In July of 2026, a widespread outbreak of Cyclospora is causing symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in people who are both already susceptible due to digestive tract imbalance, and have been exposed to contaminated food or water. Unlike more common occurrences of viral “summer bug” such enteroviruses and norovirus, Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that produces longer lasting symptoms. Common and effective treatment involves a standard course of antibiotics. However, this is not always appropriate for every person. Many individuals have compromised immune systems that prohibit the use of prolonged courses of antibiotics, or have sulfa allergies and therefore cannot take the first-line and most reliable antibiotic. In addition, antibiotics are not guaranteed to work. Their effect is not always immediate and recurrence is possible. They also cannot be taken preventatively.
For these reasons, I am responding to the immediate situation with a Chinese herbal formula intended to both prevent and treat symptoms related to cyclosporiasis. These symptoms commonly include explosive, watery diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; stomach and abdominal cramps; low grade fever; head and body ache; fatigue. Given the time of year and generalized climate, these symptoms most closely correspond to Summer Heat with Dampness syndrome in Chinese medicine. However, this formula is not limited to symptoms resulting from cyclosporiasis. As long as the symptoms match, other forms of acute gastroenteritis can also be treated with this formula. Throughout the summer, people are continuously exposed to a variety of other factors and pathogens that cause gastric distress. These are discussed below.
Chinese medicine is always focused on individualized, real-time treatment. However, in cases of pathogenic outbreak, this is not always an option given the immediacy of the situation and relative lack of trained practitioners to immediately administer individualized herbal formulas. Chinese medicine also recognizes and understands pathogenic disease, and that in these cases there are common manifestations of disease that can be identified and broadly treated with one formula.
I have not yet personally seen or treated a case of cyclosporiasis this season, and so this formulation has not been clinically tested for this conditon. My formulation is based on current reports and classical understanding of this disease. This formula can be used preventatively to help strengthen the digestive tract and reduce tendencies for pathogenic infestation, whether from cyclosporiasis or other causes. It can also be used to help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms should a person contract the disease. If additional treatment is needed, this formula can be safely used along with antibiotics to provide a more comprehensive therapy. This formula is based upon other Chinese herbal formulas for treating summer heat and gastroenteritis, such as Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (agastache powder to rectify the Qi) and Xiang Ru San (elsholtzia powder), and can also be used for other similar acute gastrointestinal complaints that can arise from: hot humid weather; overconsumption of cold and raw food, beverages, and fruit in summer; exposure to air conditioning; consuming spoiled foods as commonly occurs in summer; prolonged exposure to cold water in pools, lakes, and oceans; and other viral and bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated food, water, feces, or other direct contact.
This formula is currently available at the office and through Stems and Branches Herbal Pharmacy.