Cold, Cough, Sore Throat or Flu—What Should I Do?

Happy Holidays!

I already know its going to be bad, with the amount of colds, sniffles and respiratory illnesses I’ve seen since Thanksgiving. So just be mindful if you don’t think you’re sick, you’re probably going to be around someone who is!

Serve some chrysanthemum tea at your holiday party and don’t forget MASKS WORK! Feel free to grab an extra one at your next visit.

Here are some tips for those of you who already come to see me:

Ask me for an herbal formula ahead of time, to keep on hand, just in case.

If you’ve already been exposed and you know it - get an herbal consultation right away!

Keep in mind that if you contact me after 2-3pm and you need your formula shipped, you have already lost a day (time is critical!)- contact me as EARLY in the day, as possible. (before 1pm is best)

The pharmacy can deliver within Manhattan on the same day if we put the order in early enough but if it’s a holiday they could be closed. Always choose the fastest shipping option or send a friend to the pharmacy to pick up the same day for you. It is important to begin taking the medicine right away if you want to shorten your illness time.

Don’t contact me on a holiday when the pharmacy is closed —there will also be shipping delays (and I am a person who also has a family and might be occupied living my life for a day, even though appreciate you all!) Getting herbs over a holiday or weekend could potentially tack 1-2 more days onto your ability to receive herbs and in which by then your condition may change which will cause your herbal formula to change. Later stage formulas also tend to cost more.

Don’t contact me on day 3+ of being sick, instead contact me when you’ve had known exposure or on days 0-3

Don’t let an illness, especially a viral illness ride out in your system. Viruses can weaken your immunity and cause other issues long-term. Anti-viral herbs will help you shorten the time of your illness and halt viral replication. They must be taken as soon as possible.

For something immediate, get some airborne tablets (emergen-c is not the same thing) from your local pharmacy —in fact, keep them in your medicine cabinet!

Reminder: This post should not be taken as medical advice!

Not one of my patients?

You can order something for yourself, but be sure to check with your doctor, that whatever you take is ok for you. Check the ingredient lists for allergens. This is for educational purposes and I have not diagnosed you personally so these can only be taken as general recommendations you get from a stranger or website on the internet!

Yin Qiao San for fever, sore throat, cough, body aches
Meridian Cold and Flu Tea is also for fever, sore throat, cough, body aches

Ban Lan Gen Granules for sore throat
Niu Huang for very bad sore throat with fever

Pei Pa Koa Cough Syrup relieves cough and sore throat but if you have a fever you will also need one of the above

Po Chai Pills for stomach virus or food poisoning (this contains gluten)

This post should not be taken as medical advice. Please see your doctor for all your medical conditions.

Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM 12/1/25, published on 12/15/25

You might also be interested in reading: Benefits of Chrysanthemum, 5 Herbs for Coughing, Benefits of Ginger