Highland ties run deep, and Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet have jointly developed a Tibetan medicine treatment protocol to support frontline epidemic prevention efforts.

　　“Born of love, we move against the tide; our heartfelt bond on the plateau is as strong as branches connected by the same root.” On February 19, another batch of Tibetan medicine granules and finished Tibetan medicines—each box adorned with deeply affectionate messages and blessings—was airlifted to Wuhan aboard the fifth Gansu medical team dispatched to Hubei, to support frontline epidemic prevention efforts. These medicines will be used by members of the Gansu medical team aiding Hubei for self-protection as well as for the treatment and recovery of COVID-19 patients.

　“ Gansu Prescription Tibetan Medicine Formula Product: Influenza Pills

　　This follows the initial shipment on February 16, when 2,688 doses of traditional Chinese medicine preventive formulas, 1,040 doses of traditional Chinese medicine treatment formulas, 14,400 bags of Tibetan medicine granules, and 640 boxes of Tibetan medicine finished products were airlifted to Wuhan. Now, the Gansu Provincial Health Commission (hereinafter referred to as “Gansu Health Commission”) has once again allocated 2,995 doses of traditional Chinese medicine preventive formulas, 1,500 doses of traditional Chinese medicine treatment formulas, 14,600 bags of Tibetan medicine granules, and 640 boxes of Tibetan medicine finished products to support Wuhan.

　　It is reported that the Tibetan medicines—such as “Influenza Pills,” “Renqing Mangjue Capsules,” and “Cuithang Granules”—which have been mobilized by the Gansu Health Commission, are Tibetan medicinal products included in the “Gansu Formula.” All of these products were donated by Gansu Qizheng Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Qizheng Tibetan Medicine.

　　“Gansu Prescription” Tibetan medicine product: Renqing Mangjue Capsules.

　　Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet Release Tibetan Medicine Treatment Protocol

　　Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, Gansu Province has established a coordinated mechanism for integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment, actively employing traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice with remarkable therapeutic effects. To further enhance the role of traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of COVID-19, Gansu Province has carefully summarized its previous successful experiences in using TCM to combat and prevent COVID-19, and organized experts to develop a series of TCM prescriptions specifically tailored for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Gansu Province. These prescriptions have yielded excellent results in both daily preventive measures and clinical applications.

　　Born of love, we move against the tide; the bond of the plateau—united in spirit and intertwined like branches of the same tree.

　　On February 15, the Gansu Health Commission issued the “Notice on Promoting the Use of a Series of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas for the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Across the Province” (hereinafter referred to as the “Notice”), which calls for the comprehensive promotion and use of the “Gansu Formulas” series of medicinal prescriptions in designated medical institutions and centralized quarantine sites throughout the province. The “Gansu Formulas” are divided into preventive formulas (Fuzheng Biwen Formula), therapeutic formulas (Xuanfei Hua Zhuo Formula and Qingfei Tongluo Formula), rehabilitation formulas (Yifei Jianpi Formula), and Tibetan medicine formulas.

　　Considering the convenience of carrying and taking the medication, as well as to ensure drug quality, Gansu Province has packaged the “Gansu Prescription” herbal formula granules into individual doses. Together with ready-to-use Tibetan medicines, these packages were urgently sent to Wuhan so that medical staff and patients could start taking preventive and therapeutic traditional Chinese medicines as soon as possible.

　　Tibetan medicine has made contributions to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

　　Gansu is the third province—following Tibet and Qinghai—to promote Tibetan medicinal formulas in the prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia. With the issuance of the “Notice,” Tibetan medicinal formulas have been explicitly listed as part of a series of prescriptions for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, making Tibetan medicine a powerful new force in the fight against the disease.

　　Qizheng Tibetan Medicine’s diverse product lineup supports epidemic prevention and control.

　　Packaging

　　It is understood that in the Tibetan medicine treatment plans issued by the three provinces of Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu, several products from Qizheng Tibetan Medicine—including Influenza Pills, Renqing Mangjue Capsules, and Cuitang Granules—are included as recommended medications.

　　Qizheng Tibetan Medicine was founded in 1995 in Linzhi, Tibet. The company is dedicated to the inheritance and innovation of traditional Tibetan medicine, exploring a model for transforming millennia-old Tibetan medicinal practices into modern pharmaceutical production. Currently, Qizheng Tibetan Medicine is the largest Tibetan medicine manufacturer in China, primarily engaged in the research and development, production, and sales of new-generation Tibetan medicines. It currently has seven wholly-owned and controlling subsidiaries, including a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical factory and a GSP-certified marketing company. The company holds 69 approved drug registration numbers, covering products in areas such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory system disorders, digestive system ailments, nervous system conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.

　　Load the vehicle

　　As early as January 23, Qizheng Tibetan Medicine immediately donated Tibetan medicinal products—including the classic influenza pills—worth 500,000 yuan to support Wuhan. According to reports, since the outbreak began, Qizheng Tibetan Medicine has donated large quantities of epidemic prevention medicines, supplies, and funds to Wuhan, Gansu, Tibet, and other regions, with the total amount exceeding 3.3 million yuan. Specifically, in Lintao County, Gansu Province alone, Qizheng Tibetan Medicine donated 20 cases (4,000 boxes) each of influenza pills and Twenty-Five-Flavor Lung Disease Pills, as well as 400 cases (12,000 boxes) of colorful barley crisp snacks, with a total value of over 430,000 yuan.

　　On January 30, at the factory of Tibet Qizheng Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd. in Lhasa, employees deliberately gave up their holidays and returned to work ahead of schedule to expedite the production of Liugan Wan—a time-honored formula specifically designed for epidemic disasters and infectious viruses—and remain on standby to deliver it promptly to the front lines of prevention and control. A relevant official from the company stated, “As Tibetan medicine enterprises that have inherited the millennia-old wisdom of Tibetan medicine, we should naturally demonstrate the profound essence of Chinese civilization at a time like this, joining forces in this race against time and lending our full support.”

　　Qizheng Tibetan Medicine has donated large quantities of epidemic prevention medicines, supplies, and funds.

　　Relevant personnel from Qizheng Tibetan Medicine stated that Influenza Pills are meticulously crafted by Qizheng Tibetan Medicine using modern pharmaceutical technology to meet the needs of convenient administration, while strictly preserving the traditional Tibetan medicine refining techniques. These pills are the result of rigorous传承 and careful cultivation by master Tibetan medicine practitioners, specifically designed to ward off epidemic disasters and prevent and treat infectious viruses—proving highly effective in practice. In Tibetan regions, dissolving Influenza Pills in water has long been a well-known and widely practiced method for preventing respiratory diseases among both adults and children. During the SARS outbreak, Qizheng Tibetan Medicine promptly donated protective medicines—including “Luo Jun Ma” (the Tibetan name for Influenza Pills)—worth over one million yuan to frontline medical workers.

　　The Tibetan medicine formula is a traditional, classic prescription of Tibetan medicine.

　　Regarding the Tibetan medicine prescriptions introduced in the “Notice,” staff members from the Gansu Health Commission responsible for traditional Chinese medicine stated that Tibetan medicine, as a treasure of China’s traditional medical heritage, boasts a long history and a well-developed theoretical system. After years of dissemination and promotion, the use of Tibetan medicine has expanded beyond just regions such as Gannan Prefecture and Tianzhu County, and is now being promoted and used in other medical institutions as well. The influenza pills and Renqing Mangjue mentioned in the “Notice” have already been widely adopted in more than ten provinces and autonomous regions across China.

　　Air freight to Wuhan by plane

　　According to reports, the Tibetan medicine formula mentioned in this “Notice” is the result of joint research and development by numerous Tibetan medicine experts from various Tibetan areas across several provinces. It is a traditional, classic Tibetan medicine formulation. In response to this epidemic prevention and control effort, Tibetan medical experts from Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu have pooled their wisdom to offer advice and suggestions, providing Tibetan medicine-based solutions. In particular, Tibet has issued the “Tibet Autonomous Region Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Pneumonia Caused by Novel Coronavirus Infection Using Tibetan Medicine” (Trial Version No. 1), designating the aforementioned Tibetan medicine formula as a key drug for epidemic prevention and control.

　　Staff members from the Gansu Health Commission responsible for Traditional Chinese Medicine stated that, with the advancement of technology, Tibetan medicine has gradually kept pace with modern pharmaceutical research. Thanks to its unique geographical environment, Tibetan medicine has developed distinctive specialties and areas of expertise in musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, Tibetan medicine has attracted considerable attention from medical experts in areas such as resource studies, quality standards, preparation techniques, pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, and clinical research. Research findings have been steadily emerging, and clinical efficacy has been validated by modern medical evidence. We believe that as evidence-based data continue to accumulate and research deepens, Tibetan medicine will undoubtedly demonstrate its unique value and help address the health challenges faced by an increasing number of people.

　　In Lintao, Gansu Province, the 25-herb lung disease pills used by patients undergoing medical isolation and observation for COVID-19 at the county’s People’s Hospital are all provided free of charge by Qizheng Tibetan Medicine Company. According to reports, the pharmacological effects of the 25-herb lung disease pills lie in their potent ability to eliminate pulmonary toxins, remove pulmonary waste, protect and repair the lungs, significantly improve pulmonary oxygen supply, and restore lung vitality.

　　According to the hospital official, in a clinical observational study conducted at the People's Hospital of Lintao County, 12 patients in the Department of Infectious Diseases were placed under medical isolation and observation. After admission, in addition to receiving treatment according to the diagnosis and treatment protocols issued by the National Health Commission, these patients were also given Ershiwuwei Feibing Wan orally. Following the administration of Ershiwuwei Feibing Wan, the patients experienced significant relief of pulmonary symptoms and a marked shortening of their illness duration.

　　Ship to the airport

　　Tibetan medicine expert explains the Tibetan medicinal formula “Gansu Prescription.”

　　Mr. Sang, also known as Sangjidongzhu, is a chief physician of Tibetan medicine, a supervisor of master’s students, and a leading talent (first-tier) in Gansu Province. He currently serves as the director of the Tibetan Medicine Hospital in Xiahe County, Gansu Province. He stated that the three Tibetan medicines included in the Gansu prescription—Liu Gan Wan, Cui Tang Granules, and Ren Qing Mang Jue Capsules—are all recommended in the “Tibetan Medicine Prevention and Treatment Protocol for Pneumonia Caused by Novel Coronavirus Infection in the Tibet Autonomous Region” (Trial Version 1). Among these, Cui Tang Granules and Ren Qing Mang Jue Capsules are both innovative achievements resulting from recent reforms and developments in Tibetan medicine dosage forms. “In particular, based on research into the fundamental theoretical principles of Tibetan medicine—including the composition, properties, and therapeutic effects of these three prescriptions—and taking into account the transmission characteristics and clinical manifestations of this COVID-19 pandemic, their preventive and therapeutic effects should not be underestimated.”

　　According to Tibetan medicine experts, the therapeutic principles underlying Tibetan medicine treatment regimens are derived from the classic Tibetan text "Ganlu Baoping," which states: "In the early stage, treat epidemic diseases; in the middle stage, clear heat-related syndromes; and in the later stage, tonify 'Lung' to strengthen the body's constitution." Therefore, in the early stage, treatment should focus on addressing the root cause—the epidemic heat—and combating the plague itself. In the middle stage, the focus should be on clearing heat and alleviating heat-related symptoms. In the later stage, the emphasis shifts to reducing 'Lung' and enhancing overall physical strength.

　　In the newly released Tibetan medicine treatment protocol, influenza pills, Renqing Mangjue capsules, and Cuitang granules are included in the guidelines for medication use.

　　Renqing Mangjue, a transliteration from Tibetan, is one of the renowned traditional Tibetan medicinal formulations in Tibetan medicine. It is a nationally classified confidential formula and is included in both the National Medical Insurance Catalogue and the National List of Essential Medicines for Women, Children, and Emergency (Rescue) Care. It has also received a National Class IV New Drug Certificate. Widely used in Tibetan medical clinical practice, it is among the first-choice Tibetan medicines for treating digestive disorders such as acute and chronic enteritis, gastritis, and gastric ulcers, as well as other complex and challenging diseases. Moreover, it is the preferred treatment for various “toxic syndromes” (in Tibetan medicine, epidemic diseases fall under this category). The traditional dosage form is pellets.

　　The influenza pill, transliterated into Tibetan as “Luo Jun Ma,” is a pill-form traditional Tibetan medicine that belongs to one of the classic Tibetan medical prescriptions. It consists of 21 herbs, including Terminalia chebula, Rheum palmatum, Tibetan sandalwood, and musk. This pill has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and is commonly used for treating influenza or other conditions characterized by symptoms such as runny clear nasal discharge, headache, cough, generalized body aches, and inflammatory fever.

　　Chitang Granules, transliterated from Tibetan as “Chitang,” are a traditional Tibetan medicinal decoction composed of nine herbs, including Tibetan musk and the stems of Rubus species. They have the effects of clearing heat, releasing the exterior, relieving cough, and alleviating pain. Clinically, they are commonly used for early-stage colds, coughs accompanied by headaches, joint soreness, or for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other infectious diseases.

　　According to the introduction, the principles and application of Tibetan medicines for preventing and treating epidemics are similar to those of other Tibetan medicinal products. Clinical use must be guided by the fundamental theories of Tibetan medicine, taking into account the patient’s personality, age, geographic region, physical constitution, personal habits, as well as the nature, location, severity, and urgency of the disease—thus adopting a syndrome differentiation-based approach that emphasizes individual differences. In other words, adjustments and additions to these basic Tibetan preventive formulas are made to restore balance among the “three factors.” At the same time, selecting the appropriate dosage form is also crucial.

　　Traditional Tibetan medical texts contain numerous classic prescriptions for the prevention and treatment of epidemic and infectious diseases, such as Jiwei Fangwen Wan, Qwei Zhenbao Tang, Shierwei Bangzi San, and Bawei Zhuyao San with modifications. These prescriptions can be taken orally, applied through fumigation, or used topically by rubbing them onto the skin or wearing them as amulets. Having been practiced clinically for a long time, the Tibetan people firmly believe in their preventive and curative effects against epidemics. Due to differences influenced by various schools of transmission and clinical practices, some formulations may vary slightly in terms of herbs and dosages beyond the primary medicinal ingredients. Moreover, it is crucial that the preparation methods of certain special herbs included in these formulas are carried out according to standardized procedures.

　　Experts have indicated that, based on the transmission characteristics and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, these three Tibetan medicines demonstrate clear preventive and therapeutic effects. However, their efficacy still requires further medical evidence from clinical practice. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and individuals with weak health should use these medicines only as directed by a physician and in accordance with the instructions provided in the package insert.

　　Reporting media: China Economic Weekly

　　Report link: http://app.ceweekly.cn/?app=article&controller=article&action=show&contentid=286763&from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0#10006-weixin-1-52626-6b3bffd01fdde4900130bc5a2751b6d1