Natural Camphor and Menthol: The Core Actives in Longhu’s Herbal Topicals

The brand, “Dragon and Tiger” (Longhu) which under the care of Shanghai Zhonghua Pharmaceutical Co., ltd has been a brand something to be trusted in topical wellness over a century. Since we were the first to introduce the modernized preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, we established our heritage on two active ingredients, natural camphor and menthol which are the cornerstone of our heritage. These are not just a part of our balms and creams, but the part of the comfort of the relief our products are famous with all over the world. Their history and their purpose will explain why they continue to be featured in the center of our herbal topicals.

Sourced from Traditional Botanicals, Not Synthetic Substitutes

Mass production means that more than ever, the origin of active ingredients will be more important. In Shanghai Zhonghua Pharmaceutical, our idea of authenticity lies in the source of our core actives. The menthol and camphor in our Longhu products are carefully obtained out of their natural botanical sources, the fresh leaves of the mint plants and the hard wood of the camphor trees. It is a deliberate decision to use traditional botanicals and is a way of respecting our heritage, which started in 1911.

We also choose these natural sources in favor of synthetic alternatives, which tend to be cheaper, yet lack the comprehensive portrait of the compounds of the vegetable origin. We have also maintained the quality of these traditional botanicals by keeping our basic balms, cooling creams, and other topicals as pure and genuine as possible, so that the essence of the plants on which traditional medicine has long relied is complete and uncompromised. This is not only saving the integrity of our formulations but it goes in line with an ever growing global interest in ingredients that are known and honored with regard to their natural origin that will enhance our presence as a producer of authentic, time-tested wellness solutions.

Cooling Sensation Results from Nerve Receptor Interaction, Not Numbing

A fresh coolness of a Longhu topical is a feature, which is often misinterpreted about the science of this feeling. It is often thought to be merely some deadening of the skin, some shallow covering of pain. As a matter of fact the cooling effect which our natural menthol and camphor give, is a complex physiological interaction. These natural compounds act by activating certain receptors in the skin, the same receptors which respond to cool temperatures.

This response feeds back to the brain, producing a realistic cooling effect but without a rise or fall in skin temperature. It is an intelligent, biological conversation, not a crude imposing of numbness. This point is important as it implies that the user will feel a coolness that is effective and natural, refreshing and comforting. This mechanism is a receptor-mediated process that gives the calming effect of what the senses of the body can do on their own, and it gives the sense of clarity that the synthetic numbing agents can never match.

Concentration Balanced for Efficacy Without Skin Irritation

Natural botanicals can be exploited only with precision. Shanghai Zhonghua Pharmaceutical through 114 years of specialized knowledge in the cooling product line has perfected the art of balance. We know that the natural camphor and menthol efficacy depends on dose, inadequate dose gives no effect, whereas excess dose may cause skin irritation. Our formula is thus the outcome of a long period of research and thorough knowledge to give the best concentration to achieve maximum action.

This is the right way to make sure that our topicals will deliver the needed calming effect and coolness without making the skin uncomfortable. It is an efficacy promise that takes into account the well-being of the user. In our traditional basic balm or in our cosmetic grade creams and gels, all of them will offer the active value that you are accustomed to with a trusted brand, yet do not lose the gentle feel that is needed when using it daily. It is this cautious balancing that makes Longhu products such a sure option to millions of people in over 80 countries and provides peace of mind with each and every use.