Quick-Fix Japanese Women’s Health Products Under ¥3,500

Having a minor health concern that needs a quick fix? These easily available over-the-counter products may help you.

We all encounter health problems from time to time, but there are only so many medications or creams you can bring from your home country. An alternative approach would be to find Japanese women’s health products that treat the same minor issues. It might take some getting used to, but in the long run, it might even be a cheaper alternative, especially if you live in Japan long-term.

The ones listed in this article function in the same way as their counterparts abroad and are available without a prescription. Most of these products cost less than ¥3,500. If symptoms persist, always consult with a medical professional.

Body Skin Care

© Photo by Kobayashi

© Photo by Rohto

If you have rough, red, bumpy skin, then you may have sharkskin (サメ肌, same hada). It’s the colloquial term for skin that isn’t as soft and smooth as it once was or skin that doesn’t respond to regular lotions or scrubs. In that case, you may want to pick up some Ninokyua (ニノキュア) or Zarapuro (ザラプロ). These two creams work to smooth out these rough, bumpy patches of the skin and can make your skin feel softer as well.

• Price: Ninokyua 30g: ¥841 approx.; Zarapuro 35g: ¥1,028 approx.

Facial Skin Care

© Photo by Chocola

Hormone fluctuations make women more prone to breakouts at certain times of the month or stress-related breakouts at any time. While there are plenty of acne-related face washes, many Japanese women seem to prefer to treat them from the inside out using vitamins and supplements.

Try using Chocola BB tablets or energy drinks by Eisai. These are B-vitamin-rich tablets that contain vitamin C, collagen and other ingredients to treat acne, rough skin and mouth ulcers. There are different types. For general skin troubles, stick to Chocola BB Plus. Chocola BB Pure is for sudden acne breakouts, and Chocola BB Lucent is for skin spots and freckles from sun exposure and aging.

• Price: Chocola BB Plus 60 pack: ¥1408 approx.; Chocola BB Pure 40 pack: ¥1,064 approx.; Chocola BB Lucent 120 pack: ¥3278 approx.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

© Photo by Kobayashi

© Photo by Kotaro

UTIs are a common health problem for women in Japan. As a result, there are also plenty of UTI-related medications and supplements available over the counter.

Bo-koren (ボーコレン) is a medication that helps to ease the pain when urinating and helps to wash out the bacteria that caused the infection. Similarly, Gorinsan Ekisu Jyou N Kotaro (五淋散エキス錠N コタロー) helps with these problems and issues with feeling like you have caught a slight cold or fatigue.

• Price: Bo-koren 48 pack: ¥1,600 approx.; Gorinsan Ekisu Jyou N Kotaro 60 pack: ¥1,430 approx.

If the infection doesn’t clear up, see your doctor as soon as possible. However, these medications can provide a temporary relief.

Constipation

© Photo by Otsuka

Another issue that many may suffer from, especially around that time of the month or if you’ve been traveling a lot recently, is constipation. In times like these, Fibe Mini by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals is just what you need. Each bottle contains 6g of dietary fiber, and it tends to work very quickly. Only drink it if you’ll be home or can quickly get to a bathroom in a hurry.

• Price: Fibe Mini 6 pack: ¥771 approx.

Vaginal Yeast Infections and Itchiness 

© Photo by Taisho

© Photo by Kobayashi

A vaginal yeast infection is called kanjida chitsuen (カンジダ膣炎) in Japanese. The two most popular and readily available drugstore medications are called Meditreat (メディトリート) by Taisho Pharmaceuticals or Feminina (フェミニーナ) by Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals, which comes in a cream, gel and mist form.

The Feminina cream provides quick relief for generalized bikini area itching, such as after shaving or a “lady-jock itch.” If you suspect you have a yeast infection, ask your pharmacist for the insertable tablets, not the cream. If you find that after six days, these products aren’t working, you will probably need to see a doctor for something more powerful.

• Price: Meditreat Cream 10g: ¥1,342 approx.; Meditreat Insertable Tablet 6 pack: ¥2,489 approx.; Feminina Cream 15g: ¥1,016 approx.; Feminina Mist 15mL: ¥968 approx.

PMS/Post Menopause Support

© Photo by Tsumura & Co

If you have post-menopausal disorders or neuropsychiatric disorders related to hormones, check out this traditional Japanese remedy called L’amour Q (ラムールQ) by Tsumura & Co. This supplement has a complete information PDF explaining what it contains and what it can help with in English. From menstrual pain and hot flashes to over-sensitiveness to cold, this one is a quick fix for many women-specific symptoms.

These Japanese women’s health products have been equally trusted for years now, so when in doubt, give them a try. Hopefully, you’ll feel better in no time!

Note: *The Japanese women’s health products featured in this article are not meant to treat severe medical conditions. Always consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Comments