Theoretical Basis, Scientific Connotation and Clinical Application of Aromatic Traditional Chinese Medicine in Preventing and Treating Epidemics

The ancient Chinese people have accumulated rich experience in the process of struggling against epidemics over thousands of years, and established an effective theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating epidemics, which has been applied up to now. The application of aromatic traditional Chinese medicine occupies an important position in the theoretical system of TCM for treating epidemics and the history of epidemic prevention and control. Aromatic prevention of epidemics has a profound theoretical foundation in TCM and is supported by abundant evidence from modern scientific research. It has unique advantages such as comprehensive overall regulation, participation in the whole process, action through multiple pathways, and good safety. In clinical practice, it demonstrates characteristics such as integrity, comprehensiveness, flexibility, and phase-related properties. Both its theory and prevention and treatment experience have high practical value. This article reviews the theoretical connotation, mechanism of action, and clinical application advantages of aromatic traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and treating epidemics, analyzes the challenges faced, and proposes future prospects, in order to improve the relevant theories of traditional Chinese medicine on epidemics and enhance the level of epidemic prevention and control.