Move over skinny vanilla latte, there’s a new girly drink in town, claiming to do a lot more than just amp you up.

Dr. Chao Herbal Lady Drink, introduced in September at Whole Foods Market and other stores, professes to reduce symptoms of PMS, alleviate acne, promote ovarian health, excrete toxic substances and have anti-aging benefits, all with no sugar, calories, artificial sweeteners or preservatives, glutens and caffeine. But there are some who call for skepticism. 

“It not only quenches thirst, but is also naturally beneficial to the body,” said Ted Chao, president of U.S. People’s Food and Beverages Co. of Claremont, California, manufacturer of Lady Drink and other herbal drinks.

The main ingredient in Lady Drink is Herba leonuri, better known as the motherwort herb. Although the herb has not been clinically tested in the West, it is a traditional Chinese medicine, used to promote blood circulation and calm the nervous system. The plant is originally from Central Asia.

“The motherwort herb is commonly used and is good for women’s health,” said Robert Streisfeld, naturopathic physician and founder of Personal Health Design Inc. in Chicago.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not tested Lady Drink. But last year, the FDA denied a Chinese company's request to import the herb. The agency maintained  the herb “appears to consist in whole or in part of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance or [is] otherwise unfit for food.”  

Chao admitted that Herba leonuri, along with many traditional Chinese herbs, will decay and deteriorate easily, without special manufacturing technology.  

“That is why we chose the only manufacturer [that] has conformed to FDA’s requirement and can match our special manufacturing technology to maintain the nutrition of the natural herbs and keep the benefits to health,” Chao said.  

Transforming the herbs into a drink, rather than supplying them in their natural form or as a pill, preserves the herbs healthy attributes and make it easier for the body to absorb, he said.  

The other ingredients in Lady Drink are saffron, aloe, and Fructus momordicae. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and has been used for both acne and painful menstruation. Aloe is known to ease digestive and skin discomfort. Fructus momordicae relaxes the bowel, promoting detoxification of the body. The Fructus momordicae is also known for its sweet taste and provides a natural sweetener to the beverage.

“Lady Drink is naturally sweet. The sweet[ness] comes from the herbs themselves and it maintains the natural aroma of the herbs,” Chao said.

Streisfeld agreed that all of the herbs in the drink contribute positively to women’s health. However, he still questioned the product's overall effectiveness.

“I couldn’t find the exact ingredients of the drink, the exact amount of each herb, so I question the potency. The herbs of the drink do improve health, however are there enough herbs in this drink to really benefit health?  I don’t know.” Streisfeld said.

Even if the drink does not cure PMS, Streisfeld is encouraged that the beverage is at least a way to introduce modern people to herbal remedies. He said he believes that many people in the U.S. will not take herbal remedies. But he claims about 70 percent of the world uses herbal and botanical medicine as their dominant type of medical treatment.

“It’s probably not going to cure PMS, but if it spreads an awareness, a consciousness, of the health benefits of herbal medicines, then that’s always a good thing,” Streisfeld said.

According to WebMD, the possible side effects of Herba leonuri are diarrhea and stomach irritation. However, Chao said that because the drink is canned at a high temperature, it will not cause any side effects. But he warned that diarrhea may occur due to the normal detoxification process.

Chao earned a master's degree from the Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He began his career in 1989 working at a hospital and herbal school in Guizhou, China, founded by his great-great-grandfather Baoyin Chao, a famous 1870’s herbalist. Chao came to the U.S. in an effort to make "the consumption of herbs more convenient for consumers."

The Lady Drink is now available  locally at select Whole Foods Markets and online. The drink costs $3.49 for an eight-ounce can, a price, Chao said, is significantly less than doctor visits and prescriptions medications.

Although no sale reports are available for Lady Drink yet, Chao said that the company has already received many reorders from the Whole Foods Market, and retains high hopes for the beverage.

“U.S. People Foods and Beverages Co. is going to sell the Lady Drink all over the world to benefit all of the women in the world,” he said.