deadly flu spawns new internet sensation why is loquat syrup selling for 450
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As the grass grows and the birds fly, flowers bloom and willows turn green, it is once again the season of rebirth. Various viruses and flu strains awaken at the call of spring. At this time, across the ocean in the United States, loquat syrup is also experiencing its springtime.
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Why did loquat syrup suddenly become an internet sensation?
No matter how much it ponders, the unassuming loquat syrup would never have thought that, in early spring, with the help of the flu, it would become an 'American internet sensation.'
All of this is due to the most deadly flu in the United States in nearly a decade.
Throughout the winter, Americans, like us, were deeply terrified by the flu. About 56,000 people died from flu or pneumonia, and antiviral drugs were sold out in pharmacies across the country.
At this time, the appearance of loquat syrup was like a magic potion, opening a new world of treatment for Americans.
The Wall Street Journal recounted the story of New York University Art and Design professor Schwede becoming a fan of loquat syrup. He had a cough caused by a cold that lasted for more than 10 days without improvement. After taking many medications with no signs of recovery, his girlfriend (who had lived in Hong Kong 30 years ago) suggested he try 'Chuanbei Loquat Syrup.' About 15 minutes later, not only did his cough improve, but his breathing also became smoother. Shocked by the efficacy of the syrup, he immediately recommended it to his friends. Soon, loquat syrup became a hot topic in New York. Even Hollywood actor Matthew Modine, who had a persistent cough, bought a bottle after seeing the recommendations.
Then came headlines like 'Mysterious Eastern Liquid Conquers Many Long-Ill Americans,' 'Chinese Miracle Drug Sells Out,' and 'Online Prices Soar to $70 (about 450 RMB)'...
Loquat syrup suddenly became popular! In a short time, a bottle of loquat syrup could cost 200 yuan, with some even selling for 450 yuan. Honestly, for a moment, I had the idea of going to the U.S. to resell loquat syrup.
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Is loquat syrup really as miraculous as everyone says?
After loquat syrup became popular in the U.S., many people expressed their admiration for traditional Chinese medicine. Some even shared their flu treatment tips and secret recipes in the comments, as if they were reincarnations of Hua Tuo, each claiming to be a famous doctor.
The reviews on Amazon were also quite positive. Some said it could 'cure' coughs and colds, while others firmly believed it could treat cancer...
What?! No one ever told me that an ordinary bottle of loquat syrup from the pharmacy downstairs had such miraculous effects. Is it really as good as everyone says?
No, it is not.
First of all, not that many Americans are trying loquat syrup. In the U.S., loquat syrup is at best a health supplement and cannot be considered a legal medication. The Wall Street Journal's related report also repeatedly advised readers to 'use with caution and consult a doctor before use.'
Secondly, loquat syrup is not as 'expensive' as rumored. Although there were reports of a bottle being sold for 450 yuan, more than 10 times its original price, such high-priced transactions were zero and can be ignored. An American even went to Chinatown to buy it and found that it only cost $4.
Lastly, loquat syrup cannot cure the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, which is highly contagious. The flu virus often evolves and mutates, evading the body's existing immune protection to attack the human body. The main ingredients of loquat syrup, such as Chuanbei, loquat leaves, and southern adenophora, have no effect on killing the flu virus. Relying on loquat syrup to prevent the flu is simply nonsense.
Loquat syrup has the effects of moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm, relieving cough and asthma, protecting the throat, and generating saliva to quench thirst. It is generally suitable for symptoms such as cold-induced cough, thick phlegm, excessive phlegm, asthma, dry and itchy throat, and hoarseness. When symptoms such as fever, sore throat, itchy throat, cough, and chills occur, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly and not self-diagnose or use medication arbitrarily.
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How should loquat syrup be consumed correctly?
As a traditional Chinese medicine, loquat syrup naturally has unavoidable issues, such as difficulty ensuring the safety of its ingredients and dosage. Especially the main ingredients, Chuanbei and Pinellia, contain alkaloids that can inhibit nerves through toxic reflexes to achieve a cough-suppressing effect, but they are also toxic substances harmful to the human body. Some loquat syrups contain coltsfoot, which animal experiments have shown can cause liver cancer and is banned in Europe.
Additionally, loquat syrup is sweet, and many people like it, making it easy to inadvertently consume excessive amounts of sweets and the aforementioned toxic substances. However, the sweetness can promote the secretion of saliva and respiratory mucus, thereby relieving cough.
Although loquat syrup is effective, it should not be taken arbitrarily, especially by children, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases such as liver or kidney disease. Please use it under the guidance of a doctor.
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