On the evening of May 22, China Global Television Network (CGTN) of the China Media Group hosted a special live broadcast titled “Global Pandemic Consultation Room,” featuring a dedicated session on traditional Chinese medicine. The program brought together TCM practitioners from China, Italy, France, and Brazil to discuss and share the role of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19.

Professor Fang Bangjiang, representing the Chinese side, is from Longhua Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and serves as the director of the Emergency Department of the hospital’s medical team dispatched to Wuhan. During his time in Wuhan, he was primarily responsible for treating COVID-19 patients at Leishenshan Hospital. According to Dr. Fang, the ward under his care admitted a total of 114 patients, 70 of whom received exclusively TCM treatment, and not a single patient died.

Also participating in the exchange were Laura Diminelli, Dean of the Giada Advanced School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Italy; Thomas Tatulli, Head of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Alès–Cévennes Central Hospital in France; and Dr. Haigins, Director of the Chinese Medicine Hospital in Brazil.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, as of the morning of May 23 local time, Brazil’s cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had reached 330,890, with 21,048 deaths. Italy has recorded a total of 228,658 confirmed cases and 32,616 deaths; additionally, according to the Italian Civil Protection Department on May 22, the country’s number of active COVID-19 cases fell below 60,000 for the first time since March 25, standing at 59,322. France currently reports a cumulative total of 179,306 confirmed cases and 28,167 deaths.

Dr. Fang Bangjiang began by systematically presenting several TCM therapeutic theories, methods, and clinical experiences that were distilled during the Wuhan epidemic response. He noted that traditional Chinese medicine’s understanding of infectious diseases dates back to the Shang Dynasty, with relevant discussions already appearing in the renowned classic text, the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: “Those who remain uninfected do so because their vital energy is robust within, rendering them impervious to pathogenic factors.”

In this regard, Dr. Fang pointed out that a fundamental principle of TCM in treating COVID-19 is to focus on modulating the patient’s immune function—what TCM refers to as “supporting the body’s vital energy.” He explained that early clinical use of Astragalus, American ginseng, Prince’s Ginseng, Ganoderma, and other qi-tonifying herbs has yielded promising results.

In addition, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes “detoxification” in the treatment of infectious diseases. Modern research on rhubarb has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, as well as its ability to improve microcirculation, alleviate intestinal symptoms, prevent gastrointestinal failure, and protect liver and kidney function. Consequently, rhubarb is widely used in clinical practice, with dosages ranging from 10 grams for mild cases to 20–60 grams for severe cases, and it has yielded promising therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Fang also underscored the importance of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine and recommended two Chinese herbal medicines—Polygonum cuspidatum and Verbena officinalis—that have demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy against both gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses. Dr. Fang noted that ancient Chinese medical texts document measures to prevent the spread of viruses, such as high-temperature disinfection through steaming and boiling clothing, as well as air disinfection using herbal remedies, and emphasized that effective preventive measures play an indispensable role in controlling epidemics.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine exert its effects in enhancing human immunity?

Dr. Laura Siminalli of Italy stated that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy continues to rise daily. However, because most patients seek care from their family physicians in the early stages of illness, this can lead to delayed diagnosis and progression to severe disease. In addition, the range of traditional Chinese medicine options available in Italy is limited. She expressed hope that Chinese medical experts could offer some recommendations to address these challenges.

Dr. Fang stated that, at present, most mild cases abroad are managing their condition through home isolation and self-care. For such patients, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated remarkably effective therapeutic outcomes; in fact, even solely employing TCM interventions can effectively prevent disease progression. He explained that TCM possesses the efficacy of calming the spirit and stabilizing the mind, and that acupuncture and other TCM therapies can effectively alleviate patients’ anxiety, thereby helping to modulate immune function.

He also noted that many traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are classified as both medicine and food; for instance, several herbs that have demonstrated notable efficacy in mild cases—such as Astragalus and ginseng—are readily available in Western pharmacies, as are Lingzhi mushroom and spore powder. Dr. Fang outlined the dosages typically prescribed for patients with mild or moderate illness: 10–15 grams of rhubarb, 15–20 grams of American ginseng or Korean ginseng, and approximately 30 grams of Ophiopogon. These regimens can be adjusted according to the individual patient’s condition. For critically ill patients, particularly those with multi-organ failure or respiratory failure, a dosage of about 30 grams each of ginseng and rhubarb is recommended; this approach not only helps boost immune function but also aids in clearing inflammatory mediators.

Dr. Fang emphasized that most critically ill patients have underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, and immune disorders; obesity is also a high-risk factor. Therefore, he advises these individuals to strengthen personal protective measures: limit outings, wash hands frequently, wear masks, avoid large gatherings, and ensure adequate rest and a balanced diet while maintaining a positive mental attitude. The best strategy is to do everything possible to avoid infection.

Dr. Hai Jins from Brazil stated that the COVID-19 situation in Brazil is extremely severe, with the death toll continuing to rise. He noted that Traditional Chinese Medicine boasts numerous time-honored formulas for promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, and expressed his hope that Dr. Fang would introduce some of these relevant herbal preparations. In addition, he also requested that Dr. Fang share information on TCM diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that are widely known in the West, such as acupuncture and moxibustion.

Dr. Fang stated that coagulation abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 are currently a major concern worldwide, with some cases presenting with cyanosis of the extremities and even stroke. He noted that several blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs he has used in clinical practice—such as rhubarb, polygonum cuspidatum, motherwort, and leech—have demonstrated excellent efficacy in alleviating these coagulation disorders. In addition, Dr. Fang highlighted that Sanqi powder is also highly effective in correcting disturbances in the coagulation system and can be appropriately applied in clinical settings.

Regarding acupuncture and other such methods, Dr. Fang stated that acupuncture is currently the most widely accepted clinical TCM treatment modality overseas. At the Leishenshan Hospital ward, 90% of patients received acupuncture therapy. However, he also cautioned all TCM practitioners to administer acupuncture only under protective conditions and to use cannulated needles whenever possible. Dr. Fang further shared several key acupoints, including Zusanli, Feiyu, and Taichong.

Have any books been published on the use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19?

Dr. Thomas Tattuli also shared insights into the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 patients in France. He stated that TCM diagnosis and treatment in France are primarily administered to healthcare professionals to help boost their immunity and reduce the risk of infection. In cities such as Alès and Mans, TCM practitioners have conducted TCM consultations for approximately 15% and 20% of healthcare workers, respectively, and provided therapeutic interventions—including tuina massage, acupuncture, and TCM nutritional therapy—yielding promising results.

Dr. Tatulli stated that an increasing number of hospitals are now accepting and providing traditional Chinese medicine treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic to support healthcare professionals. In France, TCM hospitals are also collaborating with several non-governmental organizations to issue special medical treatment cards for COVID-19 patients and establish fast-track access to care.