5 Crazy Chinese Cold Cures

It’s flu season and you’re probably mixing a Tylenol-Robitussin cocktail -- because who trusts that TCM hocus-pocus right? Actually aspirin (then willow bark), was used by the Chinese to cure colds thousands of years ago. So before discounting TCM summon your guinea pig and try some of these ancient “Sudafeds.”

Cordyceps

A caterpillar whose body and mind have been commandeered by a mushroom is probably not the first thing that pops to mind when you think “cold remedy.” But cordyceps have been used to combat the sniffles for over a thousand years, and are scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and bolster the immune system.

And just like many Western medicines, cordyceps aren't taken straight. Instead of coating them in bubble gum, the Chinese eat them in soups with turtle or fish maw, like at Jade Garden, or boil them with tea. Buy them at Tong Ren Tang for an exorbitant amount per jin. Take 5-10 grams daily for a month.

Find it: 1672 Yan'an Xi Lu (near Kaixuan Lu), Tel: [phone]

Artemisia Arygi Wormwood Fumes

Not big on oral medicine? Make like a stoner and hot-box yourself in a room with a bowl of burning Artemisia argyi wormwood. Allegedly bestowed with antiseptic properties, the dried leaves are used to ward off disease and evil spirits during the Dragon Boat Festival. Unfortunately, the fumes can also cause lung inflammation so they kind of defeat their own purpose. You can purchase wormwood in bulk on alibaba.com for around RMB100-600 per kilo.

Acupuncture

Though acupuncture’s a household name, it’s hard to stomach sticking yourself with hundreds of needles like Pinhead from Hellraiser (HealthRaiser?). Still, acupuncturists claim it’s qi-boosting effects translate to the immune system. Or maybe you feel better afterwards because you’re not full of needles anymore. You can turn yourself into a human voodoo doll at Body and Soul.

Find it: 14/F, 760 Xizang Nan Lu (near Jianguo Xin Lu) 西藏南路760号14楼 (近建国新路), Tel: [phone]

Snake Liquor

If that’s not exotic enough, drink snake wine. Don’t be put off by the name, Chinese animal liquors are traditionally used as medicines and not social lubricants, with myriad varieties for every ailment imaginable, set dosages and even side effects. We prescribe one shot of Dahushedao’s snake bile liquor every day for inflammation (RMB10).

Find it: 222 Kangding Road (near Jiangning Road) 康定路222号 (近江宁路), Tel: [phone]

Boiled Coca-Cola and Ginger

Boiled Coca-Cola with ginger can’t really be called TCM since Coke didn't arrive in China until after the 1978 Open Door policy. Nonetheless, even older Chinese swear by it. And it could be the most effective remedy, combining both ginger and Coke’s digestive and sinus-clearing properties. It’s like a medicinal speedball for both regular and stomach flu.