Herbal medicine treatment varies according to the symptoms, the predominance of Heat, Cold, and other pathogens, and the strength of a patient's Qi. Just as individual acupuncture points and the combination of points into prescriptions vary according to the differentiated pattern of Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold, the use of herbal substances is differentiated as well.

Individual herbs that resolve exterior Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold are combined with specific herbs that treat symptomatic conditions and, if necessary, increase the body's resistance so that the pathogen can be eliminated more rapidly. For example, detoxifying herbs such as Flos Lonicerae (Jinyinhua) and Fructus Forsythiae (Lianqiao) are used to treat Wind-Heat, and Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi) and Rhizoma Zingiberis (Shengjiang) are used to treat Wind-Cold. These herbs may be found in classic formulas combined with other herbs that are then individualized to specific presentations. Likewise, to strengthen Qi and boost the immune system, herbs such as Radix Codonopsis (Dangshen), Radix Astragali (Huangqi), and Radix Isatidis (Banlangen) may be used in formulas.

One common herbal formula, Yin Qiao San, although originally designed for Wind-Heat attacks, has become a popular and readily available formula to take at the first sign of any exterior Wind attack. Another formula, Ma Huang Tang, was traditionally used for a Wind-Cold attack, but because of concerns over the safety of Herba Ephedrae (Mahuang), it is recommended that such formulas only be used under the guidance of an experienced herbalist. Changes in diet may be recommended as well, depending on the condition.

Acupuncture and Colds & Flu
Acupuncture treatment varies according to the presentation of symptoms and the predominance of Heat, Cold, or other pathogens and to the strength of the Qi. For example, in a Wind- Cold attack, acupuncture needles are placed in acupuncture points that eliminate Wind and dispel Cold and in points that treat symptomatic conditions such as runny nose and stiff neck. Representative points are Lung 7 Lieque (LU7), Urinary Bladder 12 Fengmen (BL 12). Each differential diagnosis requires different acupuncture points. For example, the primary point for a Wind-Heat attack is Large Intestine 4 Hegu (LI 4). For patients with weakened Qi, acupuncture may be used to strengthen the Qi at the same time.