Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kampo safe?

Kampo medicines are medicines. Like any medicine, they can cause side effects when they don't suit your constitution or condition — 'natural, therefore safe' is not true. OTC Kampo sold in Japan is approved as medicine by the Japanese government, with indications, dosage, and precautions stated in the package insert. Please read the insert carefully, and ask a pharmacist whenever something is unclear.

Can I take Kampo alongside Western medicine?

Some combinations call for care — overlapping ingredients or interactions. For example, formulas containing licorice (kanzo) with certain diuretics, or formulas containing ephedra (mao) with certain heart medications. If you are currently taking any medication, please don't combine them on your own judgment — always check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Can I use Kampo while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Some formulas contain crude drugs that require caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Our constitution check is designed to exclude formulas flagged for caution when you tell us you are pregnant or breastfeeding — but this is not a guarantee of safety. Whatever the check shows, please always consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Is the constitution check a medical diagnosis?

No. Our constitution check is a 'type reading' based on the traditional East Asian view of constitution — it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a physician. Please use it as a general information tool for narrowing down candidates among the many OTC Kampo formulas.

How soon will I feel a difference?

There is no single answer — how to observe the course is said to differ by formula, constitution, and how your symptoms unfold. OTC Kampo package inserts include guidance on duration (for example: if symptoms do not improve after about one month, stop taking it and consult a doctor or pharmacist) — please follow that guidance. If things persist or worsen, stop and see a medical professional.

Is Kampo vegan-friendly?

It depends on the formula. Some Kampo formulas contain crude drugs of animal origin (such as ejiao/donkey-hide gelatin or oyster shell), and the excipients in tablets and capsules can also include animal-derived ingredients. If this matters to you, please check the ingredients of the specific product, or ask a pharmacist.

Can I buy from outside Japan?

Whether a product ships internationally varies by seller and product — the OTC Kampo we introduce links to purchase pages within Japan (Amazon.co.jp and Rakuten). Each country also has its own rules on importing or carrying in medicines — if you live outside Japan, please check your country's regulations. Our written guides and reports (PDF) can be purchased from anywhere in the world.

What's the difference between Kampo and TCM?

Both trace their roots to ancient Chinese medicine, but Kampo is the system that developed independently in Japan. Japanese Kampo medicines are manufactured and sold under Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Act, and the composition and philosophy of the formulas carry distinctly Japanese characteristics. This site is about Japanese Kampo.

Can I ask for individual advice?

We do not currently offer individual medical consultation — this site is a medium for general information. On LINE and in our newsletter, we share self-care notes and announcements. In the future, we are preparing a way to share information about Kampo pharmacies in Japan (a relay of pharmacy information — we do not assess your constitution or symptoms to decide a prescription). If you have health concerns, please speak with a medical institution or a pharmacist near you.

Can I get a refund on guides or reports?

Because the Symptom Guides and Constitution Reports are digital products (PDF), we are generally unable to offer refunds after purchase. For questions about the content, or trouble with your download, please contact us by email.

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