Introduction to Kampo and Japanese Indigenous Herbal Medicine

Kampo, the traditional Japanese medicine, has been practiced in Japan for over a thousand years. Kampo is an adaptation of Chinese medicine, and modifications occurred over a period of time. The name Kampo literally means Han (of dynasty) method to differentiate it from western medicine that was introduced during the Edo period. Some of the major differences include the primary reliance on herbal prescription, diagnosis technique, and medicine formulation. Substitution of key components with related species occurred during modification, although the overall efficacy has been validated. After the Meiji period, the popularity of Kampo gradually declined. A resurgence in popularity of Kampo is partly attributed to the formal recognition by the Japanese government, and 148 formulas are now covered by the national health insurance. Kampo formulations are manufactured at pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice-certified facilities to ensure quality, and the products are routinely analyzed for key constituents and possible contaminants. The Japanese approach to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was introduced to the United States in 60’s and 70’s, and thus it influenced the practice of TCM in the United States. However, information on Kampo in United States is very limited at most. In this presentation, a brief history of Kampo, current status in Japan, differences between Kampo and TCM, and Kampo formulation with an emphasis on popular herbals as well as plants used in Japanese indigenous medicine will be discussed.