In Singapore, a TCM doctor names drinks to ease haze symptoms
In Singapore, Hoe Moi Chen, a senior traditional Chinese medicine doctor at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, named four drinks that, she said, may help relieve throat irritation, dry cough, watery eyes, runny nose and itchy skin during haze. Channel NewsAsia reports on the recommendations.
According to the doctor, traditional Chinese medicine views haze as a dry-heat toxin. At the same time, she stressed that such drinks cannot physically remove PM2.5 particles from the body and do not replace medical care. If respiratory symptoms worsen or a severe skin allergy develops, medical attention should be sought.
Drinks for the throat and eyes
For an irritated throat and dry cough, Hoe advised steeping 3–5 g of dried snow fungus and 10–15 g of dried luo han guo fruit. The snow fungus should be soaked in cold water until soft before brewing, while the fruit should be washed and broken into pieces together with its peel, flesh and seeds. The drink can be consumed hot or cold, but for people prone to diarrhea or with a “cold stomach” in TCM terms, the doctor advised drinking it warm.
For dry, red and watery eyes, she named a ready-made xia sang ju mixture or a drink made with 3–5 g of dried Prunella vulgaris, 3–5 g of dried mulberry leaves and three to five dried chrysanthemum flowers.
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Mint, lemon peel and radish
For a runny nose and sneezing, the doctor suggested brewing five to eight fresh mint leaves together with 3–5 g of fresh lemon peel without the bitter white layer. According to her, menthol creates a cooling sensation in the nasal cavity, while lemon peel oils may ease congestion and a runny nose. This drink is recommended to be consumed warm.
For itching and rashes, Hoe recommended an infusion of 50–80 g of fresh white daikon radish and half a snow pear. For people who are not suited to “cooling” remedies, she advised adding ginger or brown sugar. Radish should also not be consumed with ginseng on the same day.
All drinks are suggested to be prepared with 300–400 ml of boiling water and steeped for 10–15 minutes. They can be consumed once or twice a day and stopped after symptoms disappear. The doctor also advised checking air-pollution readings, wearing a mask when necessary, using an air purifier indoors and maintaining adequate hydration.
