Chinese Patent Medicines (cont.)
October 7, 2009
Hello to all on this beautiful October afternoon. This entire series of posts desribes formulas that are used for respiratory issues, since we’re moving into that time of year.
BI YAN PIAN
Dispels wind-cold (clear mucus, scratchy throat, slight or no fever) or wind-heat (yellow mucus, bad sore throat, fever/chills). Use this one for nasal or eye problems, sinus headache. It will open the nose and treat acute or chronic sinus problems. It’s also good for allergies with nasal symptoms as well as nasal bacterial infections.
You would choose this if you are sneezing, have itchy eyes, facial congestion and/or sinus pain. Try this one first for any sinus problem!
The usual dose is 3-6 three times / day.
PE MIN KAN WAN or BE MIN GAN WAN
Relieves headache and inflammation. It opens the nose and will treat acute and chronic sinus problems with stuffy or runny nose plus pressure. Relieves asthma due to allergies. This formula is also used to treat acute and chronic bronchitis.
If Bi Yan Pian doesn’t work, this one is the next to try.
The usual dose for an adult is 2-4 pills three times / day.
Remember that:
Herbs are recommended for most healthy adult people as a means to promote better health and well-being. However, the following precautions are recommended:
***Pregnant women or women nursing a baby refrain from taking ANY herbs due to lack of testing of most herbs on fetuses and infants.
***For children under the age of 18, please see a medical practitioner.
***People who have food allergies, sensitivities or digestive problems should be cautious when taking herbs, and carefully review the ingredients on the label for potential allergic reactions.
***If you’re currently taking any prescription medication, please see your doctor before taking herbs to ensure there are no contraindications.
***If you have a serious or life-threatening medical condition, please see your doctor.
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. I make no claims as to efficacy or safety of products appearing on this site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources: Chinese Herbal Patent Formulas by Jake Fratkin, Outline Guide to Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines in Pill Form by Margaret Naeser.
