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
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.