When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, it changed nearly every aspect of life — from how we work and travel to how we view our health. While vaccines and modern medical treatments played an essential role in controlling the spread of the virus, many people also turned toward herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for additional protection, recovery, and long-term support.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, lung inflammation, and multi-organ failure — particularly in those with weak immunity or chronic conditions.
How Herbal Medicine Supports the Body
Herbal medicine works by strengthening the body’s natural defense system (immune system) and balancing internal organs such as the lungs, spleen, and kidneys.
In TCM philosophy, diseases like COVID-19 are seen as an invasion of “external pathogens” that disturb the body’s harmony. Therefore, treatment aims to expel the pathogen, relieve symptoms, and restore balance.
Herbal therapy helps by:
- Boosting lung and immune function
- Reducing inflammation and mucus buildup
- Easing cough and breathing difficulties
- Supporting recovery after infection (fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Fight Against COVID-19
During the height of the pandemic, TCM played a significant role in China’s COVID-19 treatment protocol, with many hospitals combining herbal therapy and acupuncture alongside Western medicine.
Clinical results showed that patients receiving TCM support often experienced:
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced symptom severity
- Lower rate of complications
Some classic TCM formulations, such as Lianhua Qingwen and Qingfei Paidu Decoction, were used to manage fever, cough, and sore throat — aiming to clear “heat” and toxins from the lungs.
TheTole’s Herbal and Acupuncture Approach
At TheTole, herbal formulations are individually prepared based on each person’s body condition and recovery stage.
Dato’ Leong Hong Tole and his team combine ancient herbal knowledge with modern diagnostic understanding to strengthen the immune system, support lung recovery, and help detoxify post-infection weakness or long-COVID symptoms.
TheTole’s treatment focuses on:
- Custom herbal prescriptions for immune and respiratory support
- Acupuncture therapy to improve oxygen circulation and energy flow
- Detoxification to clear phlegm, inflammation, and fatigue from the body
- Regeneration herbs to rebuild strength after prolonged illness
Since 1987, TheTole Herbal and Acupuncture Centre has been trusted for its natural approach to various chronic and viral-related conditions — including respiratory and immune-related problems.
Conclusion
While vaccines and modern medicine remain vital tools in combating COVID-19, herbal medicine offers valuable complementary support — especially for enhancing immunity, speeding recovery, and preventing relapse.
With proper professional guidance from experts like Dato’ Leong Hong Tole, combining traditional herbal therapy and acupuncture can help restore the body’s balance, strength, and resilience in the post-pandemic era.