Talking TCM: 999 Ganmaoling Keli, A Cold Remedy

Nothing makes a foreign country feel more foreign than being ill and not finding the right remedies. Each week here in Talking TCM, we introduce a household remedy from the Traditional Chinese Medicine cabinet used to combat common ailments. If you have found the sore throat syrup and appetite booster we reviewed useful, you may also wish to stock up on some 999 Ganmaoling Keli for the common cold.

The popular 999 Ganmaoling Keli is a classic example of a Western-Chinese medicine blend. Herbal medicines, including wild chrysanthemum and evodia leaf, function to remove heat and toxins in the body. The medicine’s effectiveness is boosted by introducing an analgesic (acetaminophen) and a stimulant (caffeine). 

999 is usually used at the early stage of common cold. It is formulated to relieve headache, fever, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and acute tonsillitis.

Take the medicine the same way you make instant coffee, except that bitter and sweet taste will not leave you feeling quite as energized, but perhaps a little drowsy during its effective period.

Again, it is worth mentioning that, like most of Chinese medicines, it contains sugar, so people with diabetes may need to consider whether the drink is will have a negative impact on their blood sugar.

Practical info:
Medicine: 999 Ganmaoling Keli 999感冒灵颗粒
Price: RMB 11 (9 packets / box)
Where to buy: Tongrentang (同仁堂) and other major pharmacies.

Clemence Jiang is a young contemporary writer for the Beijinger with a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) background. She enjoys going out with friends and creating her own herbal mix to cure the hangover. Need a cure for other ailments? Email c.jiang@truerun.com.

Photo: Clemence Jiang