JOHOR BARU: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) outlets have been enjoying brisk sales for luo han fruit and chrysanthemum flower along with other herbs which help keep the body cool during the hazy situation around the country.
Teck Soon Medical and Acupuncture Centre owner Datuk Chin Nyong Kim said sales of the freshly boiled herbal drinks had increased by about 50% since last month.
“Our sales of chrysanthemum and luo han drinks have also increased by between 50 and 60 bottles to over 100 bottles daily, as these are commonly consumed to keep the body cool.
“The freshly-brewed drinks, sold for between RM2.30 and RM3.80 per bottle, were mostly snapped up in bulk by Malaysians working in Singapore,” he said here yesterday.
Kang Ling Medicine outlet physician Thong Tian Fook, said there had been a 30% increase in sales for luo han and chrysanthemum and the herbal drinks were also popular among Singaporeans contributing to 80% of its sales.
“While many preferred the already brewed and bottled drinks, some are snapping up pre-packed fruits and herbs, as they would rather boil the herbs at home,” said Thong, who has been running his business for the past 20 years.
Thong said other herbs such as the xia ku cao (Prunella vulgaris) and bei zi cao (Lithospermum root), which are raw ingredients that are normally brewed into tea, were also popular among customers.
Besides the medicinal stores, popular herbal teashops along Jalan Trus here have also been drawing the crowds. Kok Yow Yong drinks shop owner Wong Oi Fen said the haze has taken a toll on many with some approaching her shop looking fazed and tired.
“Some complain of itchy throat and cough and I try to soothe their ailments with suitable herbal tea.”
– The Star
