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What is Ohta's Isan? A guide to traditional Japanese gastrointestinal medicine that is easy for foreigners to understand.

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

What is Ohta's Isan?

Ohta's Isan is a stomach medicine that has been popular in Japan for over 100 years. It is a medicine intended to alleviate symptoms such as stomach discomfort, indigestion, stomach upset caused by overeating or excessive drinking, and heartburn.

In Japan, it is widely known as a household remedy and is used by many people when they experience stomach problems while traveling or when they feel discomfort in their stomach due to changes in their diet.

Ohta's Isan is characterized by its blend of not only ingredients that neutralize stomach acid, but also multiple natural herbal medicines. Therefore, it aims not only to suppress stomach acid, but also to regulate stomach function and comprehensively improve stomach discomfort.



What symptoms is Ohta's Isan used for?

Ohta's Isan is used for the following symptoms:

  • Indigestion

  • overeating

  • Drinking too much

  • Heartburn

  • Stomach pain (mild)

  • Stomach discomfort

  • Excessive stomach acid

  • indigestion

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal bloating (stomach distension)

  • Nausea (mild)

  • When digestive aid is needed

Overseas,

  • Indigestion

  • Upset stomach

  • Dyspepsia

  • Acid-related stomach discomfort

It may be used for symptoms such as those listed above.



Characteristics of Ohta's Isan

Ohta's Isan has three main characteristics.

1. Neutralize stomach acid

When a lot of stomach acid is secreted,

  • heartburn

  • stomachache

  • Stomach burning sensation

These kinds of things can happen.

Ohta's Isan contains several antacid ingredients that gently neutralize excess stomach acid.

This medication doesn't completely stop stomach acid; it's the type that "moderately neutralizes excess stomach acid."



2. Aids digestion

Eating too much or consuming greasy foods can overwhelm the stomach's digestive system, leading to indigestion.

Ohta's Isan helps the function of the stomach,

  • Food digestion

  • Stomach movement

It supports this.

Not just Japanese food,

  • steak

  • barbecue

  • Fried food

  • buffet

It is sometimes used after eating things like that.



3. Soothe the stomach with herbal medicine

The most distinctive feature of Ohta's Isan is that it contains herbal medicines.

Herbal medicines are derived from plants and natural ingredients, and have long been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine.

Typical herbal medicines include

  • Cinnamon (cassia bark)

  • Fennel

  • cloves

  • nutmeg

  • Dried mandarin orange peel (Chenpi)

This includes things like:

these are

  • Regulate stomach function

  • Reduce gas

  • To improve appetite

  • Warm your stomach

They are expected to perform well.

Therefore, it has a unique herbal scent.



Main active ingredients

Ohta's Isan contains the following ingredients:

Antacid

  • sodium bicarbonate

  • Precipitated calcium carbonate

  • Alkamagnesium

  • Synthetic aluminum silicate

These neutralize stomach acid.

Stomach-strengthening herbal medicine

  • Cinnamon

  • Fennel

  • Dried tangerine peel

  • clove

  • Nuts

It regulates stomach function.

Digestive enzymes

Some products contain digestive enzymes.



How do I take it?

In adults,

Take approximately one packet or one scoop using the included spoon at a time.

Take this medication three times a day, either after meals or between meals.

Dosage varies depending on the product, so please be sure to check the instructions on the product packaging.

It is recommended to take this medication with plenty of water or lukewarm water.



Who is Ohta's Isan suitable for?

This is suitable for the following people:

  • I ate too much

  • I drank too much

  • I have a heavy feeling in my stomach.

  • I have a mild stomach ache.

  • I have heartburn.

  • Poor digestion

  • I got an upset stomach while traveling.

It is also relatively popular among foreign tourists visiting Japan.



People who should not use this product, or who should use it with caution.

The following individuals should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

  • People with kidney disease

  • People with severe heart disease

  • People who are on a salt-restricted diet as prescribed by their doctor

  • People taking other stomach medications

  • Children under 15 years old (please check the product's age rating).

Furthermore, if symptoms persist for a long period or recur, there is a possibility that a serious illness such as a stomach ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or stomach cancer may be present. Therefore, do not continue taking the medication on your own and consult a medical institution.



side effect

Ohta's Isan is a relatively safe medication, but side effects can still occur.

Rarely

  • rash

  • itch

  • nausea

  • constipate

  • diarrhea

These and other issues have been reported.

If you experience allergic symptoms (such as swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing), stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention promptly.



Drug interactions

Antacids can interfere with the absorption of other medications.

Particular caution is needed with the following medications.

  • Antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, etc.)

  • Iron supplements

  • Thyroid hormone preparations

  • Osteoporosis treatment drugs (bisphosphonates)

These medications are usually recommended to be taken with an interval of about 2 to 3 hours between doses.

If you are currently taking any medications, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is it okay to drink it every day?

This medication is for temporary stomach upset. If you need it almost daily, please consult a medical professional to determine the cause.

Q. Can I use it after drinking alcohol?

While this medication may be used to alleviate stomach discomfort caused by excessive drinking, if you experience severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or vomiting blood, do not take it and consult a medical professional.

Q. Is this a medicine that completely stops stomach acid?

No. Ohta's Isan is a medicine that neutralizes excess stomach acid, and it is not a type of medicine that suppresses stomach acid secretion for a long period of time.

Q. Can this be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

While it may temporarily relieve mild heartburn symptoms, GERD requires a doctor's diagnosis and appropriate treatment.



Storage method

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from high temperatures and humidity.

  • Avoid direct sunlight.

  • Keep out of reach of small children.

  • Do not use products that have passed their expiration date.



summary

Ohta's Isan is a comprehensive gastrointestinal medicine that has been used and loved in Japan for many years. By combining antacid components that neutralize stomach acid with several herbal medicines that regulate stomach function, it helps to alleviate a wide range of stomach discomforts such as overeating, excessive drinking, stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion.

On the other hand, if you experience severe abdominal pain, black stools, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, do not continue taking the medication on your own and consult a medical institution immediately. Ohta's Isan is a medication that supports mild to moderate temporary stomach discomfort and is not intended to treat serious digestive diseases.

This medication, when used in conjunction with a proper diet, sufficient rest, and stress management, helps maintain stomach health.

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