Stay protected and knowledgeable as we move into the Summer season – remember, sickness lingers all year round!
As we move from spring into summer, nature becomes vibrant, expansive, and full of movement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is the season of growth, circulation, renewal, and rising Yang energy. However, the transitional period calls for attention, and the use of a traditional Chinese herbal remedy can help aid.
In the UK especially, the weather can be unpredictable. From warm sunshine one moment followed by chilly winds, rain, and dampness the next. This fluctuation is exactly why TCM teaches us to be mindful of ‘Wind Invasion’ during this time of year, and how a traditional Chinese herbal remedy can help during this time.
In this blog, we’ll explain the concept of ‘Wind Invasion’, and discuss the benefits of the herbal remedy Ban Lan Gen.
Understanding ‘Wind Invasion’ in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wind is considered one of the primary external pathogens. Wind can enter the body when our defensive Qi – known as Wei Qi – is weakened, particularly through the back of the neck, shoulders, and upper respiratory tract.
Typical signs of a Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invasion may include:
Sudden chills or feeling cold
Sneezing or runny nose
Scratchy or sore throat
Headache or body aches
Mild fever
Fatigue or lowered immunity
Sinus congestion or allergies
Because spring weather shifts so quickly, many people dress lightly in the sunshine only to get caught in cold winds later in the day. Over time this can weaken the lungs, stress the immune system, and contribute to lingering colds, viral infections, allergies, and fatigue well into early summer.
In TCM, spring is also associated with the Liver system, movement, and rising energy. If the body struggles to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, pollen, dampness, and wind, both the respiratory and digestive systems can become vulnerable.
Supporting Immunity with a traditional Chinese herbal remedy – Ban Lan Gen
One of the most respected traditional remedies used during seasonal transition is Ban Lan Gen. This is one we at Touch Tuina personally always have in our TCM medicine cabinets to halt disease in its tracks.
Ban Lan Gen is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy used to clear heat and relieve toxicity, especially at the very first signs of throat irritation, viral illness, or upper respiratory infection. It is widely used during periods when many people are becoming unwell and is valued for helping the body resist seasonal pathogens.
Traditionally, Ban Lan Gen may help to:
Support the immune system
Soothe sore throats
Reduce Heat toxins
Help the body fight off seasonal infections
Support the lungs and respiratory tract
Clear lingering mucus and Dampness
Reduce fatigue after illness
Strengthen resilience during changeable weather
In TCM terms, Ban Lan Gen works by clearing pathogenic heat from the body while supporting the Lung system. This is an organ network strongly connected to immunity and defensive Wei Qi.
A TCM Perspective on Seasonal Wellness
This traditional Chinese herbal remedy is beautifully suited to the UK spring climate. Here, the cold winds, dampness, pollen, and rapid weather changes can challenge the lungs, digestion, and immune system simultaneously.
The combination of Wind-Heat clearing herbs, Lung-supportive remedies, Damp-resolving ingredients, and Qi tonics helps the body remain strong, adaptable, and protected during seasonal transition. This is particularly true for those prone to recurrent colds, allergies, sinus issues, fatigue, mucus congestion, or lowered immunity.
In TCM, prevention is always considered better than cure. By staying aligned with the seasons and supporting the body gently through food, herbs, rest, and mindful daily practices, we can move into summer feeling stronger, clearer, and more energised.
Want to Try this Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedy for Yourself?
Pop into our clinic or give us a call to pick up a bottle today!
