Chinese Patent Medicines the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY
the *Good
Means that it won't cause harm if improperly prescribed, and hasn't (to our knowledge) been found to contain drugs or other contaminants. Good patent medicines are marked *G
the*Bad(not very)
These medicines are NOT really BAD. In fact, some are very effective. However, many of them treat complex and difficult conditions. These are best taken under the advice of a knowledgeable herbologist. Others contain unlisted ingredients which can include common OTC drugs like asprin, acetominaphine or antihistamines. We offer the best of these. These patent medicines are marked *B
the *Ugly
Be wary. These may contain unlisted ingredients, prescription pharmaceuticals, very high concentrations of heavy metals,endangered species, or spuriously claim to cure serious disease. Some have been specifically prohibited by the California Health Department. We offer only the few which can be used safely with knowledge, and whose benefits still outweigh their danger. These patent medicines are marked *U
Chinese
Patent Medicines
are imported from Asia. Many work extremely well.
However, some may contain unlisted drugs or high concentrations
of heavy metals.To help you sort the good from the bad, we've divided
these products into three categories,
the Good, the NotBad, and the Ugly
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Shen
Herb Inc. makes no claims as to efficacy or safety of imported Chinese patent
medicines. Any warantees for Dr. Shen products do not apply to products
appearing on this page. 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. 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
Good for erectile dysfunction or impotence. Strengthens the Kidney Yang and Yin. Good for long-term use. 4 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of treatment is 1 month. *G
ANMIEN PIEN
A calming formula for insomnia and anxiety. 4 tablets 3 times a day. *G
Also see Shen Clinic's Good Sleep & Worry Free Pill zizyphus seed, polygala, gardenia, poria, licorice, medicated leaven
General digestive and Spleen tonic for long term digestive weakness marked by loose stool. A version of 6 Gentlemen tonic. 8-24 pills/ day. Minimum course of treatment is usually 1 month. *G
ARMADILLO COUNTER POISON PILL
Removes toxins and reduces itching, Great for insect bites and mild to medium cases of poison oak or ivy. Take 4 pills 3 times a day. Avoid during pregnancy *B
Applied directly to the skin for bruises, sprains, and minor aches and pains. Contains synthetic musk, Liquidambar, menthol, camphor, wintergreen and herba Asari (wild ginger root)*G
BA ZHENG WAN (EIGHT RIGHTIOUS)
For difficult or painful urination caused by damp heat in the lower jiao (body cavity). Avoid during pregnancy *B
The classical formula to lift or raise the qi. Used for chronic prolapse conditions such as hemorrhoids, hernia, and varicose veins. Or to build the central qi after a prolonged or severe illness. Take 8-10 pills 3 times a day.Minimum course of treatment is usually 1 month*G
CATARACT VISION IMPROVING PILL (SHI HU YEGUANG WAN)
For cataracts caused by diabetes or other collapse of Yin disease. Minimum course of treatment is 1 month. *B
CEREBRAL TONIC PILLS - BU NAO WAN -
Used for poor concentration and memory, restlessness, and insomnia. Nourishes the Heart, and brain, calms the Spirit. 10 pills/3 times a day. *B Also see Healthy Brain Pill
CHAIHU LONGGU MULI WAN (BUPLEURUM, DRAGON BONE and OYSTER SHELL)
Sedating formula for irritability and mood swings. Contains mineral substances, therefore not recommended for long term use. *B Also see Good Sleep & Worry Free Pill
For painful arthritis like conditions known as Bi-Syndrome. Sometimes useful for fibromyalgia when combined with Liver tonics. *B Avoid during pregnancy
CHI KWAN YEN WAN
Excellent formula for a variety of coughs. Take 30 pills twice daily. *G
Also see Shen Clinic'sDry Cough Pill
CHING FEI YI HUO PIAN
For cough or breathing difficulties caused by Liver Heat Scorching the Lungs. Often diagnosed as asthma.
4 tablets twice daily or as prescribed. Overdose can cause diarrhea. *B
For wind cold caused headache or dampness in the head. 8 three times a day *G
CHING CHUN BAO (Qing Chun Bao) - ANTI-AGING PILLS
Reputed to increase mental capacity and counter fatigue. It strengthens Kidney Yang, tonifies Qi and Blood, promotes blood circulation, benefits the Heart, and enriches sexual function. 3-5 tablets a day. Minimum course of treatment is usually 1 month. *G
CHIEN CHIN CHIH TAI WAN
For damp heat in the lower burner marked by vaginal itching or pain with abnormal discharge, also known as fungal or yeast infection. 10 tablets once a day. *G 120 PILLS Add to cart to view current price.
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CHING KOO TIEH SHANG WAN
For fresh bruises and other acute external injuries. Reduces swelling, and alleviates pain. 10 pills twice daily Avoid during pregnancy *G
CHUAN XIN LIAN (Andrographis Tablets)
Also known as Antiphlogistic Pills. For viral infections and other Wind heat conditions. Use 3-4 tablets, 2-3 times per day." *G
Builds Kidney Yang, benfits tendons and bone. For lower back pain, weak waist and legs. Also used for problems due to excessive sexual activity, including fatigue, poor memory and lower backache. 4 pills two or three times a day Minimum course of treatment is usually 1 month. *G
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CITRUS SEED PILLS (ji sheng ju he wan) aka CITRUS AURANTIUM COMPOUND
For cold in the liver channel resulting in hernia-like pain or testicular pain or swelling. *G
Average course of treatment is 1 month
COMPOUND CORTEX EUCOMMIAE for Hypertension
For hypertension (high blood pressure) caused by liver & kidney deficiency. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
DA BU YIN WAN (GREAT YIN TONIFYING PILL)
For Yin deficiency with heat and/or night sweating. Contains turtle shell. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
DAN SHEN TABLETS
For angina. Best used under the care of a licensed health care provider. Avoid during pregnancy *B
DU HUO JI SHENG WAN
For stiff joints, pain or coldness in the lower back. May be O.K. for chronic arthritis and sciatica (best to see an acupuncturist). 9 pills twice a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G also see Shen Clinic's Low Back Pills
ER CHEN WAN
Simple, elegant classical formula for removing dampness from the lungs when caused by Spleen deficiency. Good for long term cough with lots of white or clear phlegm. *G
ER YAN LING OIL
For acute ear infections. 2 drops in affected ear.*G
EXTRACTUM ASTRAGALI
Astragalus has shown some benefit to strengthening immunity. 10cc vials. 1 vial twice a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
Amazing results, for hemorrhoids including bleeding hemorrhoids. 3 or 4 tablets, 3 times per day
Use Sparingly : Contains Heavy Metals
FRITILLARIA EXTRACT PILLS
For thick, difficult to expectorate phlegm on the chest, or cough with yellow phlegm.*G
GANMAOLING (GAN MAO LING)
Popular cold and flu remedy useful at any stage of a cold. Much more effective when combined with Dr. Shen's Yin Chiao Pills at the early stage of a cold or with Dr. Shen's Zong Gan Ling Pills at later stages. two or more tabs two or three times a day for 3 days.*G
Sweetened isatis beverage, great for sore throat, colds, flu. *G
GE JIE DA BU WAN (GEJIE, GE JI DA BU WAN) Gecko formula
Strengthens the Kidney and the Lung and is used to treat chronic illnesses, particularly when Kidney deficiency has left the Lung unable to grasp the Qi. Often used by older people to maintain good health. Good for people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma. However, this product is not as useful for asthma caused by Liver Heat. Contains gecko. 3 caps twice a day Minimum course of use is usually 1 month.
GEJIE BU SHEN WAN/GEJIE NOURISH KIDNEY gecko formula
For Kidney Yang Good for general weakness, impotence, poor circulation, cold extremities, and frequent urination. Contains animal parts. Take 3-4 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *B
GINSENG & ROYAL JELLY / REN SHEN FENG WANG JIANG
Promotes Qi, and aids in absoption. Believed to enhance immunity. 1-2 vials a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month.*G
GOLDEN BOOK TEA (REHMANNIA 8, GUI FU DI HUANG WAN, SEXOTON PILLS)
Famous formula for Kidney yin and yang deficiency. Highly beneficial and universally well tolerated. Excellent long term maintenence supplement. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G also see Shen Clinic Golden Book Pills
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HAI MA BU SHEN WAN/ SEA HORSE GENITAL/
Nourishes Kidney Yin and reinforces Yang, strengthen the lumbar area and benefits the heart and brain. It is a good tonic for men and those with symptoms of Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency. Contains sea horse, a threatened species in some areas. Take 10 pills twice a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
HAWTHORN FAT REDUCING PILL
Extracted from Hawthorn Berries. In one clinical trial, cholesterol was reduced in 84.5% of the participants., total effective rate for triglyceride-reduction was 77.39%, and the effective rate for hypertension due to hyperlipemia, an astounding 97. 20% . The herb has no side effects and can be administrated over long periods. The usual oral dose is 1 - 2 tablets three times a day, or 2-3 twice a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G Also see Jiao Gu Lan.
100 PILLS/ $8.95
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HSIAO KEH CHUAN Cough pills
Made with rhododendron root. May also contain pharmaceuticals.*G
for acute dysenteric diarrhea. Used by travellers 1-2 tablets 3 times a day. *B
For high blood pressure caused by excessive Liver Yang. Avoid during pregnancy Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *B
JIAO GU LAN (JIAO GU LIAN, JIAOGULAN) PILLS
An anti-aging, longevity tonic herb. Chemically similar to Ginseng, it is thought to be reinforcing to overall health and has a strong anti-fatigue effect. Strengthens the immune system. Used for a variety of health complaints including cholesterol reduction. Contains 82 saponins, some of which are directly related to the ginsenosides found in ginseng root. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G Also see Hawthorn Fat Reducing Pill
KWAN LOONG OIL
For minor aches and pains.*G
KWEI PI WAN / GUI PI WAN / ANGELICA LONGANAE TEA/
also known as 'Gui Pi Tang. For long-term Heart Blood and Spleen deficiency resulting in poor sleep, palpitations, or excessive bruising. Also useful for some diagnosed with A.D.D. 8 pills three times per day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
LIU WEI DI HUANG WAN (REHMANNIA SIX, SIX FLAVOR TEA)
Classical formula for nourishing Yin. For weakness in lower back, restlessness, insomnia, hot soles or palms, mild night sweats, dizziness, ringing ears, sore throat, and impotence due to Kidney or Liver Yin deficiency. Commonly used for adult onset diabetes. Best used for maintenance or with other herbs for acute problems. 8-16 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
LI DAN PIEN
To dissolve and remove gallstones. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
LIEN CHIAO PAI TU PIAN LIAN QIAO BAI DU PIEN more info
For suppurative (with pus) and inflamatory skin conditions such as boils, carbuncles, acne *G
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LO HAN KUO INFUSION (Lo Han Guo)
For Phlegm in the throat or for productive cough. Dissolve package in hot water for tea. Take 2 or 3 times a day*G
LONG DAN XIE GAN WAN (LUNG TAN XIE GAN WAN)
Used for headache, ear ringing (tinnitis) or genital herpes caused by damp/heat in the Liver or Gall Bladder channels. Not used for Liver or Gall Bladder organ problems. Take 8-10 pills 2 times a day. *G
LYCIUM-REHMANNIA TEA/ LYCII & CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA/ OU JIE DI HUANG WAN
For Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood deficiency resulting in dry, red and itchy eyes, poor eyesight, and excessive tearing. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
MAI WEI DI HUANG WAN/ BA XIAN CHANG SHOU WAN/ (aka Longevity Pills,)
Based on the Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with added Ophiopogon and Schizandra for Lung Yin deficiency. 8 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
MARGARITE ACNE PILL
Pearl-based formula for acne. Take 6 pills 2 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
for cough due to cold. Helpful when headcold invades the lungs, or for asthma sufferers who catch cold. Contains ma huang. 5 pills, 3 times a day *B
MEi BO SHAMPOO 7.78 FL. OZ.
FOR PREMATURELY GRAY OR THINNING HAIR. CONTAINS HE SHOU WU
MING MU DI HUANG WAN - REHMANNIA TEA
Increases Liver and Kidney Yin, sedates Liver Fire, benefits the eyes. A variation of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, adjusted to benefit dry, red and itchy eyes, poor eyesight, and excessive tearing. 8-10 pills 3 times a day Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
MING MU SHANG CHING PIAN
Clears heat from the eyes. Used for conjunctivitis, painfull or itchy eyes from allergy or Liver Heat. *B
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE CATATACTS
MOXA ROLLS (STICKS) (for moxibustion)
10 Rolls. Peel off outer paper before igniting. Extinguish moxa by suffocating in sand, salt, etc. *G
For digestive complaints due to Spleen deficiency with damp accumulations. Symptoms include indigestion, bloating, abdominal noises (borborygmus), erratic or loose stool, poor appetite.
NAN BAO CAPSULES
Male potency tonic. Can be used for erectile dysfunction caused by Kidney Yang depletion. Contains animal parts. *U See also CONCENTRATED Man's Treasure
NU KE BA ZHEN WAN/ WOMEN'S PRECIOUS / EIGHT TREASURES
Tonifies Qi and Blood. Excellent as a women's daily supplement. Used together with other herbs for fatigue, dizziness, irregular menstruation, deficient menses, and recovery from childbirth and illness. 8-16 pills 3 times a day.*G
Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. See Dr. Shen's Woman's Precious Pills
PANAX GINSENG EXTRACT A liquid extract of 6 year old red Ginseng roots. Said to increase endurance. 1 vial a day. Can be added to tea or water *G
PEARL CREAM
Contains pure pearl powder in a mildly fragrant facial cream. Pearls are said to enhance beautiful, youthful skin.*G
PINELLIA EXPECTORANT/ CLEAN AIR TEA
For bronchial congestion and asthma when there is expectorated phlegm. 6 pills 3 times a day *G
PEKING LING CHIH (Rei Shi) & ROYAL JELLY
A combination of Ling Chih (ganoderma, reishi) mushroom and Royal Jelly. Strengthens the Lungs, Spleen and Liver and is said to promote long life. 1 vial per day.*G
PE MIN KAN WAN
For sinus problems and allergies. Contains pharmaceutical drug chlorpheniramine. 2-3 pills 3 times a day.*B NOTE: Dr. Shen's Sinus & Nose Pill is this formula without the chlorpheniramine.
One-two day supply. Alleviates indigestion. For nausea and related headache, motion and morning sickness. Contains chemical alkaloids and possibly red dye. 1-2 vials each time.
For coughs and shortness of breath caused by deficient Lung Qi and Yin (sometimes worse in the evening, or after over-exertion.) This condition is often diagnosed as asthma. 10 pills 3 times a day
Minimum course of use is usually 2 weeks. *G
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PLACENTA RESTORATIVE COMPOUND
Tonic for Blood and Qi depletion after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or depleting illness. Contains human placenta. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *B
PO SUM ON
MEDICATED OIL For aches and pains in joints or muscles. Highly concentrated. A few drops provide a soothing, penetrating heat.*G
PEACH KERNEL PILLS - Fructus Persica Compound Pills, Run Chang Wan
Similar to, but much less potent than Dr. Shen's Rhubarb Pill, An herbal laxative for constipation. These are used to moisten the intestines. 8 pills 3 times per day. Contains marijuana seeds. Avoid during pregnancy *G
PROSTATE GLAND PILLS (KAI KIT PILLS)
For prostate swelling from Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) . *G 90 PILLS
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HUA TO ZAI ZAO WAN / Stroke PREVENTION & RECOVERY
and prevention; also used for for Bell's palsy. *B
SHANG SHA LIU JUN ZI WAN / APLOTAXIS AMOMUM PILLS
Aid to digestion and elimination. For low appetite, loose stool, fatigue. 12 pills 3 times a day Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
SHIH CHUAN DA PU WAN (Shiquan dabu wan; Ten Flavor Tea)
boosts energy (Qi) and Blood , strengthens and nourishes Spleen (General Tonic) taken 6 or more months per year for years. 8-10 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
SHI LIN TONG
Desmodium based tablets, effective in large doses for dissolving and preventing Kidney stones. Also used for bladder and other urinary infections.*G
SHOU WU PIAN
Taken regularly it is said to nourish the hair, increase vigor, preserve youthfulness, strengthen the sexual function and lengthen life. Commonly used in China for alopecia, and to prevent hair from greying. Commonly known as Ho shou wu or Fo-ti. 5 pills three times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
SHU KAN WAN (SHU GAN WAN)
Used when Liver Invades Stomach causing, burping, bloating, and other digestive ills. 8 pills 3 times a day *B
SUANZAOREN TANG (SUAN ZAO REN)
Nourishes the Heart, Calms the Spirit. Used for Insomnia. 2 pills 3 times a day. *B
TIEH TA WAN
Take 1 pill per day on the first 2 days of injury or trauma.
TIENCHI GINSENG TABLETS
Good geriatric tonic uses pseudoginseng for vascular system. Promotes circulation, yet restrains bleeding. *G
TIAN HUANG PU SHIN WAN or TIAN WANG BU XIN WAN or EMPEROR'S TEA
Builds Heart Blood and Yin, and Calms the Spirit. For insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, poor concentration, palpitations, and dream-disturbed sleep. 8 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month.*G.
TIGER BALM (STRONG Version)
Extra strong version of the popular ointment for relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. . Contains camphor, menthol, cajeput oil, and clove oil. Red type is stronger than white type Tiger Balm.*G
WHITE FLOWER ANALGESIC BALM
For pain relief of minor injuries and arthritis. Good for insect bites and as an insect repellent.*G
WU CHA SENG (Siberian Ginseng extract)
High-grade extract Said to have adaptogenic properties and is sometimes used to reduce jet lag. Also used to "Brighten the Mind" before examinations, performances, and other mentally challenging events. 1-2 tabs 2 or 3 times daily.*G
WU CHI PAI FENG WAN TABLETS
Tonifies Blood and Qi, warms the uterus, resolves stagation of Liver Blood. Used for menstrual disorders due to deficiency or cold, including lack of menstruation, painful menstruation, or infertility. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G
XIAO CHAI HU TANG WAN (Hsiao Chai Hu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Combination)
Classical formula for half interior/ half exterior diseases exhibiting flu like symptoms such as mild headache, queasiness, sore throat, thirst, and alternating fever and chills. today it is widely use for chronic viral diseases such as chronic hepatitis. 8-10 pills 3 times a day.*G
XIAO FENG SAN (HSIAO FENG SAN) Eliminate Wind Pill.
Classic formula to clear heat and evil (pathogenic) wind from the skin. Used for many inflammatory skin conditions. 8 pills 3 times a day.*G
Stops bleeding, and promotes the healing of wounds. Also helps excessive menstrual bleeding. Good for pre and post-surgery. Keep on hand for emergencies. 1-2 caps three times a day or as needed. Use red pellet only for severe emergency bleeding.*G
ZHENG GU SHUI
Alchohol based linament for external use . Stops pain. For muscle, ligament and bone injuries.*G
100 CC
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ZHI BAI DI HUANG WAN/ CHIH PAI DI HUANG
Yin tonifying formula plus Heat reducing herbs. Used to treat deficiency of Kidney Yin with Heat symptoms, including afternoon fever, night sweats, heat in soles of feet or palms, insomnia, or restless sleep. 8 pills 3 times a day. Minimum course of use is usually 1 month. *G 200 PILLS
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ZHI SOU DING CHUAN WAN
For acute cough with labored breathing related to asthma or bronchial phlegm. Contains ma huang (ephedra)*B
ZI SHENG WAN - Stomachic Pills
Used for a variety of digestive disturbances, particularly poor appetite, food stagnation, and malnutrition. *G
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