Chuanbei Pipa Gao is a traditional Chinese cough medicine, but recently it has gained popularity in China, especially in the United States, and has become the latest internet sensation of 2018, with its price skyrocketing.
【Reasons for its Popularity】
A New York architect and designer had been suffering from a persistent cough caused by a cold for more than 10 days. Despite taking various medications, there was no sign of improvement. Then, his girlfriend who had previously lived in Hong Kong suggested that he try drinking "Chuanbei Pipa Gao". After about 15 minutes, not only did his cough greatly improve, but his breathing also became less difficult. He immediately posted about this miraculous effect on his social media, telling his friends and family about the magical properties of this syrup. As a result, Chuanbei Pipa Gao quickly became popular among the American people. Although the report also mentioned the potential health risks of taking Chuanbei Pipa Gao as warned by local experts in the United States, the demand for Chuanbei Pipa Gao remains high. It is sold for $7 in Chinese medicine stores, but online prices through third-party sellers can reach up to $70, equivalent to 441 Chinese yuan, and it is often sold out.
One important reason for the sudden popularity of Chuanbei Pipa Gao in the United States is the severe flu season that the country has been experiencing this spring. However, some doctors in China have pointed out that Chuanbei Pipa Gao is a cough medicine and does not have magical preventive or curative effects on the flu.
Pharmacist Jin Rui from Beijing Century Hospital stated that Chuanbei Pipa Gao, which is made by Nin Jiom Medicine, is a traditional Chinese medicine that should be used according to the specific symptoms of each individual. "Different people have different characteristics. Some people may have a cough due to lung dryness caused by Yin deficiency, in which case Chuanbei Pipa Gao can be used. Others may have a cough caused by lung heat or phlegm heat, with less obvious lung dryness," Jin Rui said.
【Precautions】
Chuanbei Pipa Gao is commonly used as a cough expectorant in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main functions are to moisten the lungs, dissolve phlegm, relieve cough and wheezing, protect the throat, generate body fluids, replenish qi, and balance the mind. It is used for coughs caused by colds, thick phlegm, excessive phlegm, coughing with difficulty, dry and itchy throat, and hoarse voice. However, according to Chang Zhangfu, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, the main ingredients of Chuanbei Pipa Gao are Fritillaria, loquat leaf, Radix Adenophorae, and Poria cocos, which are mainly used for hot and dry coughs caused by wind-heat colds, with sticky yellow phlegm and nasal congestion. If the cough is caused by wind-cold, taking Chuanbei Pipa Gao may aggravate the condition.
There are three groups of people who should pay special attention when taking Chuanbei Pipa Gao.
Firstly, diabetic patients should avoid taking it because Chuanbei Pipa Gao contains honey, maltose, and syrup, which may raise blood sugar levels.
Secondly, patients with severe chronic diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, and lung disease should take it under the guidance of a doctor, as it may affect their condition.
Thirdly, patients taking certain medications should be aware of possible interactions between the medications and Chuanbei Pipa Gao.
The main ingredient of Chuanbei Pipa Gao is Fritillaria, which belongs to the Aconitum family. If it is taken in combination with other Aconitum medicines such as Chuanwu, Caowu, and Fuzi, there may be a conflict in their properties.
Houbao is another common throat lubricant that some people even carry as a snack. According to Chang Zhangfu, the main function of this type of medicine is to disperse wind and clear heat, suitable for dryness, burning, and hoarseness. However, if the pharyngitis is caused by a virus, taking it may irritate the mucous membrane, allowing harmful bacteria to enter and cause secondary infections. Prolonged use of throat lubricants may also disrupt the oral environment, causing imbalance in the local bacterial flora and leading to the occurrence of diseases such as oral ulcers.
However, if taken for a long time or in large quantities, the risks should still be considered, as this is a medication and not a health supplement. Therefore, before taking any cough expectorant or throat lubricant, it is necessary to identify the cause of the symptoms, take the medication as directed and at the recommended dosage, and avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy, cold, and greasy foods. If there is no improvement after one week of medication or if symptoms worsen during the course of treatment, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
