For over three thousand years, traditional Chinese medicine has been a part of far east Asian culture, having developed separately from the Western tradition. The equivalent of the European "apothecary jar" is found all over the East, often referred to simply as the Chinese medicine jar. Young Shang thought it was time the familiar vessel received a much needed update, and has released a lovely new take on the age old receptacle.

Since at least the Shang dynasty, Chinese medicine has been a part of daily life in Asia. Patients are accustomed to seeing traditional offices lined with shelves full of exotic ingredients and remedies, including powders, liquids, dried goods, and other more enigmatic items, all of which need to be kept fresh and potent for as long as possible. The standard and familiar Chinese medicine jar is a common fixture but not very practical these days, as we've made numerous improvements in materials and design.

That's why Young Shang has updated the concept. The company's new range of Chinese medicine jars are made of incredibly sturdy and thick, shatter-proof PET. A mainstay of the company's production line, the predecessor to this new PET version was composed of PS. The company, however, received overwhelmingly positive feedback when it designed the jars in a thick-walled PET, as the material improved clarity and presentation. Further, the increased barrier properties of PET made it ideal for a wide range of products that required freshness and longevity regardless of exterior conditions related to heat, amount of light, or humidity.

Recyclable, durable, and with a price tag that's surprisingly low, Young Shang's modern rendition of the Chinese medicine jar is fast becoming a big hit in Asia and abroad.