Are the Sanfu herbal patches effective for prolonged cough that does not resolve?

Generally speaking, whether the Sanfu Patch (three applications of herbal medicine during the hottest days of summer) is effective for chronic cough that does not heal easily depends on the specific circumstances. It may have some effect for chronic cough caused by deficiency-cold conditions, but typically has no significant effect for chronic cough caused by heat conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the chronic cough that doesn't heal easily belongs to a deficiency-cold type, characterized by recurrent coughing, worsening symptoms when exposed to cold, clear and thin phlegm, cold intolerance, and similar symptoms, the Sanfu Patch may offer some benefit. The Sanfu Patch involves applying warm-natured herbal medicine to specific acupoints during the summer when yang energy is strongest. This may help warm the body, dispel cold, promote circulation in the meridians, alleviate chronic cough caused by deficiency-cold, and reduce recurrence.

If the chronic cough that doesn't heal easily belongs to a heat type, characterized by symptoms such as cough with yellow phlegm, sore throat, dry mouth and throat, heat intolerance, and similar symptoms, the Sanfu Patch typically has no obvious effect. Using warm-natured herbs in the Sanfu Patch under such circumstances might exacerbate internal heat symptoms, leading to worsened or prolonged coughing without relief.

To better improve chronic cough that doesn't heal easily, daily management should be combined with symptom characteristics. For chronic cough of deficiency-cold type, the Sanfu Patch can be used under the guidance of professionals, while also paying attention to keeping warm and avoiding cold exposure. For chronic cough of heat type, methods to clear heat and moisten the lungs should be selected, such as consuming foods like pears and white fungus.