When people have plans to drink, some worry about how they will feel the next day. They may have experienced an upset stomach or a heavy head after drinking, or lingering fatigue even after getting enough sleep. The strain on the body can vary depending on how much and how quickly you drink, and how you are feeling that day. Today, we will explain what Shinsunbulchwidan, the formula prescribed at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, is and what to keep in mind when taking it.
Shinsunbulchwidan: What Does the Name Mean?
Shinsunbulchwidan is a formula discussed under internal disorders in the ‘Miscellaneous Diseases’ section of 『Donguibogam』.
Breaking down the name, ‘Shinsun’ refers to an immortal being in Taoism who achieves eternal youth and longevity, while ‘Bulchwi’ means ‘not getting drunk.’ Many formulas named ‘Shinsun’ appear in ancient medical texts. Shinsunbulchwidan is one such formula, and its name immediately draws attention because it is related to alcohol. 『Donguibogam』 contains the phrase “一丸可飮酒十盞不醉,” which means ‘one pill allows you to drink ten cups of alcohol without getting drunk.’ This should be understood as an expression from traditional medical texts. People who seek Shinsunbulchwidan generally hope for help easing discomfort the day after drinking and returning to their daily routine.
However, hangovers vary depending on how much alcohol a person drinks and their physical condition, so the formula’s name alone cannot tell you what results to expect.
Before and After Drinking: When Should I Take It?
Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic advises taking Shinsunbulchwidan before and after drinking. The basic dosage is one packet before drinking and one packet after you finish drinking.
If you have a low tolerance for alcohol or are concerned about your plans the next day, tell the medical staff how much you usually drink and what hangover symptoms you tend to have when the formula is prescribed, rather than increasing the dose on your own. How often you take it and whether you should take additional doses may vary depending on your condition and the prescription instructions. Taking a hangover remedy does not mean you won’t get drunk. Do not use it to increase your alcohol intake, and avoid driving after drinking.
What Medicinal Herbs Are in Shinsunbulchwidan?
The main medicinal herbs in Shinsunbulchwidan are known to include Galgeun (Pueraria root), Galhwa (Pueraria flower), and Baekbokryeong (Poria cocos). In traditional Korean medicine, formulas are composed by considering the properties and uses of each herb.
Galgeun and Galhwa are frequently mentioned herbs in traditional formulas related to alcohol. Baekbokryeong has also been used in various formulas in Korean medicine. Shinsunbulchwidan can be understood as a formula composed of these herbs. The day after drinking, various discomforts can arise, such as a heavy head, nausea, dry mouth, or loss of appetite. Along with the effects of alcohol, sleep quality, water intake, how much you drank, and whether you ate also affect how you feel the next day. If you are interested in hangover management, Shinsunbulchwidan is a Korean medicine formula you can discuss with the medical staff. However, the mere fact that it contains these herbs does not guarantee that specific symptoms will necessarily be reduced.
The changes experienced after taking it may vary from person to person.
Please Note: Shinsunbulchwidan is best understood as a traditional formula you can discuss with the medical staff for hangover management, rather than as a medicine that prevents you from getting drunk.
Convenient Stick Packs for Before and After Drinking
At Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, Shinsunbulchwidan is prescribed in stick packs. Each pack contains one dose, making it easy to carry and convenient to have with you on days when you plan to drink.
One box contains six stick packs. Take it at the times you have been instructed to. Keep it refrigerated; even if you briefly leave it at room temperature to make it easier to take, avoid leaving it out for long periods. Some may worry about the taste being too bitter. If you are considering taking Shinsunbulchwidan, it may help to know that it is not very bitter. However, the perception of taste varies from person to person.
What Else Should Be Considered for Hangover Management?
Hangovers do not arise from a single cause. Your condition the next day varies depending on how much you drank, how quickly you drank, whether you ate, and whether you got enough sleep. Even when considering taking Shinsunbulchwidan, it is advisable to also reduce alcohol intake, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and drink water from time to time while drinking alcohol. The next day, get plenty of rest and rehydrate. If you experience vomiting that is more severe than usual, reduced alertness, or abnormal breathing, do not assume it is just a hangover and wait; seek emergency medical help immediately. If you have liver or kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any medications, please inform the medical staff before taking it.
Consulting About Shinsunbulchwidan at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic
Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine. If you are interested in hangover management and inquire about Shinsunbulchwidan, it is important to review your usual drinking patterns, the symptoms you typically experience the next day, your health status, and any medications you are currently taking. Ask about how to take it before and after drinking, as well as whether it is suitable for you. When it is prescribed, you can receive guidance on when and how often to take it and how to store it. Even if hangovers appear similar, individual conditions differ, so it is best to decide whether to take it based on your current situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I take Shinsunbulchwidan before drinking? A: The basic dosage instruction is one packet before drinking and one packet after you finish drinking. Do not decide on additional doses on your own; check the instructions provided with your prescription.
Q: Can I take it while drinking? A: We do not recommend increasing the dose on your own just because you have a low alcohol tolerance. Please check with the medical staff whether you need an additional dose while drinking.
Q: If I still have a hangover the next day, can I take another packet? A: Whether to take additional doses may vary depending on your individual condition and the prescription instructions. Do not increase the dose on your own simply because you still have a hangover.
Q: How should I store Shinsunbulchwidan? A: Refrigeration is the general rule. When carrying it, be careful not to expose it to high temperatures for extended periods, and follow the storage instructions provided with your prescription.
Final Thoughts
Shinsunbulchwidan is a traditional formula recorded in 『Donguibogam』. People interested in hangover management can discuss taking it with the medical staff. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic prescribes it in stick packs, with the basic dosage being one packet before drinking and one packet after drinking. However, Shinsunbulchwidan does not prevent you from getting drunk or necessarily eliminate hangovers. Managing how much you drink and getting enough rest are fundamental. If you have questions about how to take it or whether it is suitable for you, please consult the medical staff.
Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.
This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.
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