Rotunda Hypnotic Pills

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Rotunda Hypnotic Pills

What is it? Thirty-milligram tablets of something sold under the brand-name Rotunda. According to the label, it's a "Hypnotic, Tranquilizer, and Analgesic." A non-prescription herbal cure for "retarded sleeping." Hypnotic, did you say? Pass me some.

Where can you buy it, and how much? I bought some at a pharmacy in Hue for about 50,000 dong ($3). I noticed later that the box had "expired" in March 2005. You can find Rotunda at almost any pharmacy and at some variety stores.

Why would you want it? Why wouldn't you? "Rotunda can moderate heart rate," promises the leaflet inside, "low-down blood pressure and relax spasm in gut and uterus." Best of all: "So far no drug addiction has been observed." The box alone makes a great conversation piece.

Reminds you of Vietnam because: There are a million mysterious remedies here, stuff you'll never see at CVS. Favorites of mine include Wonderfarm White Fungus Nutritional Drink, Fa brand Whitening Milk with Licorice Extract, and Cleo Hair Removal Spray with Moisturizers and Cucumber Fragrance. (Do cucumbers have a fragrance?)

Downside: I didn't feel tranquil after chewing a tablet and then downing a beer to try to erase the bitter taste. But if you end up enjoying the effects of Rotunda's herbs and spices, it might be hard to order more.

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