Seishoekki-to

Clear away that summer sluggishness! Feel refreshed from the inside out.

Hello, everyone.
Today, I would like to talk about a Kampo formula called "Seishoekki-to." As the name "Seisho" (clearing heat) suggests, it is a reliable ally that helps improve physical discomfort caused by the heat.

What kind of Kampo is Seishoekki-to?

As the name implies, Seishoekki-to is a Kampo medicine with two functions: "Seisho" (clearing away summer heat) and "Ekki" (replenishing Qi). It is a suitable formula for those whose physical strength has declined due to the summer heat, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.

It is particularly useful when you are feeling worn out by the heat from the end of the rainy season through midsummer. It will be a very reliable ally during the hot and humid Japanese summer.

Effective for these symptoms

Here are the main symptoms for which Seishoekki-to is suitable:

• General fatigue due to heat

• Excessive sweating

• Frequent thirst and water consumption

• Weak stomach prone to diarrhea

• Feeling as if abdominal muscles have weakened

• Loss of appetite

• Easily fatigued

It is especially suitable when you have the characteristic of "sweating a lot" even though your "physical strength is dropping due to the heat."

The origins of Seishoekki-to

Historical background

Seishoekki-to was created during the Ming Dynasty in China (14th–17th centuries) by a physician named Xue Ji. It is recorded in the book "Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun" (Clarifying Doubts about Internal and External Injuries).

It began to be used in Japan during the Edo period, and today it is known as a Kampo medicine for summer fatigue and heatstroke prevention. It has come to be widely used to suit the hot and humid Japanese climate.

Origin of the name

"Seisho" means to cool down heat caused by the summer heat, and "Ekki" means to replenish weakened energy (Qi). In other words, the name reflects its effect of improving health issues caused by the heat and restoring physical strength.

Constituent crude drugs and their functions

Seishoekki-to is made from nine types of crude drugs. Let's look at the function of each:

Atractylodes Rhizome (Sojutsu)

The rhizome of a plant in the Asteraceae family, it removes dampness and regulates gastrointestinal function. It is effective in improving health issues caused by humidity during the rainy season and summer.

Ginseng (Ninjin)

The root of a plant in the Araliaceae family, it replenishes the body's energy (Qi) and is effective for recovering from whole-body fatigue. It is known today as Korean ginseng or Panax ginseng.

Ophiopogon Tuber (Bakumondo)

The root of a plant in the Asparagaceae family, it replenishes moisture in the body and quenches thirst. It works to restore the body's moisture lost to the heat.

Astragalus Root (Ogi)

The root of a plant in the Fabaceae family, it protects the body's surface and prevents excessive sweating. It also has the effect of restoring physical strength.

Dried Tangerine Peel (Chinpi)

Made from dried mandarin orange peel, it regulates gastrointestinal function. It improves the circulation of energy (Qi) and helps with loss of appetite.

Angelica Root (Toki)

The root of a plant in the Apiaceae family, it improves blood circulation. It helps deliver nutrients throughout the entire body.

Phellodendron Bark (Obaku)

The bark of a plant in the Rutaceae family, it cools heat in the lower body and improves diarrhea. It is particularly effective in soothing inflammation of the intestines.

Licorice (Kanzo)

The root of a plant in the Fabaceae family, it harmonizes the actions of other crude drugs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the gastrointestinal tract.

Schisandra Fruit (Gomishi)

The fruit of the Schisandra plant tightens the 'qi' and prevents excessive sweating. It also has the effect of balancing the body's moisture.

Characteristic effects of Seishoekki-to

Improving 'qi deficiency' caused by heat

In traditional Chinese medicine, sweating profusely due to heat depletes 'qi.' This state is called 'qi deficiency.' Seishoekki-to has the effect of improving this 'qi deficiency' and restoring physical strength.

Removing 'damp-heat'

It improves a state called 'damp-heat' that accumulates in the body due to the humidity and heat of summer. When damp-heat is present, symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea appear. Seishoekki-to removes this damp-heat and refreshes the body.

A balanced formula

The appeal of Seishoekki-to lies in the balance between its function of 'cooling the heat' and 'replenishing physical strength.' Simply cooling the heat does not restore physical strength, and simply replenishing physical strength does not improve the malaise caused by heat. It is precisely because it has both functions that it is effective for summer fatigue.

Effects from the perspective of modern medicine

In modern research, several scientific effects of Seishoekki-to have been confirmed:

• Effect of balancing the autonomic nervous system

• Effect of stimulating gastrointestinal activity

• Effect of suppressing inflammation

• Effect of balancing moisture within the body

Of particular note is its action on the autonomic nervous system. One of the causes of summer fatigue is the disruption of the autonomic nervous system, and it is believed that Seishoekki-to improves overall physical malaise by regulating this.

How to use it in daily life

During seasonal changes

It is recommended to use it during the period from the end of the rainy season to midsummer, when the sudden heat makes it difficult for the body to keep up. The effects of Seishoekki-to are best demonstrated during the time when the body is not yet accustomed to the heat.

Also for physical malaise caused by air conditioning

Nowadays, many people suffer from poor physical condition due to the difference between the air-conditioned indoors and the heat outdoors. Seishoekki-to is also effective for this 'modern version of summer fatigue.'

Combining with meals

When taking Seishoekki-to, it is more effective to maintain a balanced diet. In particular, summer vegetables (such as cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes) have a cooling effect on the body, so we recommend incorporating them actively.

Differences between Seishoekki-to and other Kampo medicines for summer fatigue

Seishoekki-to and Gorei-san

Gorei-san is also a Kampo medicine used for summer fatigue, but it specializes primarily in improving water metabolism. If symptoms such as swelling, headaches, or dizziness are severe, Gorei-san is suitable. On the other hand, Seishoekki-to is appropriate when the main issues are physical exhaustion and gastrointestinal distress.

Seishoekki-to and Rikkunshi-to

Rikkunshi-to is a Kampo medicine that improves gastrointestinal function and is effective for loss of appetite and stomach heaviness. If gastrointestinal distress is particularly severe due to summer fatigue, Rikkunshi-to may be chosen. A feature of Seishoekki-to is that, in addition to gastrointestinal distress, it can also address symptoms such as general malaise and sweating.

Seishoekki-to and Hochuekkito

Hochuekkito is also a Kampo medicine that replenishes "qi," but it is used for chronic fatigue and weak constitutions regardless of the season. The difference is that Seishoekki-to focuses specifically on health issues caused by "heat."

Regarding actual usage

Appropriate timing for taking

Generally, take it 2 to 3 times a day, before meals or between meals. Taking it in the morning is especially recommended as it leads to vitality for the day.

Time until effects are felt

Rather than having an immediate effect, Kampo medicines gradually improve your constitution. Although there are individual differences, many people feel the effects after taking it continuously for about 1 to 2 weeks.

Precautions for use

Since Kampo medicines are also pharmaceuticals, it is important to take them appropriately under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. Avoid long-term use based on your own judgment, and consult a professional if there are any changes in your physical condition.

Recommended for the following people

• Those who do a lot of desk work and lack exercise

• Those who frequently move between air-conditioned rooms and the outdoors

• Those who lose their appetite when summer comes

• For those who sweat easily and tire quickly

• For those with weak stomachs who tend to get diarrhea in the summer

It may be the perfect herbal medicine, especially for those who are generally fit but feel weak only during the summer.

Practice! Lifestyle habits for summer fatigue

Here are some lifestyle habits to further enhance the effects of Seishoekki-to:

Get moderate exercise

If you stay only in air-conditioned rooms, your body will lose its ability to adapt to the heat. Improve your body's adaptability by doing light exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours.

Prioritize sleep quality

In summer, it is often difficult to sleep, which can lower sleep quality. Avoid cold drinks before bed, and taking a lukewarm shower can help you fall asleep more easily.

Eat easily digestible foods

Digestion tends to weaken in the summer. Try to eat easily digestible meals and be careful not to consume too many cold items. Eating a solid breakfast, in particular, will lead to vitality for the day.

Summary: Getting through the summer energetically with Seishoekki-to

Seishoekki-to is an effective herbal medicine for summer fatigue that has two functions: "improving ailments caused by heat" and "restoring physical strength." It is a well-balanced prescription that can address typical summer fatigue symptoms such as reduced physical strength due to heat, sweating easily, and poor gastrointestinal condition.

Why not make Seishoekki-to your ally to help you get through Japan's humid summer? Of course, it is important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to choose the herbal medicine that suits your constitution and symptoms.

Wishing you all a healthy and energetic summer.

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