Seven Nationally Classified Confidential Traditional Chinese Medicines

A “state-secret formula” refers to a medicinal preparation that contains a confidential formulation, with its manufacturing process also kept strictly confidential and protected by national patent law. Such medicines are the treasured gems of China’s traditional medicine—truly “national treasures.” Below we introduce seven commonly known medicines featuring state-secret formulas; be sure to save this information for future reference!

Niuhuang Wan is one of the “Three Treasures of Cool-Opening Formulas,” with a formulation that primarily includes bezoar, coptis, musk, scutellaria, cinnabar, borneol, and other ingredients. Among these, bezoar and musk serve as the principal herbs, delivering the primary therapeutic effects. Niuhuang Wan is a well-known traditional patent Chinese medicine, widely recognized for its ability to clear heat and detoxify. In addition to these properties, it also has calming and sedative effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure–lowering actions. Clinically, it is frequently used in the treatment of severe hepatitis, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, and other conditions, and is regarded as an essential emergency medication for stroke.

When Yunnan Baiyao is mentioned, many people’s first thought is probably its toothpaste version. In fact, Yunnan Baiyao is a time-honored traditional Chinese patent medicine renowned for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, making it an excellent remedy for treating external injuries. It is primarily used for hemostasis, trauma from falls and blows, and anti-inflammatory purposes. Clinically, in addition to its applications in hemostasis and the treatment of external injuries, Yunnan Baiyao is also employed in the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Clears heat and detoxifies, cools the blood and resolves blood stasis, reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is indicated for acute and chronic viral hepatitis, carbuncles, furuncles, unexplained swelling and toxicity, traumatic injuries, and various inflammatory conditions caused by heat-toxin and blood-stasis syndromes.

Today, Pien Tze Huang is often marketed as an affordable, pharmacy-grade skincare product for women. In fact, its origins date back to the Ming Dynasty, when it was renowned as an effective remedy for heat-toxin–induced tumors. The formula primarily includes ingredients such as bezoar, musk, and snake bile, and is known for its ability to clear heat and cool the blood, reduce inflammation and relieve pain, and exert anti-tumor effects.

Main Effects

Reduces swelling and detoxifies; relieves pain and lowers fever; calms the spirit and tranquilizes the mind. It is indicated for various throat conditions such as laryngeal wind, laryngeal obstruction, sore throat, and bilateral or unilateral tonsillitis, as well as for carbuncles, furuncles, pediatric acute febrile convulsions, and general symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Liu Shen Wan has a history of over a century and its formula primarily includes toad venom, bezoar, realgar, musk, borneol, and pearl. It derives its name from the belief that, after ingestion, it brings peace and harmony to the six “divine spirits” of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and gallbladder. Liu Shen Wan is widely used for its cooling, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties; moreover, it also exhibits activity against influenza viruses.

Fifth Formula: Huatuo Zaizao Wan—A Secret Remedy for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Main Effects

Promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis, transforms phlegm and unblocks the collaterals, regulates qi flow to relieve pain. It is indicated for stroke-related paralysis, spasticity and numbness, facial deviation, and slurred speech caused by obstruction of the meridians due to blood stasis or phlegm-dampness.

Hua Tuo is one of China’s renowned ancient physicians, and Hua Tuo Zaizao originates from a secret family formula for treating stroke passed down through the Ran Xuefeng lineage. The formula includes Chuanxiong, Wu Zhu Yu, and Bingpian, making it one of the first-line medications for stroke. Hua Tuo Zaizao primarily functions to invigorate blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis, unblock qi flow, and relieve pain; clinically, it is also frequently used to treat ischemic stroke and post-stroke sequelae.

Sixth: Gui Ling Ji—The Sacred Remedy for Men’s Health

Main Effects

Strengthens the body and nourishes the brain, fortifies the kidneys and replenishes qi, and enhances appetite. It is indicated for kidney deficiency with yang insufficiency, memory decline, nocturnal emission, lumbago and leg weakness, qi deficiency with cough, diarrhea at dawn, and poor appetite.

Gui Ling Ji is composed of red ginseng, deer antler velvet, seahorse, goji berries, cloves, and other ingredients. It is renowned for its ability to strengthen the body, nourish the brain, fortify the kidneys and replenish qi, as well as enhance appetite. Legend has it that after Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty took Gui Ling Ji, not only did his health improve markedly, but he also went on to father multiple children in succession, earning the formula the esteemed title of “the sacred remedy for men’s health.” The formulation of Gui Ling Ji incorporates a variety of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, primarily known for their kidney-tonifying and yang-enhancing properties. Men can use it to treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, while women can take it to regulate menstrual irregularities.

Main Effects

In summary, although these nationally protected secret formulas are highly practical, we must remember that medicines should never be taken indiscriminately—after all, “even medicine contains a degree of toxicity.” Medication must be tailored to individual circumstances and used appropriately; when necessary, it should always be administered under the professional guidance of a physician.