OBJECTIVE: To understand the clinical effectiveness and safety of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules combined with umifenovir (Arbidol) in the treatment of common-type COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the case data of 200 inpatients diagnosed with common-type COVID-19 at Wuhan Hospital. Participants were divided into a control group and an experimental group. The control group was treated with Arbidol hydrochloride capsules while the experimental group was treated with combination Arbidol hydrochloride capsules and Shufeng Jiedu Capsules (SFJDC) for 14 days. RESULTS: Defervescence was achieved more rapidly in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The white blood cell count and the lymphocyte percentage in the experimental group were higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). CRP and IL-6 levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The proportion of chest CT studies showing resolution of pneumonia in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A treatment regimen of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules combined with Arbidol to treat common-type COVID-19, combining traditional Chinese and western allopathic medicine, improves time to recovery, has better clinical effectiveness, and is safe.