My Empirical Formulas for Treating COVID-19 and Its Complications

Doctor zhou
The pandemic still rages and many are still suffering. I am publishing my various empirical formulas for treating COVID-19, hoping to help everyone.
Chaihu Guizhi Tang: Guizhi 9 g, Huangqin 9 g, Renshen 9 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, Fabanxia 12 g, Baishao 9 g, Chaihu 24 g, Dazao 12 pieces, Shengjiang 7 slices, decoct in water.
This is my first-recommended base formula for the various miscellaneous problems caused by COVID. I have used the original formula to resolve many people fever, dizziness, headache, body pain, low-back pain, sore throat, loss of smell, loss of taste, poor appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and so on.
Its effective rate for relieving COVID symptoms exceeds 80%. My own relatives in Beijing, Shanghai, Hubei, Shenzhen, Guangxi and Hainan—those infected over three days yet still with odd symptoms—I basically treated with this same formula, with immediate effect and usually relief in one dose. I have also tried many experts recommended COVID formulas; none so far works as well. Of course some patients do not respond, and their cases are usually complex, needing detailed differentiation and individualized treatment.
The indication is patients with alternating aversion to cold and fever, night sweats, bitter mouth and dry throat. Most of the baffling miscellaneous symptoms of mid-course COVID can be eased by Chaihu Guizhi Tang.
For severe cough, add Sangbaipi 9 g, Pipaye 9 g, Jiegeng 6 g, Ziwan (Aster) 9 g, Kuandonghua (Tussilago) 9 g. For profuse sweating and fatigue, take Shengmai Yin oral liquid alongside, or add Maidong 15 g, Wuweizi 9 g, Fuxiaomai (light wheat) 30 g. For young vigorous patients, replace Renshen with Dangshen 15–30 g. For dry mouth and severe cough, replace Renshen with Beishashen (Glehnia) 30 g and add Sangbaipi 9 g, Lugen (Phragmites rhizome) 30 g. For frail elders with cold limbs, replace Renshen with Hongshen 9 g. For constitutionally yin-deficient patients, replace Renshen with Xiyangshen 9 g or Beishashen 30 g.
For profuse phlegm with counterflow qi and wheezing/breathlessness, combine with Huangqi Fangji Tang and add Sangbaipi, Huainiuxi, Cheqianzi: Guizhi 9 g, Huangqin 9 g, Renshen 9 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, Fabanxia 12 g, Baishao 9 g, Chaihu 24 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Han Fangji 30 g, Chao Baizhu 20 g, Fuling 30 g, Sangbaipi 9 g, Cheqianzi 15 g, Huainiuxi 15 g, Dazao 12 pieces, Shengjiang 7 slices.
Ordinary pain is relieved directly by Chaihu Guizhi Tang. But those with prior low-back/leg pain worsened this time may add Mugua (Chaenomeles) 30 g, Sigualuo (luffa vein) 10 g, Shenjincao (Lycopodium) 10 g, Luxiancao (Pyrola) 10 g, Duzhong 10 g, Xuduan 10 g, Huainiuxi 10 g.
All doses above are for adults; infants 0–3 take one third, children 3–10 take half, over-10 take adult dose. One dose usually relieves.
To decoct Chaihu Guizhi Tang and its modifications: soak the herbs 3–5 minutes, cover with 2–3 cm water, bring to a boil over high heat then simmer 10 minutes; strain, pour out the liquid, then boil the liquid another 2–3 minutes. One dose may be decocted twice, combined and split into 2–3 portions.
Mahuang Tang: Mahuang 15 g, Guizhi 10 g, Xingren 10 g, Zhi Gancao 5 g. For early-stage COVID patients who cannot sweat and have severe aversion to cold. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult. One dose usually relieves.
Patients taking Mahuang Tang must show: aversion to cold not relieved by covering, intolerance of cold objects or ice packs, no dry/parched mouth, generalized body pain, fever, clear urine. After one dose, if sweating is successfully induced, do not continue; if fever persists, switch to Guizhi Tang.
For aversion to cold, body pain, no sweat but dry mouth and parched tongue, add raw Shigao (gypsum) 30 g—boil raw gypsum alone over high heat 10–15 minutes first. For dry mouth with wheezing, add Sangbaipi 9–15 g, Lugen 30 g.
Guizhi Tang: Guizhi 15 g, Baishao 15 g, Zhi Gancao 10 g, Shengjiang 7 slices, Dazao 7 pieces. For patients with aversion to cold and body pain who can sweat. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult.
Patients must show: aversion to cold and wind, ability to sweat (even profuse), no dry mouth, intolerance of cold/ice, generalized pain, fever, clear urine. For wheezing, add Sangbaipi 9–15 g, Xingren 6 g, Houpo 6 g.
Gegen Tang: Gegen 20 g, Mahuang 15 g, Guizhi 10 g, Baishao 10 g, Zhi Gancao 10 g, Shengjiang 7 slices, Dazao 7 pieces. For hypertensive patients and those with neck-back pain who cannot sweat. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult. Take 1–2 doses a day, divided into 2–3 portions.
Indication: marked aversion to cold not relieved by covering, intolerance of cold/ice, no dry mouth, generalized pain, neck-back pain, headache, soaring blood pressure poorly controlled by antihypertensives, fever, clear urine. If sweating succeeds, stop; if fever persists, switch to Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang.
Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang: Gegen 20 g, Guizhi 15 g, Baishao 15 g, Zhi Gancao 10 g, Shengjiang 7 slices, Dazao 7 pieces. For hypertensive patients and neck-back pain who can sweat. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult.
Indication: aversion to cold and wind, intolerance of cold/ice, no dry mouth, generalized pain, neck-back pain, headache, soaring blood pressure poorly controlled by antihypertensives, fever, clear urine, with or without diarrhea.
Severe patients on Guizhi Tang or Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang may take 2–3 doses by day and one more at night; each dose split into 2–3 portions every 1–2 hours.
The above four formulas (Mahuang, Guizhi, Gegen, Guizhi Jia Gegen) must not be decocted long; briefly soak 3–5 minutes or skip soaking, boil over high heat and take; each dose decocted twice and taken in two portions.
Qingfei Tang (Lung-Clearing Decoction): Huangqin 8 g, Xingren 8 g, Chuanbeimu 8 g, Zhuru 8 g, Maidong 12 g, Sheng Gancao 4 g, Jiegeng 8 g, Zhizi (Gardenia) 8 g, Chenpi 8 g, Fuling 12 g, Wuweizi 2 g, Sangbaipi 8 g, Tiandong 8 g, Danggui 12 g, Dazao 8 g, Shengjiang 2 g. One dose daily, decocted twice, taken in 2–3 portions after meals. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult. This is the Japanese Kampo Qingfei Tang, for lung-heat cough/wheeze, dry mouth, and cough with yellow phlegm. Decoct as for Chaihu Guizhi Tang above.
Modified Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang: Zhi Mahuang 6 g, Xingren 6 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, raw Shigao 30 g (boil 15 min first), Sangbaipi 9 g, Ziwan 9 g, Kuandonghua 9 g. For post-COVID dry throat, nasal congestion, breathing difficulty and incessant cough. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult.
Boil the raw gypsum first about 15 minutes, then add the other herbs with water 2–3 cm above the herbs, bring to a boil over high heat then simmer 5–10 minutes. Each dose may be decocted twice.
For mild cough, two herbal teas:
Gouteng Bohe Tea: 3–5 Gouteng (Uncaria) roots (note: roots, not grams), 3–5 fresh mint leaves (or 0.5–1 g dried); steep in boiling water like tea for a few minutes and drink, refreshing when weak. Relieves dry cough and dry mouth.
Jiegeng Gancao Tea: Jiegeng 3 g, Sheng Gancao 3 g; steep in boiling water and drink as tea, refreshing when weak. Relieves cough with hard-to-expectorate phlegm.
Readers also report that applying Fengyoujing or a cooling liniment to the throat eases cough. Pharmacy Western phlegm/cough medicines and some Chinese throat-moistening cough syrups also help, though hard to buy now.
Below are my honey-pill formulas for COVID-induced chronic conditions.
Baoxin Huhu Wan (self-formulated): Huangqin 10 g, Qinghao 10 g, Dilong 20 g, Xiyangshen 6 g, Maidong 10 g, Tiandong 10 g, Baihe 10 g, Wuweizi 10 g, Yuanzhi 10 g, Suanzaoren 6 g, Chuanxiong 6 g, Rougui 6 g, Sheng Huangqi 30 g, Danggui 6 g, Huangjing 10 g, Jiegeng 6 g, Gancao 6 g, Pipaye 6 g, Chuanbeimu 6 g, Zhuru 6 g, Juhong 6 g, Yiyiren 30 g, Shanzha 20 g.
Powder all, bind with refined honey to soybean-sized pills; take 15–60 pills. For COPD patients in whom COVID triggers persistent cough/wheeze, chest tightness and fatigue that do not resolve naturally.
Yiqi Huayu Wan (self-formulated): Sheng Huangqi 50 g, Xiyangshen 10 g, Maidong 20 g, Tiandong 20 g, Wuweizi 20 g, Dilong 10 g, Rougui 5 g, Danggui 10 g.
Powder all, honey-pill to soybean size; take 20–40 pills. For constitutionally frail people with post-COVID fatigue and breathlessness.
Chai Gui Jing Fang Baidu Xiefei Wan (self-formulated): Guizhi 10 g, Huangqin 10 g, Renshen 10 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, Baishao 10 g, Chaihu 25 g, Tianhuafen 15 g, Huoxiang 5 g, Peilan 5 g, Sharen 5 g, Qianghuo 10 g, Chuanxiong 5 g, Cangzhu 5 g, Houpo 5 g, Zhiqiao 5 g, Baizhi 5 g, Manjingzi 15 g, Fangfeng 5 g, Jingjie 5 g, Pipaye 10 g, Sangbaipi 15 g, Jineijin 6 g, Shanzha 15 g, Gegen 15 g, Jiegeng 10 g, Dilong 10 g, Dazao rou 25 g, Ganjiang 5 g. Those with pre-pandemic weak digestion and frequent diarrhea add Huanglian (Coptis) 5 g, Huangbai (Phellodendron) 5 g, Qinpi (Fraxinus bark) 5 g, Baitouweng (Pulsatilla) 15 g.
Powder all, honey-pill to soybean size; take 20–60 pills. For post-COVID alternating heat/cold, night sweats, recurrent low fever, poor appetite, loss of taste/smell, frequent cough, body pain, stubborn headache.
Wuji Wan: Baizhi 6 g, Chuanxiong 6 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, Fuling 6 g, Danggui 6 g, Rougui 6 g, Baishao 6 g, Fabanxia 6 g, Chenpi 12 g, Zhiqiao 12 g, Mahuang 12 g, Cangzhu 48 g, Ganjiang 8 g, Jiegeng 24 g, Houpo 8 g.
Powder all, honey-pill to soybean size; take 20–40 pills. For headache, body pain, abdominal/chest pain, poor appetite, nausea/vomiting and menstrual irregularity from external wind-cold or internal cold raw food.
Also, after my own infection, the vaccinated arm developed an allergic rash—red papules, some with vesicles, mildly itchy. I sprayed Zhenggu Shui (a trauma liniment) several times and it improved markedly. This is for those with COVID skin allergy. Allergic patients may also use calamine lotion, Pifukang lotion or Chonglu Jiedu tincture externally per package instructions.
I myself have been drinking one Dangshen-type Shengmai Yin vial daily plus eating 3–5 hawthorns; it seems to help fatigue and prevent cardiovascular changes. Fellow colleagues who still must work intensely may try it; perhaps it is why my strength recovered so well.
In the second to third week, some patients develop dizziness; I treat with Chaihu Guizhi Tang, basically one dose relieving. Others have mild chest tightness/pain; I use Shengmai Yin plus raw hawthorn, relieving in a day or two. Worse cases use Xuefu Zhuyu Wan, also usually relieved. Those with severe stabbing chest pain should seek care promptly and check cardiac enzymes—such patients risk viral myocarditis; combine Shengmai Yin, Xuefu Zhuyu Wan, coenzyme Q10 and raw hawthorn.
Some patients develop diarrhea within days or in week three; these are basically treated with Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (above), or Gegen Qinlian Tang, or Huanglian Jiedu Tang.
Gegen Qinlian Tang: Gegen 15 g, Huanglian 9 g, Huangqin 9 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g. For severe diarrhea add Qinpi 9 g, Baitouweng 15 g. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult. Soak 3–5 minutes, boil over high heat and take.
Huanglian Jiedu Tang: Huanglian 6 g, Huangqin 6 g, Zhizi 9 g, Huangbai 9 g. Adult dose; 0–3 one third, 3–10 half, over 10 adult. Soak 3–5 minutes, boil over high heat and take.
These two are very bitter and not for children. For children diarrhea, replace fluids with oral rehydration salts, wait for self-recovery, and observe closely. If diarrhea resolves on its own in 2–3 days, no rush to medicate.
The late stage of COVID is marked by vascular inflammation and injury to cardiomyocytes and brain cells—termed stasis in TCM, treated by supplementing qi and activating blood. Early stage is cold congealing and stasis; mid stage is intermingled cold-heat with phlegm-stasis binding, so mid-stage symptoms respond well to Chaihu Guizhi Tang plus herbs that drain heat and stop wheeze, resolve phlegm and drain water, and activate blood and dispel stasis.
These formulas and methods, though not double-blind tested, are mostly ones I actually used effectively in this wave. They should help some patients, though I cannot guarantee effect for everyone.
Because I have treated COVID for only a short time, many people have not completed a full course (some need over three months to fully recover; some sequelae appear only after two months), so the above prescriptions are not yet mature; I will refine them with experience and write this up again later.
Note: all the decoctions above must not be taken long; take 1–3 doses and stop once main symptoms ease. There is no specific cure for COVID; anyone claiming their formula completely cures COVID is talking nonsense.
All current COVID treatment is symptomatic; once symptoms resolve, recover by your own immunity. This disease causes many mild accompanying symptoms that basically resolve in 1–3 weeks whether medicated or not. Once fever, pain and fatigue are gone (or only mild fatigue remains), no more medicine is needed; wait for self-recovery.
I see many local Health Commission TCM guidelines requiring 7 or more days of medication—this carries unknown risk and wastes herbs, whose wholesale prices have risen sharply. There is no evidence that more TCM benefits COVID patients; after fever breaks and strength returns, days to full relief are basically the same whether medicated or not—medicine is only psychological comfort.
But many Chinese and Western drugs have side effects whose long-term harms are hard to detect. Especially worrying now is the mass abuse of Asarum-containing formulas; I have long studied cancer and am sensitive to carcinogenic herbs. Plenty of substitutes exist; there is no reason to risk cancer. To trigger liver cancer while treating COVID is, as the ancients said, "gouging out one heart flesh to heal a sore on the face."
Also, many children and elders abuse norfloxacin after diarrhea; I myself have suffered greatly from it. As a minor, the village barefoot doctor gave me norfloxacin many times; it stunted my bone development and prematurely destroyed my gut flora, causing chronic diarrhea as an adult.
This time, during my own recovery, I also had mild diarrhea for three or four days. I took not a single pill and waited for the body to recover. Our immune systems are powerful; trust them.
Once fever and pain ease, replace fluids, eat well, rest, and wait for recovery. In my own family, over 60% basically eased within a week of fever breaking, over 80% within two weeks, and over 95% within three. Those not basically eased all had pre-existing disease.
If after 1–2 doses of a Chinese formula you see no effect at all, it is not matching the pattern; do not continue. Those without underlying disease should stop all medicine once main symptoms ease after 1–2 doses. Do not crowd into clinics for IV drips during peak times.
Some villages in my county have had 20–30 deaths recently, far above other villages. A Hebei cancer-patient family member reported over a hundred deaths in their village (population about ten thousand); such mortality is abnormal.
The most likely cause is nosocomial infection at local grassroots clinics (village stations or nearby clinics) with clusters of resistant bacteria; so many villagers got IV drips together that cross-infection was easy. Once frail elders catch resistant bacteria, it is one blow too many. The West has precedent; they walked this path, and now so are we.
So we must cultivate the attitude: medicate cautiously, medicate little, medicate lightly, medicate harmlessly. Patients with underlying disease, after infection and relief, need close observation; those with symptoms continue symptomatic treatment under their attending doctor to prevent deterioration. Those without underlying disease should medicate as little as possible.
After fever breaks and strength returns, chronic-disease patients are best on pills rather than decoctions. Chronic disease needs patient conditioning over a long course; pills are better than decoctions, usually stopping once symptoms basically disappear. During recovery keep regular hours and a reasonable diet; avoid spicy/greasy food; stop smoking and limit alcohol.
Severe patients must be hospitalized promptly at secondary-level-or-above hospitals, ideally in the relevant specialty ward; higher-level hospitals have lower nosocomial infection rates because their infection control is more professional.
Cancer patients should prioritize oncology; diabetics endocrinology; hypertension and stroke-sequel patients neurology; heart-disease patients cardiology—these specialists know the underlying disease best. Most severe patients worsen their underlying disease after COVID and face high risk without specialist help.
Wishing everyone a speedy recovery! I am exhausted; I hope mild patients will not consult me but try my empirical formulas yourselves. My future focus will be caring for my own elderly family and the long-term cancer patients I treat—they are the high-risk group.

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