Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played an important role in fighting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Chinese medical expert Liu Qingquan said in a recent interview with People’s Daily.

Liu Qingquan

The combination of TCM and Western medicine has been a highlight of China’s approach to tackling COVID-19, said Liu, who is a member of China’s central guidance team on tackling COVID-19 and president of the Beijing Hospital of TCM. He was also the president of the Fangcang temporary hospital in Jiangxia district in virus-hit Wuhan.

The Fangcang temporary hospital in Jiangxia district mainly used TCM therapies to treat COVID-19 patients, and Liu has been fighting on the front line since the beginning of the battle against the epidemic.

According to Liu, 80 percent of COVID-19 patients are mild and common cases, for whom TCM treatment has been shown to be extremely effective.

Generations of epidemiologists agree that the occurrence of epidemics is mostly caused by germs that enter the human body through the nose and mouth, which is why it’s important for people to protect them, Liu stressed.

A healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and enhanced immunity are also very important, Liu said, explaining that the key point of TCM treatment is helping improve people’s immunity.

As the epidemic continues to spread across the globe, people must ensure proper cleaning and disinfection after returning to their homes, Liu added.

Liu suggested that overseas Chinese and Chinese students studying abroad try to keep a relaxed mood and practice the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi while at home.

They can also consume some foods that are also sources of TCM herbal medicine to boost their immune system, such as ginger, Chinese date, and lily, according to Liu, who added that people can boil these foods with a little Agastache rugosus and Rhizoma Atractylodis, and then drink the water.

China has formed a complete and rigorous epidemic prevention and control system, including prevention and control measures for imported cases and domestic cases, Liu said.

With the overseas situation becoming increasingly serious, it’s understandable that some Chinese people are worried that there might be a return of the outbreak in China, Liu said, adding that as long as China continues adhering to its epidemic prevention and control strategies, the country can guarantee a safe and beautiful homeland for its people.