Essential Medicines You Can Easily Find in China
Travel in China has limitless possibilities, from urban highs to mountain byways. But a headache, stomachache, or allergy can spoil a trip in seconds. The good news is that Chinese pharmacies and supermarkets have a wide range of decent over-the-counter medications. Being aware of what they are can save you time and stress if you need quick relief under way.
Disclaimer and Safety First
Chinese medicine must pass strict local approval, so local chemists sell safe over-the-counter medication as well. The following products are chosen for convenience and lowest risk. But that is no substitute for doctor’s advice. In case of worsening of the symptoms, call 120 by emergency. When pregnant, traveling with children, or any underlying conditions, you should check with a physician before taking new medicine.
Key OTC Medicines to Pack
The most frequent travel setbacks are digestive issues; particularly the adaptation to new food and water. Diarrhea, cramps, or bloating are usually managed with Chang Yan Ning Pian. Montmorillonite Powder (Meng Tuo Shi San) uses a different action, developing a buffer coating along the intestines to reduce sudden food or water pain. Keeping rehydration salts available with these drugs can hasten dehydration recovery.
Colds and flu are also usual pests during travel to other climates. 999 Cold Relief (Gan Mao Ling) is usually taken to calm such symptoms of nasal congestion, headache, or sore throat. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules are used in more serious flu-like problems - fever, cough, chills, or body aches. Combining all these cures will enable you to overcome minor breathing complications with minimal disruptions to your time schedule.
The hot and humid climate along with the confrontation with the unexpected shifts of the climate may lead to exhaustion or stomachache. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Oral Liquid is one of the favorite medicines in China for alleviating uneasiness due to dampness or external cold. A small quantity is carried by most tourists for long days under uncertain conditions.
Skin allergic reactions and insect bites are another travel concern. Liu Shen Flower Dew is fast to remove itching and sweating, and is easily available in convenience stores. Watermelon Frost Spray is a localized medication that can be used on the mouth periphery or oral ulcers once causing pain to the throat. Common antibacterial creams such as erythromycin ointment may be used on minor cuts, burns and insect bites as well.
Even more experienced travelers may be tested by motion sickness and changes in altitude. Motion sickness patches or products can be used to prevent the feeling of dizziness and nausea on winding roads, on long bus journeys, mountain rail journeys, etc. Another alternative is feng You Jing (essential balm) which is sparsely applied on pressure points to relieve queasiness. If your route takes you into high-altitude terrain, Gao Yuan An is readily available in China to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
Finally, in the event of bruising, bumping, or spraining—the unfortunate but possible reality of active travel—Yunnan Baiyao is the classic old remedy used by many for soft tissue pain. Having this on your person guarantees that you won’t need to cut a trip short if you do suffer from a minor accident.
Handling Prescription Drugs in a Safe Way
If you are addicted to prescription medication, prepare in advance of travel. Store them always in original containers with your name, dosage, and prescriber marked. Always bring a prescription letter or note of a doctor with the name of the generic, dosage and the purpose of that dosage. Prepare an additional provision in case of delay and put it in your carry bag. When documentation is clear, then travelers usually report smooth experiences, so proper preparation minimizes the possibility of complications.
Practical Information and Packing Tips
Consult local regulations on controlled substances, as some accepted drugs elsewhere might be prohibited. Never carry prescription levels more than what is justified by your travel. Store medicines dry and cool, especially where it’s damp or hot. The large city hospitals will have staff that can speak English, but this may not be the case of rural clinic. In addition to medicines, it can be clever to carry bandages, antiseptic wipe, insect repellent, and rehydration salts; these things can hardly be found in the unknown wrappings.
