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In modern parlance, the notion of physical wellness extends far beyond the boundaries of what modern medicine encompasses. While by no means a replacement for well-researched and established treatments grounded in reliable science, the appeal of age-old therapeutic remedies that have served our forefathers for generations continues to entice those on the lookout for a more holistic approach to maintaining their health beyond.
Traditional Chinese medicine, in particular, remains one of the most prominent alternative avenues to mainstream healthcare. With a history that stretches back over 2 millenniums at the very least, many of its proposed concepts and principles as outlined in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic) from the 3rd century BCE, continue to remain foundational concepts that guide practitioners in the field today, chief of which being the equilibrium of yin (passive) and yang (active) in one’s body. In essence, health is believed to be achieved through the harmony of these complementary forces while an imbalance could lead to illness.
To achieve this, the traditional Chinese apothecary includes a comprehensive, if not occasionally otherworldly, melange of herbs and even animal parts that are widely espoused for their varied benefits. Ginseng roots, for example, hold a prized position for their supposed ability to strengthen and revitalise qi, while snow fungus has been known to be prescribed to improve immune and respiratory function.
Better still, these recipes have been adapted into a range of contemporary products by some of Malaysia’s leading traditional Chinese medicine suppliers to provide on-the-go convenience for those who want to enjoy their benefits without the hassle. So let us introduce you to some of the best places in Kuala Lumpur where you can get your traditional Chinese medicine.
(But of course, keep in mind that traditional Chinese medicine should never be used as a substitute for conventional medicine. Should you experience any adverse effects from the consumption of Chinese medicinal herbs, contact a certified healthcare specialist immediately.)
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One of the longest-serving names in traditional Chinese medicine locally, Eu Yan Sang boasts an illustrious history of over 146 years. Founded in the city of Gopeng to serve tin miners who, at the time, were dependent on opium for relief from medical ailments, the business would later boom into a multinational conglomerate with outlets in Singapore, Macau, and Hong Kong.
Product offerings from the brand are exceedingly popular come the Lunar Chinese New Year season, which spans everything from cordyceps capsules to sachets of herbal soup ingredients that are ready to boil in minutes.
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Available in almost all major pharmacies across Malaysia, BRAND’S is a name that is ubiquitous during the Lunar Chinese New Year gifting season. And if it feels like they’ve been around forever, that’s probably because they have been. As its company history claims, the brand was named after King George VI’s royal chef, Mr Henderson William Brand, who developed a recipe for a concentrated chicken essence to nourish the sickly monarch.
Upon Brand’s retirement, he put the recipe into commercial production, giving birth to what we now recognise to be BRAND’S Chicken Essence. While its origins may not necessarily have emerged from Chinese healers, the product proved especially popular in Asia given the region’s consumption of traditional tinctures and has become a core market ever since. Variations on the BRAND’S Chicken Essence recipe have been developed, including ones fortified with ginseng and cordyceps.
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Loosely translated into English to mean ‘secret of nature’, Kinohimitsu has a longstanding reputation for offering a contemporary approach to age-old tried-and-tested East Asian remedies. Described as a ‘functional beauty and health’ brand, the company operates as many as 6,000 points of sale on both sides of the Causeway.
While popularly known for its range of collagen-infused supplements and bearing the distinction of being the first brand in Malaysia to introduce the concept locally, Kinohimitsu has since expanded its product lineup to include bird’s nest beverages and even select Chinese herbs such as ginseng.
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While not a name typically associated with traditional Chinese medicine, health food supplier Signature Market has been known to keep an inventory of some excellent herbal remedies that would make perfect Lunar New Year gifts during house visits. Organic products aside, a section dedicated to longstanding Chinese restorative curealls features an assortment of everything from botanical teas infused with organic honey, to jars of ready-to-consume peach gum and even guilinggao that you can prepare from home in a pinch.
For a taste of home, you can even nab pre-packaged soups made using generational recipes, such as lotus root soup and of course, ABC.
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Being the first company to commercialise bird’s nest beverages in the country, Lo Hong Ka, which means ‘old tradesman’ in English, knows more than a thing or two about supplying quality Chinese herbal remedies. Commonly located in most major urban centres, their core offerings span a concise assortment of bird’s nest-related products, whether it be their signature concentrate or grab-and-go bottles for easy consumption.
Swallow nests aside, other noteworthy gift ideas include their ginseng essence and cordyceps essence, as well as bottled aloe vera beverages that can aid in digestion and improving overall skin health.
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If you’re Chinese and have lived in Malaysia for long enough, you’re likely to have heard of a product known as 养生酒, or ‘medicated wine’, sold through Hai-O. Produced using a combination of quality grains as well as a proprietary combination of over 20 different prized Chinese herbs, a longstanding belief is that regular consumption of this particular liquor in small amounts (2 tablespoons for adults) can help improve blood circulation and relieve mild aches, while also improving overall vitality.
While the science may be sketchy on its efficacy, they continue to remain one of the few mainstay gifting items that many Chinese families often exchange during the Lunar New Year period. Beyond medicated wine, the brand also carries a wealth of exceptionally rare traditional Chinese herbal ingredients such as powdered pearls.
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Introduced in 2017 as a one-stop-shop platform for all things traditional Chinese medicine-related, Herbal Farmer maintains a vast assortment of inventory for those looking to give the gift of good health to their loved ones, or themselves.
An exhaustive smorgasbord of staples from the field can be ordered directly through their website, such as your staples of ginseng roots, wolfberries, red dates, and more. But you’ll be remiss not to include some of their more convenient contemporary offerings into your cart, including pre-prepared lotus root tinned beverages that can be enjoyed whenever you please.
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