Kampo Pharmacy

Kampo medicine (the adaptation and study of Traditional Chinese medicine) is very popular in Japan; Pharmacists boil together dried ingredients and make a tea for patients to drink. One example recipe would include:

Puerariae Radix (Pueraria Root) ...8g
Ephedrae Herba (Ephedra Herb)...4g
Zizyphi Fructus (Jujube)...4g
Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamon Bark)...3g
Paeoniae Radix (Peony Root)...3g
Glycyrrhizae Radix (Liquorice Root)...2g
Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ginger)...1g
Water...500 mL

This practice is not very common in the U.S., although I know that a lot of Americans desire products that are "all natural." Many consumers take supplements or eat foods that claim to be "all natural" because they believe the phrase implies that it is "safer." With Kampo medicine, you can physically see the ingredients, smell the aroma, and feel the texture of the product that you put into your body - such is the beauty of it.

I believe Kampo medicine has potential to be very popular in the U.S. as well. Although there are a lot of implications to consider,  Kampo medicine would appeal to patients that are after an "all natural" approach to treating their ailments.

I had a really great experience seeing, tasting, and learning about Kampo medicine. I have to say it was my favorite pharmacy experience on this trip!