Can Ren Dan prevent heatstroke?
Nov 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
If the patient has a mild heatstroke with no significant symptoms such as thirst, excessive sweating, or dizziness, Ren Dan may be used appropriately under medical guidance to relieve symptoms. However, if the heatstroke is severe, characterized by a持续 rise in core body temperature and accompanied by headache, thirst, dizziness, along with hot skin, cold and clammy extremities, and profuse sweating, using Ren Dan will not be effective in improving the condition.
Ren Dan can usually help prevent heatstroke, but its preventive effect is relatively limited. In cases of severe heatstroke, using Ren Dan alone may not be effective.
The main ingredients of Ren Dan include menthol, licorice, camphor, and others, which have the effect of relieving wind and promoting digestion. If indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or other discomforts occur due to overeating, motion sickness, seasickness, or mild heatstroke, this medicine may be used under medical guidance for symptom relief. For patients with mild heatstroke who do not exhibit obvious symptoms such as thirst, excessive sweating, or dizziness, a proper dose of Ren Dan may be taken as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
However, in more severe cases of heatstroke—when core body temperature continues to rise above 38.5°C, accompanied by headache, thirst, dizziness, hot skin, cold and clammy limbs, and profuse sweating—using Ren Dan alone is generally insufficient to improve the condition. Doing so may delay optimal treatment and lead to serious complications such as limb convulsions and multi-organ failure.
