As a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine, I regularly mix custom herbal formulas to treat my patients. These herbal blends are personal prescriptions and can be adjusted for each patient’s condition and healing process.

But just as some nonprescription western medicines are safely sold over the counter and have their place in our home medicine cabinets, some simple Chinese patent medicines also relieve common health problems – and without the side effects of other medications. They belong in your medicine cabinet too.

I have found that my patients are eager to have these herbal medications at home but say they are intimidated by the idea of going into a Chinatown pharmacy to find them. They don’t know which brands to buy or even how to pronounce the product name. Many labels are also not translated making it difficult later to remember recommended dosages and what the medication should be used for. These concerns are completely understandable. The brand you buy does matter since some of these herbal patent medicines can contain pharmaceutical drugs not listed on thelabel, or be watered down by fillers or other substances that weaken or eliminate their effectiveness.

The products that I have listed for you here are a collection of medicines that I use because I have found from experience that they work and they are safe. These formulas are from reputable brands that are known to be reliable, clean, safe and tested. They are always good to have on hand for that unexpected time when you need them. You can purchase them either as a complete “Pharmacy Kit” or individually.

Shipping and handling are calculated based on order total, and will be displayed when you check out.
Orders are shipped out USPS Priority Mail on Fridays.

Gan Mao Ling – Common Cold and Flu.
Gan Mao Ling is the most popular common cold pill in China because it effectively treats both colds and flu. It treats “Wind Cold” by relieving the symptoms of the common cold - headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, and sinus congestion. And it also treats the symptoms of “Wind Heat,” relieving sore throat, fever, and sweating.
Dosage: 5 pills 3 times a day on an empty stomach. This formula should be taken at the initial onset of symptoms for no more than 3 days. After 3 days, if you’re not feeling better, it’s not likely to work. More often than not however, it will knock out your cold.
Price: $12 / 100 pills per bottle

Chuan Xin Lian Kang Yan Pian – Sore Throat.
Chuan Xin Lian Kang Yan Pian is an antiviral and antibacterial formula for sore throat, tonsillitis, and ear infection. If you start taking this formula when you first feel the sore throat coming on, it will usually go away quickly. And, with a developing throat infection like strep, you should be able to avoid the infection altogether. Of course with this formula as with all the others I am describing, you should always consult your doctor if you feel you are not well.
Dosage: 3 pills 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
Price: $12 / 100 pills per bottle.

Bao He Wan – Stomach Upset.
Bao He Wan (Pill Curing) is everybody’s favorite medicinal in China for the relief of almost any kind of simple stomach upset, including nausea, gas, bloating, and indigestion. It can be taken after overeating, to help digest food when it’s just sitting in your stomach, to relieve minor food poisoning, motion sickness or for that sour stomach from a hangover.
Dosage: 8pills at a time up to 4 times a day, as needed until symptoms are relieved.
Price: $12 / 200 pills per bottle

Po Sum On – Sore Muscles.
Po Sum On is a liniment containing Chinese herbs for invigorating the blood, promoting healing, and reducing pain and inflammation. It helps reduce muscle and joint pain and aches by penetrating, relaxing, and stimulating the sore area. The liniment should not be applied to an open wound. It’s like liquid Tiger Balm.
Dosage: Use as needed
Price: $12

Run Chang Wan – Constipation.
Run Chang Wan can be used on an "as needed" basis for constipation. It is a gentler formula than senna based formulas that people often use. Senna is a strong purgative and should be used carefully to avoid dependency.
Dosage: Use as needed
Price: $12

Chinese Trail Mix.
This little snack food is medicinal and delicious.
The little red berries (Lycium) are called gou qi zi (go-chee-dzuh), a medicinal food for building blood. They brighten the eyes and promote immortality. They are commonly used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. It is said that if you eat a little each day, they will promote happiness.
The larger fruits (longan) are called Long Yan Rou. This fruit is another blood tonic which is said to calm and nurture the heart and add luster and beauty to the skin.
Walnuts are an important tonic herb for the kidneys. They are used to strengthen the lumbar region of the back and legs and the sexual organs. They are believed to have a powerful effect on the brain which is one of the “Curious Organs”. Walnuts also benefit the skin and moisten the intestines to improve their function.
Dosage: Eat at least a handful a day.
Price: $6

Chinese Herb Soup
To build immunity, qi, and blood
Traditionally, herbs have been used in cooking both for their healing properties and for flavor enhancement. The food we eat should clear and energize the body and allow the spirit to flourish. This delicious Chinese herb soup will boost your immune system, support your lungs, and nourish your blood and Qi, your ‘life force’ (pronounced “chee”). You will feel revitalized. I developed this herbal soup formula by selecting delicious and nourishing Chinese herbs. This slightly sweet, tasty soup is very simple to prepare. While the soup can be enjoyed year-round, it tends to be more popular in the winter months because it is a hot soup. The herbs are tonifying and safe and help prevent common seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu. A simple recipe for preparing the soup is included (can be made with chicken or vegetarian).
Price: $15

Herbal Wellness Gift Bag
This season give a Gift of Health and Rejuvenation
As we move into the winter, we need to support our immune systems. This kit is designed with herbs for immune enhancement and herbs for the first line of defense if you think you’re starting to get sick. It also has a delicious breakfast congee recipe to eat on a daily basis to build immunity and support digestion.  The package includes astragalus to cook with the congee and if you like the recipe and want to make more, feel free to stop by the office and we’ll just give you the astragalus to add.
BAG INCLUDES:
Chicken Soup Herbs
Gan Mao Ling
Bao He Wan
Chinese Trail Mix
Congee Recipe with astragalus
Congee spoon, chopsticks
10% off coupon for one acupuncture treatment
packed in red or natural color burlap bag.
Price: $54