Alternative Title
重新审视草药：溯源中医发展的历史， 探当代治流感的应用
Abstract
In this thesis, I first aim to provide a deeper understanding of what Chinese medicine is and explore the fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (such as holism) that interestingly also served as the foundations of Greek medicine. In comparing Greek and Chinese medicine, I present alternative perspectives on the body and disease that are different yet simultaneously similar in many ways to our current biomedical understandings. I also examine the definition of science, its relationship with medicine, and how Chinese medicine fits into these categories. These questions become especially prevalent when exploring the political and cultural forces that have shaped the evolution of Chinese medicine. Tracing the impacts of societal discourses and political decisions on Chinese medicine inevitably challenges our current notions of science and its ideals of objective truth, as what was deemed “scientific” constantly changed to fit the political ideologies and agenda of the time. Then, in the second half of this thesis, I explore the present application of Chinese medicine, specifically the integration of Yin Qiao San (YQS) and its related herbal remedies for treating influenza, which poses a persistent and significant public health challenge. Due to the continued evolution of influenza viruses and thus the need for additional treatment options, I performed a meta-analysis of past randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate whether integrating Chinese medical treatments (such as YQS and YQS-derived herbal remedies) could exhibit a greater efficacy rate and be beneficial in reducing fever, cough, and sore throat more rapidly than current antiviral drugs. The results suggest that YQS-related Chinese herbal remedies could be advantageous when prescribed in combination with antiviral drugs for influenza.
Advisor
Strand, Stephanie
Second Advisor
Wang, Rujie
Department
Biology; Chinese Studies
Recommended Citation
Amier, Nurain S., "Reconsidering the Herbs: Tracing Chinese Medicine’s Past and Exploring Its Present Application for Influenza" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13176.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13176
Disciplines
Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Chinese Studies | Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health | Virus Diseases
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Nurain S. Amier