Japanese health products and medicated supplements are increasingly popular around the world. And yet, somehow, there continues to be some doubt around the notion of ‘traditional’ medicine.
Here in Japan, though, Kampo, Japanese traditional herbal medicine. It has been around for 1,500 years, and Japanese people prefer to choose this products.
Just like many other things in Japan, Kampo was originally from China. But the Edo period from 1600 onwards, the unique Japanese characteristics of Kampo took shape. Today, Kampo is receiving a lot of interest from around the world. It has a healthier and more holistic medical approach. But how safe is Kampo? Can anyone take it? Since I don’t have any medical background, I can’t make any assurance to you.
Japanese medicine
But a quick visit to a drug store in Japan will prove how much Japanese love Kampo medicine for treating a variety of problems.
Trusted Kampo Producer
Tsumura is the largest company and is one of three major Japanese companies that offer Kampo products. Tsumura has a whopping 80% share in Japanese Kampo market. Kracie is the second biggest. That’s right, they also make beauty and hair products, snacks and other home products. Kotaro comes in third in the Kampo industry.
Kakkonto – Best Selling Kampo Cold Medicine
A most common Kampo that is designed to treat cold is called “Kakkonto”. Kakkonto is made with a mixture of ginger, cinnamon, Chinese peony, licorice, jujube, ephedra. It powders ground from the root of the kudzu plant, one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
Benpiyaku – Most Popular Kampo for Constipation
Introduced first in 1973, Takeda Kampo Benpiyaku has been in a medicine cabinet in every Japanese household. It is made with the crude drug daio (rhubarb) as a main composition, as well as kanzo (glycyrrhiza). Takeda claims that it is effective in regulating the movement of the large intestine, promoting bowel movement that is close to natural.
Kampo for Stiff Shoulders
Shoulder patches, called “Shippu” in Japan, are surely effective. But if you really want to get to the bottom of the problem, Kampo Japanese medicine might be a good way to go. The weight of our head is supposedly 10% of our body weight, so if you are 50kg, your head is 10kg. Your neck is holding up this 10kg most of the day and night time. Also, as our time at the desk in front of computer increases, more and more of us are suffering from chronic stiff shoulders. Unlike shoulder plasters, Kampo won’t work immediately. But taking the time to solve the cause of your chronic shoulder pain is definitely worth your while.
Kampo for Menopause
Western medicine are surely effective to many people suffering from menopausal symptoms. In Japan, many women turn to Kampo with a belief that a combination of western and traditional Japanese medicine is the best way to go. Tsumura’s Kamiyoshosan is one of the most popular Kampo medicine for menopause in Japanese market. It’s designed to help ease hot flashes, stiff shoulders, fatigue, emotional distress, insomnia resulting from menopause.
Ukon – Most Popular Herbal Prevention for Hangover
The most popular herbal based product for preventing hangovers available in Japan is Ukon no Chikara produced by House Wellness House Co., LTD. It is made with ukon or turmeric. It is a type of ginger.
There are many other symptoms that can be treated by Kampo, including the following: Cramps in legs, Stiff shoulders, Troubled skin, Forgetfulness, Stress, anxiety, Troubled stomach, and more…
DHC Rich Ukon 30 Days Made in Japan
