Are the Sanfu herbal patches effective for lung diseases?

Generally, the Sanfu贴 (three伏 patches) may have some auxiliary effect in alleviating and preventing certain chronic lung diseases, but they cannot replace standard medical treatment. Using them during acute flare-ups might worsen discomfort. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For patients in the remission phase of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and similar conditions, the Sanfu贴 may help regulate bodily functions via medicinal stimulation of acupoints, potentially reducing the frequency of disease recurrence and improving daily respiratory function. However, this regulatory effect typically requires long-term consistent application to become evident.

However, for acute lung diseases such as pneumonia or pulmonary infection, or for chronic conditions in the acute exacerbation phase, using the Sanfu贴 may not effectively control symptoms. The medicinal stimulation might instead aggravate inflammation, delay appropriate treatment, and even cause adverse reactions such as skin allergies.

Before using the Sanfu贴, it is essential to clearly identify the type and current stage of the lung condition. Patients in the chronic remission phase may try them under professional guidance, while those experiencing acute episodes or exacerbations should avoid their use. If any discomfort occurs during application, use should be stopped immediately and medical evaluation sought.