What Are the Benefits and Risks of Applying Sanfu Patches?
Disease description:
My son repeatedly suffers from coughing every winter, and his doctor attributed it to upper respiratory tract infections, recommending that he use “Sanfu patches” during summer. What are the benefits and risks of using Sanfu patches?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wan
Sanfu patches are a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy based on the principle of “treating winter diseases in summer.” Although Sanfu patches can help dispel cold, eliminate dampness, and enhance the body’s immune function—thereby providing effective adjunctive treatment for conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis—they are not a universal remedy. For individuals with drug allergies, pregnant women, diabetic patients, or those experiencing an acute disease exacerbation, applying Sanfu patches may not only fail to treat the underlying condition but could also worsen the illness.
