Core Viewpoint - Recent consumer complaints regarding herbal sanitary pads containing snow lotus have raised concerns about allergic reactions and misleading health claims made by various brands [1][14][26]. Group 1: Product Claims and Consumer Reactions - Consumers reported allergic symptoms such as itching and swelling after using certain herbal sanitary pads [1]. - Brands like Yufengjie, Jieryin, and Renhe are among those selling these products, which claim to have various health benefits including anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects [1][2]. - Some products are marketed with exaggerated claims, such as treating 149 gynecological conditions, which may mislead consumers into confusing these pads with medical devices [1][11][14]. Group 2: Regulatory Standards and Product Classification - Many of these herbal pads do not meet the standards for medical devices or pharmaceuticals, often only having "消字号" certification, which is typical for sanitary products [14][21]. - Some products are classified as health products under local standards, which allows for broader claims that may not be legally substantiated [14][20]. - The lack of a unified national standard for health products leads to regulatory gray areas, allowing companies to make dubious health claims without proper oversight [43][46]. Group 3: Marketing Strategies and Profit Margins - Companies are using marketing strategies that include fictitious endorsements from foreign pharmaceutical companies to enhance product appeal [28][30]. - The production cost for these herbal pads is low, with significant profit margins reported, indicating a lucrative market for these products [31]. - The use of terms like "院内配方" (hospital formula) and claims of collaboration with medical institutions are common tactics to build consumer trust [18][20]. Group 4: Expert Opinions and Health Risks - Experts warn that the claims made by these products are often unfounded and that the use of herbal ingredients in sanitary pads could lead to health risks, including bacterial growth and allergic reactions [40][41]. - The assertion that body temperature can facilitate the absorption of herbal ingredients through the skin is deemed scientifically invalid [41]. - The potential for these products to disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora raises concerns about their safety and efficacy [40][41].