‘Cheh Sek Tau’ otherwise known as rice bean is used as a soup remedy to strengthen the back of those suffering from lower back pain. In the above photo, 2 types of rice bean is shown. The one on the left is dark maroon brown in color (bought in Malaysia) and the black colored beans (right) are from China. I suppose they are both rice bean but of a different species.

Food is the natural lifeline for our physical bodies and the right choice can assist us in maintaining and strengthening our health. The importance of herbs has been highly acknowledged by people from all nations, rich and poor alike. This post is specially written in reply to a request from a dear friend currently living in Hong Kong and my fellow bloggers whom may find this brew useful. I will not be in the position to introduce something I have not tried since I am no doctor but as for ‘strengthening the lungs’, I bring to you the well trusted “Cordyceps”. In the mandarin translation cordyceps means ‘worm in the winter, grass in summer’. Many will not try it mainly because it is expensive but if bought from a trustworthy source the investments can be worthwhile. Beware of imitations

Never thought this simple brew was so effective in getting rid of phlegm. Must share this little wonder-brew with you especially when you have children prone to the common flu. This is not a flu remedy but it definitely rids the phlegm factor in the beginning stage of the common cold and the tail end of it. Sometimes, the irritating phlegm causes unnecessary hurling in young children (above 1 yrs old) when they don’t know how to cough it out. Worst scenario is when they just drank their milk. I shall leave it up to your imagination!

Hey everyone! Weather has been quite unpredictable lately, one minute hot and humid the next minute, thunder storm. Since the 4th day of Chinese New Year , I caught a nasty flu bug and ended with a very irritating itchy cough. My sister reminded me of this refreshing brew mom used to make whenever we were under the weather. It is suppose to help eliminate phelgmy itchy coughs. It’s pretty easy to brew and tastes delicious too. I know, this is not exactly the type of brew one serves for a gathering but it always has plenty of takers.