Juzen-taiho-to

"The Medicine That Completes the Coloring Book of Vitality" - Juzen-taiho-to -

Hello everyone. Today, I will talk about Juzen-taiho-to, which can be called a representative of "replenishment" in Kampo medicine. This formula is a Kampo medicine that replenishes the body's energy and vitality, as if carefully filling in the colors missing from the body.

What is Juzen-taiho-to?

As the name suggests, Juzen-taiho-to was named because its "ten" (ju) medicinal herbs "greatly" (dai) "replenish" (ho) the functions of the "entire" (zen) body. It is literally like a comprehensive nutritional supplement that delivers vitality to every corner of the body. It is a historic formula that has been used in China since the Song Dynasty (around the 12th century) and has long been highly valued in Japan as well.

Constituent Herbs

Juzen-taiho-to is made from the following 10 types of medicinal herbs:

• Astragalus Root: Protects the body's surface and regulates sweating.

• Cinnamon Bark: Warms the body and improves blood circulation.

• Rehmannia Root: Replenishes blood and provides moisture.

• Peony Root: Relieves pain and regulates blood circulation.

• Cnidium Rhizome: Promotes blood flow and improves circulation in the head.

• Atractylodes Rhizome: Removes dampness and enhances digestive function.

• Angelica Root: Replenishes blood and promotes blood circulation.

• Ginseng: Replenishes energy and enhances overall body function.

• Poria: Eliminates excess water and regulates the flow of energy.

• Licorice: Harmonizes the actions of the other medicinal herbs.

By blending these 10 types in harmony, it is possible to replenish the nutrients necessary for the body in a balanced manner.

What kind of conditions is it suitable for?

Main Symptoms

People who are suited for Juzen-taiho-to have the following characteristics:

• Your complexion is dull, and you look somewhat pale.

• Your skin feels dry and rough.

• Your mouth feels sticky or dry.

• Your hands and feet tend to get cold.

• You tire easily and have difficulty recovering your strength.

• You lack a good appetite.

• You catch colds easily or find them hard to shake off.

• You are in the recovery period after surgery or childbirth.

In Eastern medicine, these symptoms are called "Qi and Blood deficiency." It is a state where both "Qi" and "Blood" are lacking, similar to experiencing a shortage of energy and nutrition at the same time.

Recommended for the following people

Based on my experience, Juzen-taiho-to is particularly suitable for the following people:

• Those who are exhausted from childcare, caregiving, or work.

• Those who are in the recovery period from an illness.

• Those aiming to recover their physical strength after surgery or childbirth.

• Those who have started to feel a decline in physical strength with age.

• Those suffering from chronic fatigue.

A Kampo perspective: What is Qi and Blood deficiency?

In Eastern medicine, the state of the body is understood through the concepts of "Qi, Blood, and Water."

"Qi" is like life energy; it is the driving force that moves and functions the body. If you think of it in terms of a smartphone, it would be like the battery.

"Blood" is literally blood, but it is considered not just a red liquid, but something that carries nutrition and provides moisture to the body. In terms of a smartphone, it would be like the apps and data.

The "Qi and Blood deficiency" targeted by Juzen-taiho-to is a state where both the battery and data are insufficient. Because there is a lack of energy, movement becomes sluggish, and due to a lack of nourishment and moisture, the skin and mucous membranes become dry, and bodily functions decline.

Functions of Juzen-taiho-to

Replenishing Qi

Ingredients in Juzen-taiho-to such as Astragalus Root, Ginseng, and Atractylodes Rhizome replenish "Qi," the body's energy source. This makes the body less prone to fatigue and more resistant to external threats like colds. Think of it as replenishing the vitality needed for daily activities.

Replenishing Blood

Angelica Root, Rehmannia Root, and Peony Root replenish "Blood," providing the body with moisture and nourishment. This action is what helps improve dry skin and leads to a healthier complexion.

Warming the body

Cinnamon Bark warms the body and promotes blood circulation. By improving cold hands and feet and enhancing overall blood circulation, it becomes easier for nutrients and oxygen to reach every corner of the body.

Regulating water metabolism

Poria Sclerotium drains excess fluid and balances the body's water levels. It is useful for reducing swelling and removing "dampness" caused by excess fluid in the body.

Juzen-taiho-to and modern life

Relationship with modern illnesses

In modern society, it is easy to deplete "Qi" due to stress and busyness, and the quality of "Blood" also tends to decline due to an increase in processed foods and irregular eating habits. In other words, we live in an environment where it is easy to fall into a state of Qi and Blood deficiency.

Juzen-taiho-to can help gently restore physical strength against such daily depletion and fatigue in modern people.

Relationship with the seasons

Juzen-taiho-to is often used particularly from winter to spring. It supports the body when it has depleted its strength due to the winter cold and cannot fully adapt to the changeable weather of spring.

However, since it has a warming effect, it is recommended to refrain from using it during the hot midsummer period or to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Advice on lifestyle habits

For those taking Juzen-taiho-to, incorporating the following lifestyle habits can also be more effective:

Dietary tips

• Make sure to consume enough protein (meat, fish, soy products, etc.).

• Actively incorporate root vegetables (carrots, burdock root, lotus root, etc.).

• Try to consume warm foods and drinks.

• Limit raw, cold, and stimulating foods.

Lifestyle Tips

• Try to get moderate exercise (walking, stretching, etc.).

• Get enough sleep.

• Dress in a way that prevents you from getting cold.

• Warm your body thoroughly by taking a bath.

• Take time to relax so that you do not accumulate stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will I start to see effects?

A: Kampo medicines generally do not have an immediate effect; they work to improve your constitution over time. While there are individual differences, many people start to feel changes after continuing for about two weeks to a month. It often begins with feelings like "I feel generally better" or "I don't get tired as easily."

Q: Can I take it with Western medicine?

A: Basically, they can be used together, but please be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Kampo medicines are also legitimate pharmaceuticals, so it is important to check for any interactions with other medications.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: Kampo medicines are said to have relatively few side effects, but depending on your constitution and condition, digestive symptoms (stomach discomfort, diarrhea, etc.) may occur. Also, those with allergic constitutions should be careful. If you experience any concerning symptoms, stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Q: When is the best time to take it?

A: Generally, it is often taken before meals or between meals (on an empty stomach), but please follow your doctor's instructions. If you have a weak stomach, taking it after meals may reduce the burden on your stomach.

The Depth of Kampo

Juzen-taiho-to is actually a formula that can be called the 'basic form' of other Kampo medicines. It is a 'ten-ingredient' formula created by taking the 'eight ingredients'—a combination of Shimotsu-to, which replenishes blood, and Shikunshi-to, which replenishes qi—and adding Astragalus Root and Cinnamon Bark to it.

This 'brilliance of combination' is one of the interesting aspects of Kampo. Each crude drug not only works on its own, but also exerts a synergistic effect when combined—this is the wisdom of Kampo, which has a history of over 2,000 years.

Summary: Living with Juzen-taiho-to

Juzen-taiho-to is a reliable ally that provides a well-balanced supply of nutrition and energy to a body exhausted by modern society.

'I feel somewhat lacking in energy,' 'I can't get rid of my fatigue,' 'I'm concerned about coldness or dryness'—for those people, Juzen-taiho-to may bring moisture and vitality to their daily lives.

However, Kampo medicines are also pharmaceuticals. Please avoid taking them based on your own judgment and be sure to consult with a doctor or pharmacist who is knowledgeable about Kampo. They should be able to select the optimal Kampo medicine tailored to your constitution and condition.

We hope that the wisdom of Eastern medicine can support your health and energetic daily life.

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