In pharmacies, many traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations come in various forms. In addition to tablets, ointments, and granules, pills are also an important component. Common types of pills can be roughly divided into Da Mi Wan (大蜜丸), Shui Mi Wan (水蜜丸), and Concentrated Pills (浓缩丸) based on their manufacturing processes. Customers often find it difficult to choose among them, unaware of the differences and respective advantages. Today, we will explore the characteristics and benefits of Da Mi Wan, Shui Mi Wan, and Concentrated Pills.First, let’s discuss Mi Wan (蜜丸)Keywords: gentle medicinal properties, stable disintegration, more complicated to takeMi Wan refers to pills made from finely powdered medicinal materials using honey as a binder. Depending on size and manufacturing methods, they can be further divided into Da Mi Wan and Xiao Mi Wan (小蜜丸). In the past, they were often packaged in wax paper, glass paper, or plastic bags, but now some Mi Wan are packaged in wax-sealed plastic hard shells. As a binder, the honey in Mi Wan undergoes strict processing; the selection and refining of honey are key to ensuring the quality of Mi Wan. The purpose of refining honey is to remove impurities, destroy enzymes, kill microorganisms, evaporate moisture, and enhance viscosity, allowing the medicine to disintegrate stably. Due to honey’s rich nutrients and its functions of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, as well as promoting bowel movements, its effects are gentle. Tonifying herbs, pediatric medications, and valuable medicines containing volatile components are often made into Mi Wan. They are commonly used to treat chronic diseases and conditions of weakness. Furthermore, Da Mi Wan is easy to store because honey has preservative properties; after the refining process, it contains less moisture and does not require the addition of medicinal preservatives, resulting in a long shelf life. However, Da Mi Wan can be difficult to take due to its size and taste, so it can be rolled into smaller pills and swallowed with water.Next, let’s talk about Shui Mi WanKeywords: high production efficiency, easy to swallow, easy to storeShui Mi Wan has a much shorter history than Da Mi Wan; it was developed by TCM practitioners in China after the liberation, based on the principles of water-dissolved pills. The biggest difference between Shui Mi Wan and Da Mi Wan is the binder; Shui Mi Wan uses honey refined with water to bind the medicinal powder, saving on honey costs and making it easier to store. In southern China, due to climatic characteristics, the production of Shui Mi Wan is more prevalent than that of Da Mi Wan. In terms of medicinal effects, Shui Mi Wan and Da Mi Wan are basically consistent, but Shui Mi Wan is easier to take and store. However, its medicinal properties are often not as gentle as those of Da Mi Wan. Additionally, due to the lower honey content in Shui Mi Wan, those who need to control blood sugar can choose it with caution.Finally, we have Concentrated PillsKeywords: small dosage, easy to swallow, easy to absorbConcentrated Pills refer to pills made from the decoction or extract of medicinal substances, concentrated into a paste, and combined with suitable excipients or powdered medicinal materials. They are small in size, convenient to take, and effective; they are also easy to store and resistant to mold. Depending on the binder used, they can be classified into Concentrated Water Pills (浓缩水丸), Concentrated Honey Pills (浓缩蜜丸), and Concentrated Water Honey Pills (浓缩水蜜丸). The main difference between Concentrated Pills and the aforementioned two types is that the medicinal components have been extracted and concentrated, resulting in a smaller total dosage compared to the other two types, and they disintegrate relatively faster. However, due to more processing steps, Concentrated Pills are also relatively more expensive. They can be taken directly with water, eliminating the need for the chewing or rolling into smaller pills required for Da Mi Wan, thus improving medication adherence. Although Da Mi Wan, Shui Mi Wan, and Concentrated Pills each have their own characteristics, the medicinal effects of these three types of pills are consistent. The components and active ingredients of the medicines are also basically the same. When choosing, it mainly depends on customer needs; those who do not mind chewing and prefer the original flavor may choose Da Mi Wan, while those living in humid areas with storage concerns may opt for Shui Mi Wan, and those who do not mind the price difference and want convenience may select Concentrated Pills. If the patient is diabetic, it is advisable to choose Concentrated Pills or Shui Mi Wan to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar caused by the honey in Da Mi Wan.
(This article is for professional reference only; please purchase and use medications according to the instructions or under the guidance of a pharmacist.)
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