Our Physicians’ Favourite TCM Tea

Our physicians share with us their favourite TCM tea, which you prepare at home for your and your family. These TCM teas can relax your mind and energise your body by nourishing Qi and improving digestion during this circuit breaker period.

Our physicians’ favourite TCM ea

Even TCM practitioners need daily wellness support. Here are the go-to teas our physicians make for themselves, complete with simple recipes you can prepare in your own kitchen.

Physician Chen Fang

Favourite TCM tea: Ginger Tea 姜茶

Ingredients and benefits: “I put a tablespoon of ginger powder into a tea pack and steep in my thermo flask. Ginger has a warming property and helps to keep me warm in the cold clinic. I use it if I have any digestion issues too.”

Physician Ho Chin Ee

Favourite TCM tea: Dendrodrium Nobile and Chrysanthemum Tea 石斛菊花茶

Ingredients and benefits: “Pack the ingredients into a tea bag and steep it in a thermal bottle with hot water.

I do extensive reading on gadgets, which causes a lot of dryness and discomfort to my eyes. This helps to soothe the eyes and is fairly tasty (for TCM tea that is). If you happen to pack the chrysanthemum flower separately from the dendrodrium nobile, you can even cool it in the fridge after use and do an “eye mask” at night!”

Physician Ho Wee Kok

Favourite TCM tea: American Ginseng Water 西洋参茶

Ingredients and benefits:

“Add a few slices of raw American ginseng to a thermal flask filled with hot water. You may include a few slices of ginger to balance the cooling nature of American ginseng.

This tea helps me stay refreshed during the day, as American ginseng both replenishes Qi and nourishes Yin.

Note: This tea may not be suitable for women who are trying to conceive, as American ginseng may interfere with ovulation by contributing to the formation of functional cysts.”

Physician Jun Negoro

Favourite TCM tea: Sesame Latte 黑芝麻拿铁Note: Sesame seeds have a natural lubricating effect and may help relieve constipation. Those who are prone to loose stools should avoid consuming large amounts daily.”

Ingredients and benefits:

“Mix one tablespoon of ground black sesame with marine collagen and a little honey in hot soy milk.

I enjoy this nutty-flavoured drink for breakfast. Black sesame nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin, as well as Blood, supporting healthy hair and skin.

Note: Sesame seeds have a natural lubricating effect and may help relieve constipation. Those who are prone to loose stools should avoid consuming large amounts daily.”

How to choose the right tea for you?

Different teas address different needs based on your body's constitution and current symptoms:

• Choose Ginger Tea if you:

  • Feel cold easily, especially in air-conditioned environments

  • Experience bloating, indigestion, or nausea

  • Need gentle digestive warming support

• Choose Dendrobium & Chrysanthemum Tea if you:

• Spend long hours on screens

• Experience dry, tired, or irritated eyes

• Feel internal heat or dryness in your body

• Choose American Ginseng Water if you:

  • Need sustained energy throughout the day

  • Feel tired but also experience some heat or dryness symptoms

  • Want mental clarity without overstimulation

• Choose Sesame Latte if you:

• Want to support hair and skin health

• Experience dryness-related constipation

• Need nourishment for Kidney and Liver systems

If you're dealing with ongoing health issues like low energy, digestive problems, or stress that won't go away, our TCM team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical and our TCM practitioners can assess your body constitution, identify underlying imbalances, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

When to avoid these teas

• Ginger Tea:

  • If you have heat conditions or are prone to feeling overheated

  • During fever or inflammatory conditions

• Dendrobium & Chrysanthemum Tea:

  • If you have cold constitution or feel cold easily

  • During the early stages of a cold or flu

• American Ginseng Water:

  • If you're trying to conceive (women)

  • If you're taking blood thinners (consult your doctor)

  • During menstruation for some women

• Sesame Latte:

  • If you experience frequent loose stools or diarrhea

  • Start with smaller amounts if you're unsure

Avoid TCM teas during drug interactions

If you're taking any medications, especially:

• Blood thinners (warfarin)

• Diabetes medications

• Hormone treatments

• Immunosuppressants

Consult both your doctor and TCM practitioner before regularly consuming these teas, particularly American Ginseng which can interact with certain medications.

FAQ

Can I drink these TCM teas every day?

Most of these teas are safe for daily consumption in moderate amounts. However, individual suitability varies based on your body constitution. If you have specific health conditions or are pregnant, consult a TCM practitioner before making any tea part of your daily routine.

How long should I steep TCM tea for maximum benefits?

Steep your tea for at least 15-20 minutes in hot water using a thermal flask. For herbs like American Ginseng or Dendrobium, longer steeping times allow the beneficial compounds to fully infuse into the water.

Can I add honey or sugar to these TCM teas?

Yes, you can add honey for taste, as shown in the Sesame Latte recipe. However, avoid excessive sweeteners, as they may counteract some of the tea's benefits. Honey is preferred over refined sugar in TCM, as it has additional nourishing properties.

How long will it take to notice benefits from drinking TCM tea?

The timeline varies depending on the tea and your individual constitution. Some people notice immediate effects like improved digestion or relaxation, while others may need consistent consumption over 2-4 weeks to experience benefits like better energy levels or healthier skin. TCM teas work gradually to support your body's balance rather than providing instant results.

Are there any side effects from drinking these TCM teas?

These teas are generally safe when consumed as recommended. However, some herbs have specific cautions – for example, American Ginseng may affect women trying to conceive, and black sesame may cause loose stools in some people. Always start with small amounts to see how your body responds.

Can children drink these TCM teas?

Some teas, like ginger tea, are generally safe for children in diluted amounts, but others may not be suitable. Consult a TCM practitioner before giving any herbal teas to children, as dosages and suitability differ based on age and constitution.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, schedule a consultation with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.