The lungs, together with the stomach and intestines, are organs that have passages directly connected to the outside, and they are important organs that affect the body’s immunity. The lungs, together with the stomach and intestines, are organs that have passages directly connected to the outside, and they are important organs that affect the body’s immunity. Just as we absorb, break down, and digest nutrients from the food we eat, we also create the qi and blood that make up our body from the air we breathe. That is why the respiratory tract, which connects the nasal cavity, throat, bronchi, and lungs, is very important, just like the Digestive System that connects the mouth and esophagus to the stomach. However, as we enter an aging society, the number of patients suffering from Respiratory Conditions due to weakened lung function is steadily increasing.
Also, at a time when respiratory health is under warning signs due to infection, air pollution, smoking, and enclosed work environments, in addition to well-known conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma, the nose and throat, as respiratory organs, can become more susceptible to various viruses as air passes through the bronchi and lungs, which may lead to conditions such as cough, Common Cold, and Pharyngitis. At Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide prescriptions and treatments to strengthen the Respiratory System, support weakened lung function, and moisten dry lungs.
(1) Chronic Cough
Coughing is a kind of defense response that helps prevent harmful substances from entering through the airway and remove secretions from the lungs and bronchi. Depending on the duration, a cough lasting 3 weeks or less is called an acute cough, and a cough lasting 8 weeks or more is called a Chronic Cough. Healthy people often improve quickly, but if a cough does not improve over time, it is important to identify the Causes.
Major Causes of Chronic Cough include postnasal drip syndrome, asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, Reflux Esophagitis, chronic bronchitis caused by smoking, and bronchiectasis, and it may also appear with other lung diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer. In particular, older adults with weak immunity, people with asthma, and patients with rhinitis need to be especially careful. Also, when the throat is swollen, scratchy, or painful, inflammatory conditions such as Pharyngitis or tonsillitis may be present, and if you have a lingering cough, treatment for Respiratory Conditions may be needed.
(2) Common Cold
The Common Cold is one of the most common acute illnesses, presenting as symptoms of infection in the upper Respiratory System, including the nose and throat, caused by viruses. Symptoms appear 1~3 days after exposure to a Common Cold virus, and they can vary depending on how much the virus has penetrated the upper Respiratory System. The severity of symptoms differs depending on the patient’s age, immune status, and other factors. Symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, mild fever, headache, and muscle aches may appear.
From the perspective of Korean medicine, Common Cold symptoms are understood to gradually worsen over time and become more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is advisable to receive care and an appropriate prescription when symptoms first appear.
(3) Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis can be divided into acute and chronic types. In acute cases, early Common Cold symptoms such as mild cough, phlegm, and a low-grade fever may appear. It is especially likely to occur during seasonal changes, and it may develop when immunity is lowered due to irregular lifestyle patterns or accumulated fatigue. Many people leave it untreated, thinking it will get better in a few days, but if the right timing for treatment is missed, inflammation often recurs repeatedly and becomes chronic Pharyngitis. In this case, in addition to treatment, it is necessary to avoid smoking and alcohol and to limit irritating foods as much as possible. Chronic Pharyngitis can occur due to congenital and Acquired Factors. If the bronchi have been weak since birth, infection by bacteria or viruses, postnasal drip syndrome, or Reflux Esophagitis may irritate the bronchi and progress to chronic Pharyngitis.
In addition, when acute Pharyngitis occurs repeatedly several times and residual inflammation progresses to a chronic condition, it often does not heal with antibiotics. This is because the inflammatory response has already increased and repeated damage has occurred. In this situation, treatment should focus intensively on chronic inflammation. Inflammation can cause the bronchi to swell, making it difficult to breathe and causing chest tightness, and it may bring discomfort to daily life overall, such as reduced appetite, weight loss, weakened physical strength, and accumulated fatigue. Also, if Pharyngitis is left untreated without fundamental treatment, it can progress past bronchitis to more severe Respiratory Conditions involving bronchial dilation, so it is important to receive active treatment. The longer chronic Pharyngitis has persisted, the more important it is not only to improve inflammation, but also to improve uncomfortable symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address the underlying immune system.
Korean Medicine Respiratory Health Care These days, we are increasingly exposed to environments that burden the Respiratory System, such as coronavirus, severe fine dust, and large daily temperature swings. At times like this, we need ways to protect respiratory health in daily life. In fact, breathing depends on the balance between inhaling and exhaling. In particular, breathing in through the nose rather than the mouth and exhaling through the mouth should be maintained consistently, so that unnecessary gas remaining in the body can be released and clean air can be inhaled.
Along with these lifestyle habits, adding Korean medicine methods for respiratory health care can help protect both respiratory health and immunity. Respiratory Conditions are commonly treated with inhaled steroids that expand the bronchi. Steroids suppress an overactive immune response and reduce the inflammatory response quickly, but side effects from long-term use can be serious, and the recurrence rate of the illness is also high. Korean medicine treatment complements the limitations of steroids by using medicinal herbs that have fewer side effects even when taken for a long time, strengthening the individual’s immunity and providing fundamental treatment. In addition, at Hoechundang Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic, we carefully prepare and prescribe Korean medicine Common Cold remedies, Ssanghwatang, Cheongin Yukwaehwan, and Tongbidan so that you can protect both respiratory health and immunity with Korean medicine.
A Spring Rain For A Tired Throat: Cheongin Yukwaehwan Korean Medicine Throat Candy
Cheongin Yukwaehwan is a Korean medicine throat candy made by adding a modern interpretation to the specialized know-how of traditional herbal medicine from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital and the herbal medicine research lab. The throat candies we commonly know do not contain real herbal medicine ingredients. However, Cheongin Yukwaehwan is a professional Korean medicine product based on the prescription Gamgiltang, which is used for tonsillitis. It was made in candy form so that it is easy to take, children do not feel resistant to it, and it can be carried and taken frequently with convenience.
Also, because it is taken by dissolving in the mouth, it stays in the throat longer than a spray, so its effect lasts longer. It contains propolis, which is known for excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and menthol for a cooling sensation, and it has a soothing effect for cough caused by a Common Cold and when the throat is swollen. It helps relieve symptoms when there is cough, phlegm, or discomfort in the throat due to chronic respiratory infection. It is also effective for people with rhinitis or asthma, and it helps with the sensation of a foreign body in the throat for people who smoke a lot. Also, after going outside even briefly because of fine dust, you may feel your throat sting and become scratchy. Adults, and especially households with children, may have many worries because it is hard to know when the air quality will improve. Cheongin Yukwaehwan can help prevent Respiratory Conditions so the whole family, from children to adults, can feel less concerned about fine dust.
People whose jobs require heavy voice use also often experience hoarseness or frequent throat pain. For those who consult with customers, teach, or work in broadcasting or music, daily throat care is very important. When the throat is overused in this way, many people continue to look for Cheongin Yukwaehwan as an item for throat care.
Feel a refreshing breath, Tongbidan
Tongbidan is an herbal throat candy made based on the classic prescription “Changisan,” introduced in Donguibogam. It is an herbal medicine that may be helpful for chronic nasal congestion and rhinitis treatment, and may help improve issues such as reduced concentration or sudden drowsiness. It is prepared in troche form, meaning a candy that dissolves in the mouth, so it is easy for both children and adults to take. Rather than a bitter taste, it provides a refreshing sensation, making it convenient to take. We recommend it for people who experience significant daily discomfort from chronic rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis, sinusitis, and nasal congestion. We also recommend it for tired students and exam-takers with reduced concentration or drowsiness, as well as for people who drive often or drive for work as a way to help prevent drowsy driving.
Even one candy can make the head and nose feel refreshed, so you can keep it in your bag or car and take it out conveniently whenever needed. It is better to let it dissolve slowly rather than chew or swallow it, and please take it after receiving appropriate instructions on how to take it according to the prescription and guidance of the Medical Team at Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic. In this way, Tongbidan was developed from long-standing know-how and extensive clinical experience, and may help lower concerns about side effects or tolerance while helping reduce easy recurrence of throat discomfort caused by various Respiratory System symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Comfort for body and mind, Korean Medicine Common Cold medicine and Ssanghwatang
Korean medicine Common Cold medicine is characterized by being taken immediately when symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, or nasal congestion appear even slightly, helping reduce symptoms. If you pay attention to symptom relief early, you may not need to rely on antibiotics or fever reducers. Hoechundang Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic understands this well, and we have worked to prepare Korean medicine Common Cold medicine so patients can manage early signs of a Common Cold efficiently.
Using the experience and confidential formulas accumulated from 1904 to the present, we carefully include medicinal herbs that may help improve Common Cold symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, sneezing, chills, fever, headache, and body aches. Because many people seek Korean medicine Common Cold medicine, we carefully decoct and prepare it every day after inspecting the herbs in our in-clinic herbal medicine research lab and decoction room, so it can be prescribed right away.
In addition, Ssanghwatang at Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic has the advantage of helping reduce body-ache symptoms and supporting recovery from fatigue when taken promptly. If you pay attention and manage it a little early, you may not need to suffer from a prolonged Common Cold, body aches, or fatigue. We generously include medicinal herbs that may help efficiently manage body-ache symptoms, weakness, fatigue, and overwork.