Practical Japanese Self-Care Products for Modern Living

Whether you work with your hands or you spend your days at a desk, modern life comes with a collection of ailments, from the eye strain that comes from staring at a screen to the digestive problems that often result from sitting in one place all day. Fortunately, Japanese drugstores are full of innovative products made to soothe all your aches and pains, including many brands and unique products still found only in Japan. One major Japanese pharmaceutical company with a focus on combatting everyday issues to improve daily life is KOWA, which has made a name for itself even outside of Japan thanks to their popular gastrointestinal medicine CABAGIN KOWA α , which can help with bloating, stomach pain, and nausea. Intrigued by the unusual ingredients found in CABAGIN KOWA α, here at Japankuru we found ourselves curious about the rest of their lineup too. If you (or your loved ones) suffer from eye fatigue, stomach discomfort, or even knee joint pain, you might want to add these three practical personal care products from KOWA to your Japanese drugstore shopping list!

Find Relief for Chronic Eye Fatigue

Q&P KOWA i PLUS
(Recommended for: eye strain, muscle pain, stiff shoulders. )

It’s hard to avoid screen time these days, and after spending hours every day staring at our phones and computers, many of us suffer from dry and tired eyes. To alleviate these symptoms, people often rely on over-the-counter eye drops, especially “cooling drops” that contain a refreshingly minty dose of menthol. But the truth is, while menthol can provide immediate relief, the ingredient sometimes irritates sensitive eyes even more.

For a more long-term solution without the side effects, prescription eye drops from the doctor are an option, but we think the more convenient choice would be to try out Q&P KOWA i PLUS, which is taken orally instead of being applied directly to the eyes.

Q&P KOWA i PLUS uses seven active ingredients to help your eyes feel their best, and give you a full-body refresh too. Hepronicate expands peripheral blood vessels to improve circulation. Magnesium/potassium L-aspartate and benfotiamine (vitamin B-1/thiamin) help to relieve physical fatigue, like eye strain. Oxoamidine powder promotes the absorption of vitamins and even helps with blood circulation. The last three, cyanocobalamin, gamma oryzanol, and tocopherol calcium succinate, work together to facilitate the function of muscles and nerves. Together, these seven active ingredients help to relieve eye strain by tackling the problem at its source, improving the blood flow your muscles and organs really need. The tablets are not only effective on dry, tired eyes, but they also help to relieve stiff backs, from necks and shoulders all the way down to the lower back. Tackle all the discomfort of the modern eye, dry and tired from staring at screens all day, and find relief in just one simple step! If eye drops from the drugstore just won’t cut it, or if you’re interested in trying a different kind of eye care product, you might want to give the pills of Q&P KOWA i PLUS a try.

Dosage:
Adults (15 years+): Take 2-3 tablets once a day. (Can be taken any time of day, regardless of meal times.)
*Not suitable for those under 15.
Product Details (en)

Use the Power of Japanese Natto for Good Gut Health

THE GUARD KOWA INTESTINAL REGULATION TABLETS α3+

As hard as we all might try, sometimes it’s a challenge to maintain the kind of regular diet and excercise needed for good gut health, especially as we age. If you’re feeling stuck with symptoms like bloating, constipation, or indigestion, then you might want to try “THE GUARD KOWA INTESTINAL REGULATION TABLETS α3+” for daily gut care.

These days we know that maintaining your microbiome is key to a healthy digestive system, which is why eating foods like yogurt and even natto (Japanese fermented soybeans) for the natto, lactic acid, and Bifidus bacteria (or even taking individual supplements) is all the rage. If you want a convenient over-the-counter solution, however, we recommend this option from KOWA.

THE GUARD KOWA INTESTINAL REGULATION TABLETS α3+ actually contain three types of probiotics, combining the beneficial bacteria from natto with the lactobacillus and bifidobacteria from yogurt, and incorporating it all into one convenient pill. These probiotics make it hard for harmful bacteria to reproduce inside the gut by fermenting sugars and turning them into acetic and lactic acid, and these pills maximize effectiveness by giving the beneficial bacteria a chance to reach your intestines alive. THE GUARD KOWA INTESTINAL REGULATION TABLETS α3+ give your weak stomach the boost it needs and help relieve uncomfortable gassiness too, making them an ideal everyday tool for improving your gut health.

Whether you’re a desk-bound office worker spending a little too long stuck in your office chair every day, or a student in need of digestive support even when your diet isn’t at its most nutritious, this daily gut health product is good for anyone whose digestive tract could use a boost. If you have loved ones who could use a little help with their gut health, it could even make a thoughtful gift from your trip to Japan!

Dosage: Take three times a day.
Adults (15 years+): 3 tablets per dose
Ages 8-14: 2 tablets per dose
Ages 5-7: 1 tablet per dose
*Not suitable for those under 5.
Product Details (en)

Japanese Joint Care For Better Stability and Mobility

VANTELIN KOWA KNEE SUPPORT

When your knees are giving you trouble, just follow the lead of some of Japan’s most famous athletes, and rely on the dependable support of the VANTELIN KOWA KNEE SUPPORT. KOWA’s patented U-shaped taping technology (Patent No. 5165123) is designed to form a unique structure that cradles your knee down to the kneecap, providing ample support for everyday mobility, and the slitknit construction with breathable mesh makes it comfortable to move around in without feeling overly stuffy and restricted. If taping up your knee doesn’t give you the stability you need, or if you want something a little more convenient for more active days, this knee support is a great everydear joint care option for people of all ages.

The VANTELIN KOWA KNEE SUPPORT is available in black, pearl beige, silver grey, and light pink, with sizes ranging from small to extra-large, so you can easily find the perfect fit. There are even knee supports specially constructed for extra warmth or for breathability, along with a VANTELIN KOWA BACK SUPPORT, providing a whole lineup of support products to give you stability where you need it most.

Usage Instructions: Holding the V-mark to the front, insert your leg, and adjust the U-shaped ankle support for maximum comfort.

Sizes:
Small: 31cm-34cm
Medium: 34cm-37cm
Large: 37cm-40cm
Extra-large: 40cm-43cm
*Around the knee.
Product Details (en)

Clever and Efficient Health Solutions From Japan

When life gets busy, it’s easy to let personal care fall by the wayside, neglecting health in favor of convenience. But health management doesn’t always have to be complicated! Instead of trying to keep to exhausting routines, address your tired eyes, uncomfortable stomach, and achy joints by giving these three products from KOWA a try. With the Japanese yen so weak these days, it’s a great time to go shopping in Japan, so get ready for your next trip with these Japanese drugstore recommendations!

Check out more of our favorite Japanese drugstore recommendations here!

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