🌿 Folk Prescriptions

The World Health Organization's first survey on drug resistance showed that among the 6 to 8 million new cases recorded annually, 10% of patients are resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug, and 2% are resistant to more than two drugs. Among the 35 surveyed countries, drug-resistant tuberculosis was found in all. Most severe cases were reported in India, Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Dominican Republic, Argentina, etc. These alarming figures confirm that drug-resistant tuberculosis is quietly spreading in some countries and regions worldwide. If not taken seriously, drug-resistant tuberculosis will rapidly spread, a warning issued by WHO in recent years. Experts indicate that drug-resistant tuberculosis has been increasing in China recently, especially among elderly patients with recurrent tuberculosis. Sometimes even triple or quadruple anti-tuberculosis drugs fail to work. If the condition continues to progress, it truly affects health or endangers life. Traditional Chinese medicine has long documented tuberculosis, known as “Pulmonary Consumption.” Modern drug-resistant tuberculosis falls under the category of “Yin-Yang deficiency” type in traditional Chinese medicine. Main clinical symptoms include emaciation, afternoon tidal fever, generalized fatigue, expectoration or sputum with blood. Recent pharmacological studies show many Chinese herbs have strong inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For example: Stemona tuberosa, Scutellaria baicalensis, White Root, White Peony Root, Cordyceps sinensis, Belamcanda chinensis, Prunella vulgaris, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense, Dendrobium, Houttuynia cordata, Lycium bark, Ginkgo biloba, Honeysuckle, Forsythia suspensa, Isatis indigotica, Punica granatum, etc. Select 8–10 of the above herbs, 20–30 grams each, decoct and take orally. While using anti-tuberculosis drugs, combining Chinese herbal medicine can enhance efficacy and prevent drug resistance. Clinically, acupuncture or plum blossom needle therapy can be combined to boost immune function and accelerate metabolism, thereby enhancing the body’s resistance to disease, showing good auxiliary effects. Acupuncture points selected: Dazhui, Feishu, Gaochang, Xinyu, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, twice weekly, 3 months per course. Plum blossom needle therapy mainly targets back paraspinal points, tapping 80–100 times, aiming for local redness. It improves various symptoms of tuberculosis such as cough, night sweats, tidal fever, fatigue, insomnia. For drug-resistant tuberculosis, in addition to combined Western and Chinese medicine treatments, emphasis should also be placed on health preservation and prevention: regularly breathe fresh air. Open windows in the morning and evening, maintain fresh indoor air, frequently go outdoors to forests or parks to inhale fresh air. Prevent emotional distress. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that sorrow harms the lungs; maintain optimism and broad-mindedness, avoid worry and sadness, and refrain from idle anger. Pay attention to dietary therapy. Three meals a day, high protein, rich in vitamins. Such as fish, eggs, lean meat, bean products, spinach, bok choy, cabbage, radish, black fungus, mushrooms, pear, loquat, orange, etc. Ensure adequate sleep and regular routines. Quit smoking and alcohol, go to bed early and rise early, develop a habit of midday naps. Engage in moderate physical exercise. Practice Tai Chi, Qigong, gymnastics, or walk twice daily, each session lasting one hour. <Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis>