TCM making techniques listed as Nantong municipal ICH

Ju Longtao, developer of the strawberry geranium suppositories. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The techniques used to make Saxifraga stolonifera suppositories were recently included on the list of municipal-level intangible cultural heritage items in Nantong, Jiangsu province.

The traditional Chinese medicine is used to treat diseases related to the prostate gland. With mild side effects, the medicine is more easily able to reach the prostate gland than oral medicine due to being administered through the anal opening, noted Ju Longtao, developer of the medicine.

Saxifraga stolonifera, commonly known as strawberry geranium, is classified as "cool" in nature by TCM and can expel heat and toxic materials from the human body.

Manufacturing equipment of the strawberry geranium suppositories. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong is one of strawberry geranium's main production areas in China, and the plant has been used as a medicinal herb in the city for over 100 years.

In 1972, Chen Jiean, a TCM doctor in Nantong, improved the ancient art of making Saxifraga stolonifera medicine and used it to treat hyperplasia of the prostate.

To further preserve and develop the production techniques and maintain the stability of the medicine, Ju made further improvements to the raw materials, production process, specifications, and standards.

Last year, the first batch of strawberry geranium suppositories was put into mass production, and they can now be used by medical institutions around the province.