Talking TCM: Try this Tasty Chinese Equivalent of Pepto-Bismol for Upset Stomach

Weekends are meant for great food and indulgence. We all enjoy eating and drinking; we just don’t like the following unpleasant effects. If unfortunately an upset stomach is making your Monday blue, try to stop it with jianwei xiaoshi pian. The popular local dietary supplement is made of all-natural herbal ingredients, and may even taste better than many candies.

If you would usually take Pepto-Bismol, expect similar relief of indigestion, abdominal distention, and poor appetite. The differences being: it does not work for diarrhea, the tablets are for chewing (not swallowing), and it is made of all Chinese herbs (so it might work slower).

If you think Chinese medicine tastes bad, this one is one curative that will change your mind. The major ingredients containing hawthorn, roasted barley, orange peel and ginseng create a sweet and sour flavor with a milky texture. Despite the pleasant taste, people who have high blood sugar and diabetes may find it being too sweet for them.

The package is designed to be convenient to carry. The instructions say to take three tablets each, three times daily. It doesn’t really matter if you take it before or after meals. It won't work against alcohol and spicy food (like many others would).

Here's to good health!

Practical info:
Medicine: jianwei xiaoshi pian 健胃消食片
Brand: Jiangzhong 江中
Price: RMB 8.8 (32 tablets/pack)
Where to buy: Tongrentang (同仁堂) and other major pharmacies

Click here for a TCM cough remedy.

Photo: Clemence Jiang