The Chinese believe they help reduce symptoms of a dry throat, cough and constipation caused by excess heat. STACEY CHIA reports

As you go about your last-minute Chinese New Year shopping, it might be a good idea to stop by a Chinese medical hall for some cooling herbal tea.

Ms Jin Jinhua, a consultant acupuncturist at Raffles Chinese Medicine, said that in traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM), there must be a balance of yin (cooling) and yang (heaty) for good health.

As you eat and drink during the festive season, watch out for food that has been baked, barbecued or fried as the Chinese believe they will give rise to excess heat in one’s body.

This is why many people drink cooling herbal teas like ginseng tea or ling yang tea (antelope’s horn tea).

This is because they believe it will help to reduce and soothe symptoms such as a dry throat, cough and constipation, all of which are caused by excess heat, said Mr Tan Chong Siew, a TCM physician who works at Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinics in Rivervale Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza and Sembawang Way.

Ms Seah Ai Wei, a TCM physician at Thomson Chinese Medicine, said American ginseng tea is suitable for those who work long hours and suffer from heaty symptoms that include dry mouth, sore throat and acne breakouts.

Luo han guo tea or monk’s fruit tea also helps soothe sore throats and is believed to have the added benefit of nourishing the lungs.

“Teachers and salesmen, who often have to talk a lot, should drink this,” said Ms Seah. She added that herbal teas can be taken on a daily basis for preventive or well-being purposes.

Shops like Tam Kah Shark’s Fin Trading and Hockhua Tonic have made it easier for people who wish to consume such teas regularly.

At some traditional medical halls, the herbal teas are still served to customers from large urns. However, the general manager of Hockhua Tonic, Mr James Teo, sells his bottled.

He said customers can also buy the herbs in specific quantities to brew at home.

Eu Yan Sang has also made the drinking of herbal teas more convenient by packaging ginseng tea into sachets. One simply needs to pour boiling water over the tea bag.
 
However, TCM physicians feel that it is better for people to buy the herbs at medical halls and boil their own herbal teas from scratch.

Bottled teas tend to contain more sweeteners and hence, more calories, said Ms Jin.

Ms Seah agreed, saying: “Boiling your own tea allows you to control the type and dosage of each herb and the amount of sugar added.”

However, if you do not have the time to boil your own tea, you should ensure that the bottled teas you buy are freshly brewed on the day itself.

While both Tam Kah Shark’s Fin Trading and Hockhua Ginseng Birdnest Trading Enterprise offer customers the
option of buying warm or chilled herbal teas, Ms Seah said it is better to drink the teas hot or warm.

She said that in TCM, cold beverages are said to weaken the digestive organs. Ms Soh Yet Kee, the owner of Tam Kah Shark’s Fin agreed.

“Hot or warm is better, but we sell the teas chilled because we have noticed that younger people prefer cold drinks and we want to appeal to them too.”

The teas vary slightly in price but cost on average $1.50 a bottle or per drink.

The health benefits
Here are some teas and the benefits you can derive from them according to Ms Zhao Xu Hong, a TCM physician at Raffles Chinese Medicine and Mr Tan Chong Siew, a physician with Eu Yan Sang TCM clinic.

American ginseng tea Ginseng is said to be able to boost the immune system, prevent headaches and increase vitality.	Chrysanthemum tea It may help to strengthen your lungs, relieve headaches and improve your eyesight.	Lemon wheat grass tea It is a good source of vitamin B, amino acids and enzymes, which promote digestion.	Luo han guo tea (Monk’s fruit tea) Suitable for nourishing the lungs and relieving cough.
Ling yang tea (Antelope’s horn tea) While it is not a herb, antelope’s horn is an important component in herbal medicine. Its main function is to disperse heat and is usually recommended for fevers.	Barley tea Barley tea is good for soothing sore throats. Long-term consumption helps promote healthy digestion and good skin.	Mung bean tea (Green bean tea) In addition to being good for sore throats, it can also quench thirst.