Keishito (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)

For the onset of a cold. A guardian deity of colds that gently protects the body

Hello everyone. Today, I would like to introduce "Keishito" from the world of Kampo in an easy-to-understand way. Keishito is a reliable formula that gently protects your body when you are starting to catch a cold or feeling unwell. While Kampo medicine might seem difficult, it is actually a very logical form of natural wisdom. Let's take a look together.

What kind of Kampo medicine is Keishito?

Keishito is a formula recorded in the classic Kampo medical text "Shanghan Lun" and is a fundamental formula used for the initial symptoms of a cold. "Keishi" (cinnamon twig) plays the leading role, working with other crude drugs to regulate the "Eki" (defensive energy) on the body's surface and expel pathogenic factors by promoting perspiration.

Constituent crude drugs of Keishito

Keishito is made from five crude drugs:

• Keihi: Cinnamon bark, which has diaphoretic and warming properties

• Shakuyaku: Peony root, which has pain-relieving properties

• Taiso: Jujube fruit, which has the effect of regulating the gastrointestinal tract

• Kanzo: Licorice root, which plays a role in harmonizing the actions of other crude drugs

• Shokyo: Ginger, which warms the body and enhances gastrointestinal function

A characteristic of Kampo medicine is that these crude drugs are balanced to exert a synergistic effect. Like a small orchestra, each crude drug cooperates to create a harmonious effect.

Symptoms that Keishito excels at treating

What kind of symptoms is Keishito suitable for? It is mainly suitable for people with the following symptoms.

The onset of a cold

It is effective in the initial stage of catching a cold, before the symptoms become serious. It is particularly considered when the following symptoms are present:

• Mild chills and a slight fever

• A state where there is slight perspiration

• Feeling of heat in the head, headache, or a heavy-headed sensation

• Feeling slightly sluggish

The state of 'Hyosho' (Exterior Syndrome)

In Kampo medicine, the state where pathogenic factors remain on the surface of the body is called 'Hyosho' (Exterior Syndrome). Keishito is effective for this 'Hyosho' state, particularly the condition known as 'Taiyo-byo' (Greater Yang Disease).

A state where the body's balance is disrupted

In Oriental medicine, the balance of 'Qi, Blood, and Water' is important, and Keishito specifically adjusts a state called 'Eiei-fuwa,' where the balance between the body's surface defense functions and internal nutritional functions is disrupted.

Effective ways to use Keishito

How can you make the most of Keishito to ensure it is effective?

Timing is important

Keishito is effective when taken at the very beginning of a cold, while symptoms are still mild. In stages where there is already a high fever or significant coughing and phlegm, other prescriptions are often considered.

Keep warm after taking it

After taking Keishito, it is effective to keep warm, such as by covering yourself with a light blanket, as this promotes perspiration. However, excessive sweating can be counterproductive, so aim for a moderate level of warmth.

Tailor it to your constitution

In Oriental medicine, prescriptions are chosen based on a person's constitution and the way symptoms manifest, which is called 'Sho' (Pattern). Keishito is suitable for those who have relatively good physical strength and do not sweat easily. Those who are frail or prone to sweating should consult a doctor to consider a different prescription.

Keishito and daily life

The concepts behind Keishito can also be applied to daily life.

Be careful during seasonal changes

The 'Hyosho' state that Keishito targets is particularly prone to occurring during seasonal changes. During the transition periods from spring to summer or autumn to winter, paying attention to your clothing and room temperature will help prevent your body's balance from being disrupted.

The importance of moderate perspiration

The perspiration-promoting effect of Keishito helps the body's natural defense response. In daily life, sweating healthily through moderate exercise or bathing is also important for improving the body's circulation.

A balanced diet

The crude drugs that make up Keishito, such as ginger and jujube (Chinese date), can also be used as everyday ingredients. Especially during times when you feel cold, trying to incorporate ginger into warm meals will help warm your body from the inside.

History and Background of Keishito

To better understand the appeal of Keishito, let us take a brief look at its historical background.

Wisdom from the 'Shanghan Lun'

Keishito is a formula recorded in the 'Shanghan Lun' (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases), written by the renowned physician Zhang Zhongjing during the Eastern Han Dynasty about 1,800 years ago. The 'Shanghan Lun' is a classic that laid the foundation for Eastern medicine, and Keishito is positioned as a fundamental and important formula within it.

The Concept of 'Keishito Pattern'

The condition that Keishito targets is called the 'Keishito pattern,' which serves as a basis for the diagnostic system of Kampo medicine. This is not merely a collection of symptoms, but a concept that represents the state of the entire body. It refers to a state that is a 'surface pattern' (exterior syndrome) while also involving an imbalance in the sweating function.

Relationship with Modern Medicine

Modern research has revealed that the components contained in Keishito act on immune function and have effects such as dilating peripheral blood vessels to promote blood circulation. It is interesting that ancient wisdom is being supported from a modern scientific perspective.

Keishito and Related Formulas

Keishito is a foundational formula, and various related formulas have been derived from it. Let me introduce a few.

Keishi-ka-kakkon-to

A formula created by adding Kudzu root to Keishito, used for colds accompanied by stiff shoulders or a stiff neck.

Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to

Peony root is increased in this formula, which is considered for cases involving abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea.

Keishi-ninjin-to

A formula that adds Ginseng to Keishito to enhance gastrointestinal function. It is used for colds in people with weak stomachs who are prone to diarrhea.

These can be called 'applied forms' where crude drugs are added or adjusted according to symptoms based on the 'basic form' of Keishito. One can feel the rationality of the Eastern medical prescription system.

My Perspective: The Significance of Keishito in Modern Life

What significance does the philosophy of Keishito have in modern society? I would like to offer a few personal thoughts.

While we in modern society have become able to artificially control our environments with air conditioning and heating, I feel that our body's adaptability to natural rhythms and seasonal changes has weakened. Furthermore, in our busy lives, we often fail to notice subtle changes in our physical condition and only deal with them after symptoms have become severe.

The philosophy behind Keishito, which involves noticing small changes in the body early and responding in a way that supports natural healing, may be especially valuable for people today. It feels as though it teaches us the importance of resting and providing appropriate care at the very beginning of a cold.

Conclusion: How to Use Keishito Effectively

We have looked at the basic knowledge regarding Keishito. Finally, let's summarize how to use Keishito effectively.

1. Pay attention to the symptoms at the onset of a cold and try to respond early.

2. Consult a professional to see if your constitution and symptoms are suitable for Keishito.

3. Since the effects of herbal medicines are characterized by a harmonizing action rather than immediate results, observe the situation without rushing.

4. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

Herbal medicines are available both as prescription drugs prescribed by doctors and as over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased at pharmacies. In either case, I hope you will use them for your own health management while referring to the advice of professionals.

The concept of "balancing the body" that Keishito teaches is wisdom that can also be applied to daily health maintenance. I hope this information will be of some help to your healthy daily life.

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