With the hot summer weather, combined with air conditioning, cold drinks, and high humidity, it's easy to feel a bit under the weather. Keeping a few common Chinese patent medicines at home can be a lifesaver when needed—both adults and children may find them useful. Here are 6 practical and easily accessible options:

Agastache Herbal Tonic (Liquid/Capsules/Pellets): For "air-conditioning sickness" and diarrhea caused by excessive exposure to cold.

When to use it? When you've been in air conditioning too long and feel dizzy, heavy-headed, chest tightness, nausea, and loss of appetite; or after eating cold watermelon or icy drinks, experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.

Why does it work? Traditional Chinese medicine often attributes this condition to "cold and dampness obstructing the spleen and stomach." Huoxiang Zhengqi Water dispels cold from the body's surface and transforms dampness within the spleen and stomach, restoring bodily comfort. Note: Avoid alcohol-based formulations while driving; opt for alcohol-free alternatives instead.

Shengmai Decoction (with Codonopsis or Ginseng): Restores energy for those experiencing excessive sweating and palpitations.

When to use it? In summer, I break out in profuse cold sweats with the slightest movement, feeling completely drained and exhausted. Even minor exertion leaves me with palpitations and shortness of breath, and I constantly feel parched and dry-mouthed.

Why does it work? Excessive sweating not only depletes fluids but also exhausts "qi" and "yin" (the body's energy and fundamental substances). Shengmai Decoction replenishes qi (tonifies qi) + nourishes yin and generates fluids, helping the body restore its depleted vital energy. The Codonopsis formula is milder, while the Red Ginseng formula provides stronger qi-tonifying effects.

Xiasangju Granules: Relieves restlessness and clears "heat"

When to use it? When the weather turns hot and you feel restless and can't sleep well, experience a bitter taste in your mouth, a dry and sore throat, red eyes with bloodshot appearance, or notice dark yellow urine, reduced urine output, a burning sensation when urinating, or even hard, dry stools.

Why does it work? This is a classic case of "summer heat disturbing the upper body or damp-heat accumulating internally," commonly known as "heatiness," especially excessive heart and liver fire. Xia Sang Ju (a herbal formula) disperses wind-heat, clears liver heat to improve vision, and clears heat to detoxify, effectively cooling down the body.

Jingfang Granules: For the initial stage of a cold (with runny nose)

When to use it? When you get caught in the rain during summer or catch a chill from air conditioning at night, leading to sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, feeling cold, and coughing up thin, white phlegm.

Why does it work? This is the initial stage of a "wind-cold" cold. Jingfang Granules induce sweating to expel pathogens, disperse wind, and eliminate dampness, driving out the invading cold. Remember: The key is the "cold" syndrome—both nasal discharge and phlegm are clear.

Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid (or Granules): For feverish colds (with sore throat and yellow nasal discharge)

When to use it? When you have a cold with yellow, thick nasal discharge, yellow phlegm when coughing, a red, swollen, and severely sore throat, and possibly a slight fever.

Why does it work? This is mostly due to "wind-heat common cold" or cold pathogens transforming into heat internally. Shuanghuanglian can dispel wind and resolve exterior syndromes, clear heat and detoxify, focusing on treating heat symptoms like sore throat.

Shenling Baizhu Pills (or Granules): For loss of appetite in hot weather, abdominal bloating, and excessive dampness.

When to use it? In summer, you often feel bloated and indigestion, with little appetite for meals. You feel sluggish and lack energy, and your stool might be loose and sticky to the toilet bowl.

Why does it work? Summer's heavy humidity most easily damages the spleen. When the spleen is deficient and dampness accumulates, its ability to transform and transport nutrients weakens. Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes fortify the spleen, boost qi, drain dampness, and stop diarrhea. They help restore the spleen and stomach's vitality, expelling excess water and dampness.

A Real Family Scene: Aunt Li's Weekend

Last weekend was exceptionally muggy, and Aunt Li kept the air conditioner running all day at her home. For dinner, she prepared a cold salad and sliced some chilled watermelon. By midnight, her daughter started complaining of stomach pain and diarrhea; her husband woke up feeling lightheaded and nauseous; and Aunt Li herself experienced dry mouth, palpitations, and extreme fatigue (she tends to sweat profusely anyway). Fortunately, the family medicine cabinet was well-stocked:

After giving my daughter and wife Huoxiang Zhengqi Drops (alcohol-free), their stomach discomfort and nausea subsided within about half a day.

Aunt Li brewed the Shengmai Decoction (Dangshen formula) herself and drank it for two days, after which her feelings of fatigue and palpitations noticeably subsided.

During those days, the family's meals were lighter, and we cooked some coix seed porridge to dispel dampness.

Important Notice:

Differential diagnosis is key: The above recommendations are based on common typical symptoms. If you are unsure (e.g., cannot distinguish between wind-cold and wind-heat), or if symptoms show no improvement or even worsen after 1-2 days of treatment, seek medical attention promptly!

Read the instructions carefully: Always read the medication label before use to understand the ingredients, dosage, contraindications, and precautions. Exercise particular caution when administering medication to the elderly, children, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic conditions.

Not a substitute for medical treatment: These medications are primarily used to alleviate mild symptoms or as adjunctive therapy. If your condition is severe or shows no improvement, seek medical attention immediately.

Storage Instructions: Store according to the manual and periodically check the expiration date.

With these essentials on hand, you'll be well-prepared to tackle summer's little annoyances!