The Art of Chinese Medicine

It is said that Chinese medicine goes to the root of the illness as compared to western medicine where they medicate to alleviate sickness and conditions instead. This comprises of the study of body energy (Qi) which refers to the yin and yang and aims to bring balance to the body’s natural hormones.

Documentary Photography of Chinese Medicine in Singapore

Jose has always been intrigued by the art of Chinese medicine and he would like to bring it back to people’s attention especially to the newer generation. Moreover, he is particularly fascinated by the beautiful vintage packaging and details of the products. Each product brings a different historical heritage and Jose wants to unfold each product to its main essence. The Art of Chinese Medicine will also bring about a refreshing twist in the aesthetics of the products put together and focuses on the packaging of each of the Chinese medicine products.

Mr Kwok Cher Kiat

The man behind Ban Yoo Foh Medical Hall, who has run the 100-year old family business spanning up to 4 generations, for about 50 years. He started learning the ropes and working for his parents at the age of 23 and went on to take over the business after his father’s passing. He is present in his medical hall every day, along with his son, Ben. Mr Kwok is a healthy, warm and amiable man who is a strong believer in traditional Chinese medicine.

A special thanks to Mr Kwok and Ban Yoo Foh for the opportunity to carry out this project.

For more insights on the documentary, do visit Josejeuland.com/blog.

Video Documentary of Chinese Medicine in Singapore

Information about the products and their benefits

Po Chai Pills

Uses and benefits:
Relief from indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating. Even as a hangover prevention remedy.
Application:
1-2 bottles each time.
Country:
Hong Kong

Zam-Buk

Uses and benefits:
Antiseptic ointment for soothing cuts, sores, bruises, burns, rashes,insect bites chapped skin, blisters, aching feet.
Application:
Apply on affected areas.
Country:
England

Zheng Gu Shui

Uses and benefits:
Ointment used to treat fractures, broken bones and injuries suffered in combat, sports, automobile and accidental injuries. To promote circulation, reduce bruising and swelling, help strengthen connective tissue and assist in mending bone fractures.
Application:
Applied and left on with gauze pads or cotton wool or towel.
Country:
China

Eagle brand medicated oil

Uses and benefits:
For the relief of aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with backache, strains, bruises and sprains.
Application:
Used externally on affected areas.
Country:
Vietnam

Norit carbo activatus

Uses and benefits:
For gastro-intestinal disorders, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, food poisoning.
Application:
6 – 9 tables 3 times a day. For food poisoning: 20 tables to be repeated regularly.
Country:
Indonesia

Prickly Heat Dusting Powder

Uses and benefits:
Contains antiseptic and cooling properties, treating rashes, skin irritation and prevents excessive perspiration. Provides a cooling sensation and leaves the skin smooth, cool and refreshed.
Application:
Dry thoroughly after bath and dust the powder freely on the skin.
Country:
Thailand

Chilli Brand plaster

Uses and benefits:
Pain relief for aches, pains of muscles and joints through intensive heat inducing effect, delivering quick permeating action.
Application:
Stick on affected areas.
Country:
Singapore

Yeo Swee Hong (Toad ointment)

Uses and benefits:
For cuts, insect bites, minor burns, irritation, rashes, fungal growth, boils, sores and skin infections. It removes toxic substances and promoting subsidence of swelling, itching and inflammation.
Application:
Apply the cream directly on affected parts or indirectly on lint.
Country:
Singapore

Double Prawn Herbal Oil (Qing Cao You)

Uses and benefits:
Contains pure extract of herbal plants, provides immediate relief of pain, swelling and itching due to cuts, abrasions, insect bites. Effective for also skin irritation, burns, smelly foot and fungal infections, bruises as well as sores.
Application:
Apply product to affected area several times a day until healed.
Country:
Singapore

Imada Seasons Safe Oil

Uses and benefits:
Temporarily relieves minor aches, muscles and joint pains due to backaches, arthritis, strains, sprains, bruises and stiff/sore muscles.
Application:
External use 2-3 times daily.
Country:
Hong Kong

Hak Kwai Pain Relieving Lotion

Uses and benefits:
A Chinese herbal medicated lotion that temporarily relieves minor aches, pains of muscles and joints due to bruises, strains, sprains and backaches.
Application:
For external use.
Country:
Singapore

Tjap Angsa Minjak Gosok

Uses and benefits:
Relief of cold, headache, giddiness or travel sickness.
Application:
Apply a few drops to affected area and massage gently.
Country:
Singapore

Cap Tawon Minyak Gosok

Uses and benefits:
Medicated oil for minor ache and pain.
Application:
Apply to affected area not more than 3-4 times daily.
Country:
Indonesia

Chuan Kwee Chay Hong Yong Oil
(not for sale)

Uses and benefits:
Speedy relives within 15 mins of application for burns, cuts, bites from wild animals like wild bees, poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipede and poisonous fishes. Chronic skin diseases like scarby and boils, as well as for headache, toothache and wind in the stomach.
Application:
Apply to affected area
Country:

Four season medicated oil

Uses and benefits:
For cold, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, indigestion, headache, sunstroke, vertigo, insect bites.
Application:
Take 3-1- drops each time either in hot water, for external use.
Country:
China

Sam Poh medicated oil

Uses and benefits:
For colds, influenza, sunstroke giddiness, headache, toothache, swollen and itchy skin, insect bite, travel sickness, cholera, vomiting, diarrhea, phlegm, stomachache, malaria rheumatism.
Application:
For giddiness: apply the oil on the sides of the forehead. Colds and coughs: apply on the nose and throat. Other illness: apply on the affection area. Massage after application will yield better results.
Country:
Singapore

Siang pure oil (white)

Uses and benefits:
Inhale for relief of stuffy nose, dizziness, faintness.
Application:
Rub over for relief of flatulency, cramp, sprains, muscle pain and insect bites.
Country:
Thailand

Siang pure balm (red)

Uses and benefits:
Relief of headaches because of tension, dizziness, faintness, nasal congestion, bodily aches and pains of muscles due to simple backache, arthritis, strains and sprains.
Application:
Rub the balm to the affected area.
Country:
Thailand

Kwan Loong medicated oil

Uses and benefits:
Instant relief of headaches, dizziness, stomachache, sprains, rheumatic pains and insect bites.
Application:
Apply to the affected areas as needed.
Country:
Ipoh, Malaysia

Hoe Hin White Flower oil

Uses and benefits:
Relief for cold, flu, headache, muscular pain, insect and mosquito bites, antiseptic, travel sickness, muscles and joints.
Application:
For external use only.
Country:
Singapore

Pagodas Ya-Hom Powder Five

Uses and benefits:
Used to treat nausea, vomiting, stomachache, tiredness and faintness.
Application:
Stir one teaspoonful with warm water, 3-4 times a day.
Can used as nasal decongestant by inhaling.
Country:
Thailand

Takabb Anti-cough Pill

Uses and benefits:
For coughs and dissolving phlegm.
Application:
Allow 2-4 pills to dissolve slowly in your mouth 4 times daily. Suitable for adults and children.
Country:
Thailand

Axe brand universal oil

Uses and benefits:
Provides temporary relief of headaches, colds, blocked nose, insect bites, muscular pain, stomach pain, stomach discomforts, wind, giddiness or travel sickness.
Application:
Apply to affected areas and massage gently.
Country:
Singapore

Kok Chi Oil

Uses and benefits:
Used for cuts, burns, bruises, insect bites, sprains, dislocations, stiff muscles, headaches, colds, coughs, stomach-ache, cramps, fainting fits, toothaches.
Application:
For external use only.
Country:
Singapore

Yu Yee Oil

Uses and benefits:
Used for relief of minor aches and pains. of muscles and joints, symptoms of stomach aches and cold.
Application:
Rub on affected areas, for external use.
Country:
Penang, Malaysia

Sanjin Watermelon Frost

Uses and benefits:
A powder that is used to treat mouth ulcers, canker sores, nasal congestion. It helps to clear the voice, moisten the throat, relieve mouth and throat swelling, relieve pain, cools and open nasal passages.
Application:
Spray in mouth as needed.
Country:
China

Uniflex Wanying Gan He Cha

Uses and benefits:
Traditionally used for relief of common cold, body heatiness, headache, cough and mild vomiting.
Application:
Put a tea bag into a cup with 2 or 3 slices of ginger, pour well boiled water and brew for 15 minutes. Consume 3 times a day.
Country:
Singapore

Herbal soap

Uses and benefits:
Effective in treating itchiness, heat rash, preventing sores, boils and inflammation caused by bacteria and for athlete’s foot.
Application:
Lather onto skin during shower.
Country:
Singapore

Disclaimer: This post pro­vides gen­eral information about Chinese med­i­cine and related sub­jects. It is not intended to publicise or persuade readers to adopt the use of Chinese medicine to cure or treat their conditions. The results are not guaranteed and may vary based on the user.

If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with a doctor or a professional.

Contact information about The Art of Chinese Medicine series in Singapore:

To contact Jose regarding his photography projects, commissioning new photography projects, contributions to editorials or other matters, you may reach him through the contact page or through his Creative Studio arm at studio@cococreativestudio.com.