In my career as a doctor, I have often found that the most prominent place in pharmacies is always occupied by the overcrowded advertising of drugs, which are often expensive and lucrative. However, some effective but low-margin proprietary Chinese medicines are often placed in inconspicuous corners, and sometimes even require special inquiries from customers to get them. This phenomenon made me wonder: should we pay more attention to the good drugs that are "overlooked"?
Once, in my office, I met a patient, Xiao Zhang, who came to see him because of a cold. Zhang told me that he had tried several expensive cold medicines on the market, but none of them worked well. I recommended to him Banlan Root Powder, which is a low-cost but very effective Chinese patent medicine for the early stage of a cold. Xiao Zhang was a little hesitant when he first heard it, after all, this medicine is hardly seen on TV commercials. However, soon after taking it, his symptoms improved significantly. This incident changed Xiao Zhang's view of proprietary Chinese medicine, and also made me more convinced that effective drugs do not have to be expensive or widely known.
Motherwort cream
One type of Chinese patent medicine that you may have a hard time finding in pharmacies is motherwort cream. It is a medication that I recommend to many female friends, especially in case of irregular menstruation or dysmenorrhea. Although the effect of this herb is good, it is relatively low profit, so few pharmacies are willing to sell it.
Motherwort cream uses motherwort as the main ingredient, which is known as a "woman's best friend". It has the effect of regulating menstruation and relieving pain, invigorating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and is a gentle and effective conditioning medicine for many women.
Using motherwort cream is very simple. Just take the correct daily dose as recommended on the leaflet. I once had a patient who suffered from chronic menstrual cramps that affected her daily life. After my advice, she started taking motherwort cream. After using it continuously for a period of time, she noticeably felt that the symptoms of dysmenorrhea had been relieved and her quality of life had improved.
Motherwort cream is a Chinese patent medicine that is well worth trying, especially for those who have irregular menstruation or menstrual cramps. If you're having a similar problem, you might as well try motherwort cream, maybe it will give you unexpected results. Remember to consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before use to ensure safe and effective use.
Huoxiang Zhengqi water
overview
In the doctor's standing medicine cabinet, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water is an indispensable part of the summer. It is mainly used to treat common colds, gastrointestinal discomforts such as food poisoning, diarrhea, etc., which are common in summer. Although its margins may not be high in pharmacies, its ability to quickly relieve symptoms has made me recommend it to patients many times in outpatient settings.
Usage
It is very simple to use Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, and adults who have symptoms of food poisoning, diarrhea or summer and cold can follow the instructions on the bottle and dilute it with warm water each time before drinking. In general, 10-20 ml three times a day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Case Study
I remember last summer, a patient came to my office after returning from a trip. He was pale and apparently a symptom of food poisoning. I immediately made him take Huoxiang Zhengqi Water. Surprisingly, within a day, he felt greatly soothed and regained his appetite. This experience once again verified the important role of Huoxiang Zhengqi Water in first aid.
Honeysuckle dew
overview
Honeysuckle is more than just a bottle of herbal water, it's a cool reliever on a hot summer day, and a quick solution to canker sores or a mild sore throat. In many pharmacies, this potion is not the most conspicuous item in the display case due to its low price, but for those who know it, its effect can be said to be excellent value for money.
Usage
The use of honeysuckle dew is very straightforward. If your throat is upset or suffering from mouth sores, you can drink a small bottle of honeysuckle or rinse your mouth with it. For common minor throat or mouth discomfort, honeysuckle dew can provide quick relief. The frequency of its use should be adjusted according to the individual's situation, but usually, one bottle twice a day is sufficient.
Case Study
I once met a patient and asked us to call her Ms. Li. Ms. Li is a secondary school teacher who often uses voice. Once, she came to my clinic with a hoarse voice, apparently caused by overuse of her vocal cords. I recommend her to use honeysuckle dew to soothe the irritation of her throat. At first, she was skeptical about the cheap potion, but after using it for a few days in a row, she was surprised to find that her sore throat had significantly relieved. Since then, she has used honeysuckle as a standing medicine, and she uses it every time she feels an upset in her throat.
While honeysuckle may not be taken seriously in pharmacies, its effects are irreplaceable. Not only does it solve common problems with the mouth and throat, but it's also affordable and easy to use. The next time you pass by a pharmacy, ask a pharmacist to see if this underrated helper is right for you.
By sharing such practical information and concrete cases, I hope that more people will understand the value of proprietary Chinese medicines such as honeysuckle and not ignore their powerful effects because of their low price.