In Chinese Culture, We Incorporate TCM into Almost Everything
If you ever visit China, you’ll be amazed by the sheer range of herbal drinks available. These beverages don’t stand out as medicinal but are integrated into daily life, enjoyed as casually as a cup of coffee or smoothie. It’s a seamless blend of health and enjoyment.
Herbal teas and beverages have been central to Chinese culture for thousands of years, offering a variety of choices that seem endless. TCM isn’t just medicine—it’s a way of life.
And while it’s become increasingly commercialized in recent years, there’s a silver lining: it’s drawing attention to our heritage and keeping it alive in a fresh, modern way.
My TCM Experience in the 80s
As a kid, Chinese herbal teas weren’t my first choice. I would avoid them whenever I could—dark, bitter, and certainly not kid-friendly. But those teas were undeniably effective. They didn’t just treat the symptoms; they helped the body heal naturally, without the side effects often seen with modern medicines. It’s something I only came to appreciate as I got older.
In some parts of China, herbal teas are a daily wellness routine. One such tradition is the “凉茶铺” (Liang Cha Pu), which translates to “cooling tea shop”. These traditional shops, found mainly in the Canton province, serve freshly brewed herbal teas stored in large metal pots, poured into disposable cups for customers.
Growing up in Canton, I had a lot of visits to these shops, and the teas were just as I described—dark, bitter, and earthy. These traditional stalls still exist because authenticity and simplicity remain valued when it comes to health.
Through the 90s
By the 90s, things had evolved. Walk into any convenience store in China, and you’ll find a range of TCM-based beverages, often packaged in modern cartons or cans. These drinks aren’t the bitter, medicinal brews of the past—they’re refreshing, enjoyable, and readily available.
Chrysanthemum tea (菊花茶) and Lalang grass rhizome with sugar cane drink (竹蔗茅根水) are just a couple of examples. While they may not be familiar to those outside of China, they are as common here as soda.
Chrysanthemum tea is known for its cooling properties, reducing internal heat and promoting eye health. Meanwhile, the Lalang grass and sugar cane drink is popular for its detoxifying effects, clearing heat from the body and soothing the throat—particularly after consuming “heaty” foods like barbecue or deep-fried dishes.
With so many flavourful options on store shelves, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Just a word of advice: when choosing one, always check the sugar content on the label and opt for versions with less added sugar when possible.
LUWIN skincare products highlight the growing trend of TCM-inspired solutions, evolving to better nurture your skin. TCM is not a fleeting hype but a timeless tradition, offering a transformative approach to skincare.
Entering the 21st Century – TCM Milk Tea
Over the last couple of decades, bubble tea, milk tea, and cream tea have surged in popularity across the beverage industry. As trends shift and evolve, our tastes have transformed alongside them. It’s refreshing to see traditional Chinese herbal teas not only endure but also adapt to the preferences of a new generation.
Today’s TCM-infused drinks are lighter and more palatable, often incorporating milder ingredients like osmanthus (桂花), red dates (红枣), poria (茯苓), gorgon fruit (芡实), goji berries (枸杞), ginseng (人参), and cinnamon (肉桂).
These selections of Chinese herbs in bubble teas and cream teas emphasize general well-being rather than solely targeting serious ailments. They cater to a broader audience, presented in trendy takeaway cups and featuring endless flavour combinations that resonate with the tastes of today.
You might think this sounds like fusion tea—but isn’t chai tea already something similar? So the idea of TCM bubble tea or cream tea isn’t as unusual as it might seem. In fact, stay tuned for Part II, where I’ll introduce you to something even more unexpected: TCM coffee.
Yes, you read that right—TCM coffee is a growing trend. It might sound extreme, but it’s gaining popularity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Our Lifelong Obsession – For Coffee Lovers – Coming soon…
2020s – Taking It Up a Notch with TCM Ice Cream
What’s the latest twist in TCM’s evolution? TCM-infused ice cream. That’s right—recently an ice cream enriched with traditional Chinese herbs was launched in China, offering a delicious and creative way to integrate ancient remedies into modern treats.
This innovative approach not only engages the younger generation but also keeps the rich legacy of TCM alive in an unexpected format.
While ice cream is a fun and new addition, TCM has long been present in Chinese desserts, such as grass jelly (凉粉) – a delicacy with both flavour and health benefits. Now, TCM ice cream provides a modern alternative for younger consumers.
Our Life Obsession with TCM
In China, TCM is embedded in everyday life in ways that are both subtle and impactful. From herbal foot soaks to the medicinal ingredients we incorporate into food, TCM plays a vital role in our approach to well-being.
Take Chinese cuisine, for example. It’s not just about flavour; the herbs in our dishes are carefully selected for their health benefits.
For instance, in colder months, a bowl of Dang Gui 当归(Angelica Sinensis root) and Ba Zhen soup 八珍汤helps warm the body and boost blood circulation, particularly for women. Goji berries, often used in soups and teas, are well-known for improving eye health and vitality. In Sichuan cuisine, Huang Qi 黄芪 (Astragalus) is commonly added to stews for its immune-boosting properties.
TCM is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, influencing everything from food and healthcare to relaxation and beauty routines. Its ability to adapt and evolve, while staying true to its roots, ensures its relevance in today’s fast-paced world.
Our Mission at LUWIN
At LUWIN, we share the same passion for blending the timeless principles of TCM with modern innovation. Our skincare products, inspired by natural healing traditions, offer powerful solutions that support the skin’s renewal and vitality.
Just as TCM promotes balance within the body, LUWIN skincare is designed to restore and maintain the skin’s health and radiance through carefully selected ingredients.
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Check out our article on the health benefits of TCM and how it’s changing the health system: Fancy an Acupuncture GP Referral? – A New Chapter for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
