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What Are Teapills

What Are Teapills

Jan 10th 2023

Never heard of teapills before, not to worry we are going to cover all aspects of teapills in this blog.

Teapills, also known as Chinese patent medicines or Chinese patent pills, are a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that are formed into small, round pills, which are meant to be dissolved in hot water to make a tea-like drink. They are used to treat a variety of ailments, such as headaches, colds, and stomach problems. The ingredients of teapills can vary widely, but they are often a combination of herbs, minerals, and other natural substances that are believed to have healing properties.

These are very small about the size of a pea.   The color varies from black to brown to even a burnt red color.
The teapills dosage vary, but in very general terms the typical dosage for teapills is 
eight pills up to three times a day.  

The teapills are usually several herbs which makes a comprehensive formula.  Formulas can consist of as little as three herbs, or as many as 15 herbs depending upon what the formula is being used for.  

How to use teapills

The most common way to use teapills is to swallow the small pea size pill with warm water.

Teapills are may also be used in the following way:

  1. Take the recommended dosage of teapills as specified on the packaging or by a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
  2. Boil water in a pot or kettle.
  3. Place the teapills in a cup or mug.
  4. Pour the hot water over the teapills.
  5. Allow the teapills to dissolve completely, which can take several minutes.
  6. Once the teapills have dissolved, the tea is ready to drink. You may add honey or any other sweetener as per your preference.

It's important to note that it's best to use teapills under supervision of a TCM practitioner or a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist who can advise on the appropriate dosage and usage, as well as potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. Also, Not all herbs are safe for everyone, some may not safe for certain individuals and may have side effects.

10 of the most widely used teapills and why

There are many different types of teapills used in traditional Chinese medicine, and the most commonly used ones can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the region in which the teapills are being used. However, some teapills that are commonly used for a variety of ailments include:

  1. Yang Xin Pian (YXP) : a heart tonic
  2. Guan Xin Pian (GXP) : improve memory
  3. Gui Pi Pian (GPP) : nourish the heart and spleen, support mental health
  4. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Pian (BZYQP) : tonify qi and improve digestion
  5. Er Xian Pian (EXD) : tonify the Kidneys and support healthy hormonal balance
  6. Bai He Gu Jin Pian (BHGJP) : for dry cough and soothe throat
  7. Fang Feng Tong Sheng Pian (FFTSP) : relieve pain and rheumatisms
  8. Long Dan Xie Gan Pian (LDXGP) : to clear heat and dry dampness, and relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, etc
  9. Yin Qiao Pian (YQP) : for common cold, influenza, and fevers
  10. Xiao Chai Hu Pian (XCHP) : for liver and spleen function, and relief symptoms of upset stomachs and diarrhea

Please note that above are few examples, They are not a comprehensive list and the specific teapills that would be best for you depends on your unique circumstances and should be discussed with a licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.