What’s the Takeaway?

What’s Known About Complementary Methods for Short-Term COVID-19 Symptoms?

Some alternative therapies, including practices like traditional Chinese medicine and nasal rinsing, may help with COVID-19 symptoms, though the research supporting these benefits is limited. Many of the studies are either small, not rigorously conducted, or lack randomization, which makes their conclusions uncertain.

A 2023 analysis of 33 studies (covering over 15,000 participants) found encouraging signs, particularly for traditional Chinese remedies, certain herbs, and acupuncture. However, due to the nature of the studies—many of which did not use random treatment assignment—the evidence was classified as insufficient.

This guide shares findings about several complementary health strategies that researchers have evaluated for easing COVID-19 symptoms.

Are Complementary Health Methods Safe in the Context of COVID-19?

• For information about the safety of specific dietary supplements tested for COVID-19, see the Office of Dietary Supplements' publication on this topic.

• Generally, mind-body practices like acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are considered safe when conducted by trained professionals.

• Improper use of nasal rinsing devices can lead to serious infections, particularly when used with untreated tap water. Those with weakened immune systems should consult their doctor beforehand.

• Safety varies depending on the individual and the method. Children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with existing conditions may face increased risks when trying certain therapies.

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 and Medical Treatment

COVID-19 is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It often resembles the common cold, flu, or pneumonia but can affect other parts of the body as well.

For most people, the illness stays mild and recovery takes place at home, often with over-the-counter treatments for relief.

However, those with additional health risks may develop more severe cases. For such individuals, early treatment—within the first 5 to 7 days of symptoms—can help lower the risk of hospitalization or worse outcomes.

If you believe you are at high risk, even with mild symptoms, consult a medical provider immediately to determine the right treatment plan.

Long COVID

While most recover within a month of infection, some experience ongoing symptoms lasting weeks or months. Long COVID refers to continued health problems lasting three or more months after infection. As research progresses, the definition and understanding of this condition continue to develop.

Overview of Complementary Health Practices

Complementary methods are categorized based on how they are utilized:

• Nutrition-based (such as specific diets, supplements, herbs, and probiotics).

• Mental-focused (like meditation, music therapy, and relaxation techniques).

• Body-based (such as massage, spinal manipulation, and acupuncture).

• Mixed approaches (e.g., tai chi, dance therapy, or mindful eating) that span categories.

These practices are often grouped under natural product use and mind-body techniques, depending on how they are applied.

Scientific Insight Into Complementary Methods for COVID-19

Researchers have explored the following types of complementary methods for managing COVID-19 symptoms.

Acupuncture

Research on acupuncture for COVID-19 is very limited. A 2023 summary of 17 studies across different stages of the disease suggested some benefit. However, these studies were often low in quality or consisted of single-case reports. Some supposed benefits were merely theoretical or based on earlier, unrelated research.

Dietary Supplements

The Office of Dietary Supplements has investigated various supplements like vitamin C, D, zinc, and melatonin. So far, the evidence doesn't support the use of any supplement to prevent or reduce the impact of COVID-19.

Meditation and Mindfulness

A small 2022 study found that people who received mindfulness training after hospitalization showed gains in mental well-being. While encouraging, more studies are needed to confirm these results and assess broader benefits.

Nasal Irrigation

• This practice involves flushing the nose with a solution to clear mucus and viruses. Devices such as neti pots or squeeze bottles are commonly used for this.

• Existing research, though limited, has shown that saline rinses can reduce the amount of virus in the nasal cavity and alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion.

• To avoid infections, safe water—such as distilled, boiled, or filtered—is required. Those with compromised immunity should seek guidance from their healthcare provider before using nasal irrigation.

Qigong

Some initial studies suggest that when used alongside conventional treatment, qigong may support overall well-being. It may reduce anxiety and improve breathing and sleep, both during acute infection and recovery. However, these findings are limited by poor-quality research and inconsistent methods.

Relaxation Techniques

Progressive muscle relaxation has been studied in a few small trials with COVID-19 patients. Results suggest it may help enhance sleep, lower anxiety, and improve general well-being. However, researchers urge caution due to the small number and size of available studies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

• A 2024 review of 30 studies indicated that using certain Chinese herbal products with conventional care helped with symptoms like cough and fatigue. However, study sizes were small and data quality varied.

• A broader 2022 analysis covering over 15,000 people found that traditional Chinese medicine may prevent mild cases from becoming severe. Yet, lack of consistent methodology and study quality raise questions about these outcomes.

• Another systematic review of 21 published studies also found promising results, but overall, the strength of evidence was not high enough to make strong claims.

Yoga

Preliminary research has examined whether yoga can reduce stress and improve general health in COVID-19 patients. While some results are positive, the studies are small, and further trials are needed to draw firm conclusions.

Studies on Long COVID

• The NIH’s RECOVER project is aimed at understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 and how to prevent or treat them. It involves nationwide collaboration with patients and researchers.

• A 2023 analysis of 14 studies showed that some complementary techniques, like mindfulness, certain supplements, breathing programs, and olfactory training, may help those with long COVID—but these findings need to be interpreted carefully due to limited research quality.

NCCIH Research Projects

The NCCIH is supporting research in several areas related to COVID-19, such as:

• Evaluating acupuncture’s role in treating chronic pain due to long COVID.

• Screening various plant extracts for potential anti-COVID effects.

• Studying the impact of biofeedback on mood and sleep symptoms in long COVID patients.

• Testing a mobile app with mindfulness training for those experiencing distress after COVID hospitalization.

• Conducting detailed reviews of complementary therapies for long COVID outcomes.

• Investigating natural substances that may block the virus from interacting with human cells.

Where To Get More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse offers details about integrative therapies and access to scientific content. It does not give medical advice or practitioner referrals.

Toll-Free: 1-888-644-6226

Relay Services: 7-1-1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC works to protect Americans from health risks and threats, offering guidance on diseases, including COVID-19.

Toll-Free: 1-800-232-4636

Relay Services: 1-888-232-6348

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH

ODS provides research and educational materials on supplements, covering safety, usage, and emerging studies.

Understanding Science Resources

To better interpret scientific findings and medical claims, the NIH offers tools and explanations to the public. These include interactive guides and material explaining research terminology and design.

PubMed®

This resource from the National Library of Medicine allows users to find summaries and citations from biomedical journals. It is a helpful tool for exploring studies on complementary methods related to health conditions.

Notable References

Several academic journals have published studies related to traditional medicine and COVID-19. These include research on acupuncture, nasal irrigation, qigong, and herbal treatments.

Additional Literature

Experts have also conducted smaller studies and clinical trials looking into yoga, saline rinses, and repurposed medications for COVID-19 patients, with ongoing research into managing long COVID effectively.

This publication is in the public domain. You are free to reproduce it. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice—consult your provider for personalized care. References to specific methods do not imply endorsement.