Kosher Encyclopedia

Below are explanations of various halakhahs (Jewish laws) regarding specific products.

Ⅰ.Gelatin capsules- Gelatin is an animal-derived ingredient. Unless it is produced under strict kosher conditions (i.e., kosher slaughter of animals or kosher fish) or is made from a gelatin substitute (such as a vegetable capsule), the product is non-kosher. Swallowing capsules is considered shelo right there, some patients may use this drug even if there is no risk.Mild discomfortIndividuals with or without diabetes should consult a doctor before using this gelatin capsule.

Ⅱ.pill——In terms of pills, the most commonNon-kosher (kosher)The active ingredients are magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, and stearic acid. These active ingredients act as lubricants, allowing the powder to "flow" as it passes through the processing equipment. Stearic acid also allows the tablet to easily fall off the machine during the final compression molding stage. These stearic acids can be of animal or plant origin. However, under normal circumstances, less than1.6%The stearate provides sufficient lubrication tobatel b'shishimand obtain permission. Therefore, even if aMild discomfortOr if a healthy person needs to take the tablet, the only concern of the Jewish people is whether the stearateboat。

If the tablet is definitely non-kosher or contains potentially non-kosher ingredients (e.g. polysorbate80, triacetin), a patient—though not dangerous—might use thisshelo right thereHowever, aMild discomfortAnyone who finds it necessary to use a non-kosher medication should consult a doctor of law. This also applies to sick adults or children who, while not dangerous, need to use non-kosher flavored chewable tablets.situation.

Ⅲ.Syrups and liquidsThese products are consideredright achilaBecause they contain flavorings that make them taste good. The most questionable ingredient in these products (but by no means the only one) is glycerin.yespanaceaglycerin, if present, is usually listed as an inert ingredient, derived from animal, vegetable, or petroleum. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which is used because distributors who sell glycerin sell both kosher and non-kosher products to drug manufacturers. Therefore, it is best for a person to buy cough syrups, children's liquid medicines, and other products that havehechsherOr check the label to make sure the product does not contain glycerin or other potentially problematic ingredients.

One hasMild discomfortOr what if he finds it necessary to take a good-tasting liquid medicine containing glycerin even though there is no danger in his life, and this medicine is not kosher? The solution is to put a teaspoon (5ml) of liquid medicine with at least two fluid ounces (60ml) of water, juice, or soda. Glycerin that may not be kosher will becomebatel b'shishim(The ratio is1:60）

Ⅳ.vitaminsIdeally, one should choose vitamins that are kosher certified. Currently,Star-Kand other Jewish organizations have certified some vitamin companies that haveStar-KMany kosher vitamin brands are marketed in the United States through multi-level marketers and distributors, using various channels, including toll-free hotlines, making them widely available. However, if a particular vitamin or nutritional supplement is not kosher, the following guidelines apply:

Multivitamins often contain non-kosher ingredients not listed on the label. This is especially true for natural vitamins.AandD, which may come from non-kosher sources. In addition, vitaminAND、b-Carotene and natural or synthetic vitaminsAandDMay be mixed with non-kosher gelatin. Kosher brands are recommended. Under normal circumstances, one cannotTake a non-kosher chewable multivitamin.

Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins. As mentioned above, multivitamins may contain non-kosher vitamin ingredients. Fortunately, there are many kosher prenatal vitamins available.

Single vitamins (such as vitaminCIdeally, a supplement such as a sachet or tablet should be kosher certified. However, if the ingredients and inactive components are confirmed to be kosher, the product may not require kosher certification (ready to be consumed).

Ⅴ.Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine—In homeopathic medicine, the source of the drug is calledMother tincture, may be non-kosher. For example, Lachesis (the goddess of human life in ancient Greek mythology) comes from snakes and red forest ants. Non-kosher mother tinctures are usuallybatel b'shishimIn a diluent (an ingredient used to dilute a mother tincture). Non-kosher ingredients areboat，If the potency is twice as high or1Cor higher, it is a non-kosher (Jewish) ingredient.

Of course, we must make sureIs the diluentCan be approved. The most commondiluentare lactose and alcohol. These ingredients raise concerns under Jewish law and ideally require kosher certification. If a homeopathic remedy is not certified, based on lactose or alcohol, useshelo right there(e.g. swallowed tablets or absorbed sublingually, directly into the bloodstream rather than swallowed), the mother tincture is either kosher or non-kosher, i.e.batel b'shishimYes, you need to consult a doctor of law.

Herbal remedies generally contain an herb, a solvent (used for extraction), and inactive ingredients. If the inactive ingredients are kosher, the product can usually be used.

Ⅵ.dairy products- Often, medicines contain lactose, dairy ingredients as fillers. If a person has eaten meat, he should wait at least an hour before using these dairy products. Of course, this is true.shelo right thereThis is particularly relevant to medications that obstetricians and gynecologists prescribe for women, as they often contain lactose.

Ⅶ.Sabbath--haveMild discomfortPeople who are listed ascholeh(If you are at risk) you may need to take any necessary medications. Some people who take medication to prevent serious illnesses (such as those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol) may not be able to do anything on the Sabbath.obstacleMedication may also be necessary. On the Sabbath, someone may need antibiotics to treat an infection. Pregnant women may take all necessary medications and vitamins on the Sabbath. Someone in good health may consume a product on the Sabbath that alters the body's normal functions (for example, a caffeine tablet that provides a boost of alertness and prevents drowsiness).