As the barometer plummets, sales of an ancient Chinese herbal tonic reputed to ward off winter health woes soars. Xu Wei reports that it's not just the old folks who are queuing up for a dose, either (r)MDRVˉGaofang -- a traditional Chinese tonic -- is the hottest pharmaceutical in Shanghai this winter. Once exclusively used by the elderly, the ready-to-drink medicine now has a rising number of young fans as well.

　　``We have actually opened a 24-hour hot line to respond to the soaring number of customers for (r)MDRVˉgaofang,'' says Yang Ying, a vice manager of the Tonghanchun Traditional Chinese Medicine Store. ``Much to our surprise, young people account for more than 20 percent of our customers, and that percentage is growing.''

　　The 220-year-old store reported a 30-percent increase in (r)MDRVˉgaofang sales this winter over the previous year, with daily revenues climbing to more than 350,000 yuan (US$42,160). Tonghanchun is not alone. Fueled by the coldest winter in four years, all of Shanghai's major traditional drug stores are enjoying booming sales this season. According to the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Trade Association, about 110,000 local people take (r)MDRVˉgaofang now, 10,000 more than last winter.

　　Yang believes that the spike in sales is due to a combination of increased concern about health precipitated by the outbreak of SARS last year and traditional Chinese medicine's philosophy of preventing disease.

　　A mixture of herbs, ginseng, deer-ear gum, crystal sugar and honey, (r)MDRVˉgaofang is a traditional method used to maintain robust health in the face of winter's debilitating effects.

　　``At a time of user-friendly health-care capsules, pills and phials, (r)MDRVˉgaofang seems more reliable as it has a proven track record, used by the ancient Chinese for hundreds of years,'' says Xu Biao, a 40-something engineer who buys his (r)MDRVˉgaofang from Tonghanchun every winter.

　　Xu fits the traditional profile of the older (r)MDRVˉgaofang customer, but this year, more and more young people are taking the tonic as well.

　　``Originally, I just wanted to buy some tonic for my aged parents as a way of expressing filial piety,'' says Zhang Jian, a local employee with a real estate company in his 20s. ``But when I arrived here (Tonghanchun), however, seeing the valuable herbs and listening to the experts' introduction, it suddenly occurred to me: Why don't I try it?''

　　Indeed, it is not uncommon to find entire families who all take (r)MDRVˉgaofang in the winter. Yang relates that she saw 10 members of a suburban Chuansha area family in line to buy (r)MDRVˉgaofang from her store -- Tonghanchun's flagship store in the City God Temple near Yuyuan Garden -- at 6:30am one morning.

　　(r)MDRVˉGaofang is medicine for the whole family, gentle enough to strengthen the immune systems of older people, but strong enough to energize younger folks.

　　Many white-collar workers, for instance, now resort to (r)MDRVˉgaofang to relive the symptoms of low-level illness brought on by urban stress -- fatigue, tightness in the chest and even insomnia.

　　``I always work overtime and have little time to pay much attention to a proper diet and exercise,'' says Wang Ruifang, a 30-something company manager. ``A spoonful of traditional tonic medicine may help to keep the doctor away.''

　　One of the great appeals of many traditional Chinese medicines is its ability to be tailored to different needs, and (r)MDRVˉgaofang is no exception. Doctors and pharmacists at major traditional Chinese medicine stores prescribe different (r)MDRVˉgaofangs for different symptoms.

　　Li Genfang, an expert with Tonghanchun, says that he usually takes a patient's pulse to determine which kind of herbs are needed. The medication can usually be picked up in a week's time.

　　The traditional Chinese medicine indicates that winter is prime season for (r)MDRVˉgaofang, although different types of (r)MDRVˉgaofangs can be taken in different seasons.

　　``Everything is born in the spring, prospers in the summer, is harvested in the autumn, and is stored in the winter,'' explains a traditional Chinese medicine tome, adding, ``humans are no exception.''

　　During the winter, people's appetite is on the increase and digestive systems go into high gear.

　　``People generally don't take tonic in the summer as its nutritional qualities will simply be sweated away,'' explains Li. ``In the winter, however, disease runs wild and many people become vulnerable to cold, bronchial asthma and rheumatism. There is no better time than the winter for tonic to improve one's immune system and metabolism.''

　　But Li also warns that not everyone's physique is suitable for (r)MDRVˉgaofang. Careful and detailed diagnosis by the experts is essential before taking any type of medicine.

　　``As with all medicine, there are contraindications and cautions,'' explains Li. ``An improper dosage can lead to excessive heat and digestive congestion.''

　　Those who are (r)MDRVˉyin deficient or suffering from excessive vigor, or who suffer from a weak digestive system or carry a pathogen, should be particularly careful with the choice of herbs. The best advice is to consult a veteran Chinese medicine doctor.

　　For the general population, there are standard formulas available, with prices ranging from 100 to 1,000 yuan at local Chinese drug stores.

　　`Imperial' tonics

　　Once a secret formula for the exclusive use of the imperial court, (r)MDRVˉgaofang has been used in China for generations. Classic (r)MDRVˉgaofang recipes like the ginseng-sugar formula (r)MDRVˉQiongyu Gao were used by imperial courts from the Yuan (1271-1368), to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. As the awareness of its health-enhancing effects spread, taking (r)MDRVˉgaofang has became a popular preventive medication among the Chinese people. Following are three popular (r)MDRVˉgaofangs for this season. * (r)MDRVˉJianshen Jiangzhi Gao (improving both physical and mental condition) Ingredients: ginseng, root of red-rooted salvia, (r)MDRVˉheshouwu (fleece-flower root), haw and the cortex of eucommia Effects: Efficient in the relief of high density lipoprotein, hypertension and hyperviscosity. * (r)MDRVˉKangshuai Yanshou Gao (good for longevity) Ingredients: wild ginseng, (r)MDRVˉlingzhi (ganoderma lucidum), medlar and walnut. Effects: Enhances the immune system and lessens symptoms like insomnia, fatigue and amnesia. * (r)MDRVˉJiefu Meirong Gao (helpful for skin-care) Ingredients: ginseng, pearl powder, medlar, dry white chrysanthemum, glutinous rehmannia and honeysuckle. Effects: Strengthens the body and is helpful in dispelling chloasma and wrinkles. Tips * Consult a traditional Chinese medicine doctor before taking (r)MDRVˉgaofang. * The optimal time to take (r)MDRVˉgaofang is either in the morning, before breakfast, or at night, before going to sleep. * If you begin to feel sick, stop taking (r)MDRVˉgaofang. * While taking (r)MDRVˉgaofang, do not consume the following: turnip, radish, shrimp, crab, red tea and green tea. * Store the (r)MDRVˉgaofang under 15 degrees Celsius and keep it dry in the refrigerator.