Stomach flu is also known as viral gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus called Coxsackievirus. The symptoms include those that occur during flu, like fever, cough, sneezing, and blocked nose, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. In TCM perspective there is no corresponding TCM disease name for stomach flu. During a TCM consultation, physicians will give a diagnosis based on the main symptoms manifested, such as “flu”, “diarrhoea” or “vomiting”
In the case of stomach flu, TCM physicians are likely to prescribe a combination of herbs which deals with the root of the problem (stomach flu) as well as herbs which is able to alleviate the accompanying symptoms.
Herbs like 金银花，连翘，荆芥，防风have the property of dispelling wind and fighting against external pathogen. This can help to relieve flu symptoms such as cough, sensitivity to cold, runny nose, blocked nose etc.
Herbs including 藿香, 佩兰, 陈皮, 旋覆花 can help to ease the stomach, soothe qi and strengthen the spleen. Hence, it can relieve diarrhoea and nausea symptoms.
