram groups and on social media, along with claims that this TCM substance can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.
The medicine is approved for the alleviation of cold and flu symptoms, but there is no scientific proof to support its efficacy against COVID-19, according to a warning posted on Facebook by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday, November 17th.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/sghealthministry/posts/265082542313843
However, there was disagreement among internet users, and some even went so far as to support the usage of the drug.
Why are so many people persuaded that Lianhua Qingwen works? What is actually contained in the drug? For additional details on the drug, we chatted with TCM practitioners to find out their take on the drug.
What is Lianhua Qingwen? Who can take it?
Forsythia, honeysuckle, Chinese ephedra, Isatis indigotica (also known as woad), patchouli, Chinese rhubarb, Chinese liquorice, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Rhodiola crenulata, chameleon plant, Siberian apricot, gypsum, and menthol are all ingredients in the herbal supplement that is available in both capsule and powder form.
We suggest using Lianhua Qingwen mainly to reduce fever and other flu-related early symptoms.
Some people may be suitable to use this over-the-counter medication to ease these symptoms, but we encourage you to consult our physicians before taking them to determine if it is suitable for your body constitution.
If you are having problems with your lungs or if your fever lingers even after taking this for a day or two, we advise seeing a Western doctor too.
How does it work?
In general, TCM treats the root causes and symptoms of the ailment you’re experiencing, rather than the actual diseases.
So when you have an early onset of flu or fever, Lianhua Qingwen helps eliminate the poisons and ‘heat’ from your body.
Can the medication be used to treat Covid-19?
According to Dr. Zhong Nanshan, one of China’s leading authorities on respiratory diseases, Lianhua Qingwen “has been shown helpful for the treatment of Covid-19,” according to Chinese state media China Global Television Network.
There is no proof that it can be used to treat or prevent Covid-19, according to local authorities MOH and the Health Sciences Authority.
In conclusion
As far as the drug is concerned, Lianhua Qingwen “may genuinely aid to soothe the patient” because the early signs of Covid-19 are “mainly flu symptoms.”
However, the drug alone is not designed to cure Covid-19, that much is clear.
Before using self-medication, one should unquestionably visit a doctor as well.
This article was adapted from AsiaOne.
