After wave after wave of viral "bombardments"—with influenza, mycoplasma, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) taking turns—children have been caught completely off guard.

Fortunately, things are gradually settling down now. Many children are in the recovery phase, yet they often remain listless, appearing low on energy and having a poor appetite.

Many parents have realized that it is essential to help regulate their children's Spleen and Stomach. This is especially true given that these viruses recur annually, often resulting in a reliance on antibiotics, which can be very harmful to a child's body. Therefore, the focus must remain on strengthening their physical constitution.

I often say that children cannot rely on medication indefinitely. If daily maintenance and care are performed correctly, you are already ahead of most people.

Take our daily staple, rice, for example. Adding one extra ingredient during the cooking process can make a significant difference:

01 Add Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)

Suitable for individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency, a tendency toward flatulence, and loose or soft stools. Chinese yam is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor; it can be cut into pieces and cooked with rice. Regular consumption helps strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach.

02 Add Astragalus (Huangqi)

Suitable for individuals with physical deficiency who are sensitive to cold, easily fatigued, and have low immunity. Take approximately 10 grams of Astragalus and cook it with the rice, removing the Astragalus once cooked. This helps replenish Qi and enhance immunity.

03 Add Lily Bulb (Baihe)

Suitable for individuals experiencing dryness, a tendency to cough, or restless sleep. Dried lily bulbs, once rehydrated and cooked with rice, can moisten the lungs and calm the nerves; however, it is temporarily unsuitable for those with diarrhea caused by cold exposure.

04 Add Pumpkin

Suitable for warming supplementation during winter. Pumpkin is warm in nature and tonifies the middle burner. Steaming it with rice creates a sweet, warming dish that helps nourish Yang energy and alleviate dryness.

In addition to dietary therapy, if a child is reluctant to take liquid herbal medicine, you may consider various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external treatment techniques.

Considering that many children have recently undergone numerous injections and medications and have developed a fear of medicine, I have specially formulated an external medicated plaster. It is particularly suitable for children in the recovery phase of the flu or for daily constitutional conditioning.

The plaster features a selection of "medicine and food homology" ingredients and a gentle herbal formula. Through acupoint application, transdermal absorption, and action along the meridians, it bypasses the gastrointestinal burden. This method is more direct and gentle than oral administration and eliminates the distress of children refusing medicine due to its bitterness.

The formula analysis is as follows:

01 Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen), Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu), Poria cocos (Fu Ling)

Acts as the core for strengthening the spleen and protecting the transport and transformation functions of the middle jiao, assisting in the conversion of food into qi and blood, and enhancing defensive qi to resist disease;

02 Aucklandia Root (Muxiang), Amomum Fruit (Sharen), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia)

Regulates qi and eliminates accumulation, transforms phlegm and guides out stagnation, and improves loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and food stagnation;

03 Black Cardamom (Yizhiren), Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome (Shichangpu)

Warms the spleen and opens the orifices, while addressing symptoms such as poor concentration and loose stools;

04 Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (Green Tangerine Peel)

Dredges the liver and resolves stagnation to prevent emotional distress from overacting on the spleen and stomach;

05 Concha Ostreae (Oyster Shell), Semen Cuscutae (Dodder Seed), Cortex Eucommiae (Eucommia Bark), Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (Achyranthes Root)

Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the bones, working synergistically with spleen-strengthening properties to support growth and development while fortifying tendons and bones.

The entire formula regulates both the spleen and kidneys, consolidating the "Foundation of Postnatal Constitution" to strengthen vital Qi and prevent disease, while nourishing the "Foundation of Prenatal Constitution" to promote growth and physical fitness. It is particularly suitable for children with impaired spleen and stomach function, unrecovered constitution, or slow growth following influenza. Applied externally via transdermal patches, it provides a safe and reassuring way to support healthy growth.