This series is based on our reporting on TCM: its history, treatments and growing acceptance around the world. This is the sixth instalment.
In Hong Kong, as in so many Chinese and Asian cities, shops selling traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedies are easy to find. Their shelves and drawers are filled with hundreds of different herbs, in their raw natural form, or increasingly as prepared and manufactured dried herbal granules, capsules, pills and tonics.
Over 11,000 herb plants have been recorded in TCM-related pharmacopoeia – ancient books with directions for identifying and combining them. The most commonly used consist of about 700 species.
Two young practitioners in Asia who are keen to promote TCM describe how they select ingredients for herbal prescriptions or use in nutritious dishes to restore balance – and health – in their clients.
Chee Hee Seng, 22, is a recent graduate of Xiamen University Malaysia’s school of traditional Chinese medicine. The Malaysian has attracted 367,000 followers on his Instagram account, @tcmbycheehee, where he shares TCM knowledge and tips – including simple herbal remedies for common complaints.
Remedies include cassia seeds, goji berries and chrysanthemum for eye health; ginger and millet congee with Chinese yam for digestive health; black sesame, fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) and black beans for kidney and hair health; and mung beans to heal acne.