According to the Chinese, qi is an energy that is believed to circulate through the body via a network of channels called “meridians”. According to this theory, sickness can develop when there is a blockage or imbalance in the qi flow. Traditional Chinese medicine works on treatments based on the qi concept. Today, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remains a practice by Chinese doctors and it is still widely accepted in Singapore.
80 percent of Singaporeans use TCM at least occasionally. Many combine TCM and Western treatments while seeking treatments for ailments. Animal items, particularly meat, are vital in TCM because they are said to strengthen the body’s Qi (life force), as well as nourish and warm the body and the blood. As a result, traditional Chinese medicine diets are not often vegan, despite the fact that, as research by Dr. T. Colin Campbell revealed in The China Study, rural China has historically relied almost exclusively on plant-based diets.
A return to plant-based traditional Chinese medicine
Rakuten Insight conducted a poll on plant-based food consumption in Singapore and found that over 70% of Singaporeans between the ages of 16 and 34 have tried vegetarian or vegan alternatives to meat. Among those polled, 33% of those aged between 16 and 24 said they ate plant-based cuisine on a regular basis. The number of vegan events in Singapore has increased by over 100% since 2013, according to an interview with the vegan business publication Vegconomist.
QN Wellness, Singapore’s largest full-range plant-based health supplement brand, recognises the rising popularity of both veganism and decided to develop a range of TCM products suited for vegans and vegetarians. Founded 20 years ago, QN Wellness developed locally made plant-based health products that are specially formulated with the highest quality natural ingredients to help with a variety of health concerns, including joint health, prostate health, colon health, metabolism, and quality sleep.
The company has produced 10 supplements promoting general health, intestinal health, metabolism and sleep. Here are our top four favourites:
Bone Essentials
If you have needs to strengthen your bones, look to Bone Essentials to add longevity to your bones and joints. This product contains turmeric, aloe vera and plant-based calcium L-aspartate that is derived from yam. The L-aspartate is able to promote calcium absorption as it transports calcium directly to the bone.
Turmeric is widely known to contain a lot of health benefits. In promoting bone health, turmeric improves bone and joint blood circulation and pain.
This product contains turmeric, aloe vera, and plant-based calcium L-aspartate derived from yam, making it one of the Best Calcium Tablets for Bones and a standout among Calcium Supplements Singapore.
Cool Man
Photo © QN Wellness
QN Wellness has also come up with products for different genders, one of which is Cool Man. Cool Man seeks to boost masculine vigour and energy, through the use of herbs such as maca, morindae officinalis radix, epimedium, cynomorium, tongkat ali, lycium barbarum, and American ginseng. In particular, American ginseng is known to be good for improving one’s immunity and epimedium gives one that extra boost of energy to help you make it through the day.
Two main components – Maca and Tongkat Ali – reduce menopausal symptoms and improve men’s energy levels, athletic performance, endurance, and motivation. They also maintain the health of the prostate and enhances one’s ability to sleep and remember details.
Cool Beauty
Photo © QN Wellness
Another gender-specific product is Cool Beauty, targeted at improving health and beauty for females. Among the ingredients in this product are calcium L-aspartate, zinc lactate and radix puerariae isoflavonoid. The isoflavones are derived from arrowroot grown in the wild. The isoflavone content of the extract from wild arrowroot is notably high.
Taken regularly, Cool Beauty will help to improve skin tone, stamina and mild menopause symptoms. Other benefits include improved sleep, more skin elasticity and more energy.
Vision Care
Photo © QN Wellness
Singaporeans have reported one of the highest rate of myopia among its people. Increased screen time in front of the computer and our mobile phones are doing nothing to help the situation either. Well, you might want to look to Vision Care to improve your eye health. This product contains ingredients with nutrients for improving eyesight, reducing eye fatigue and improving visual performance.
Lutein is an antioxidant that helps regenerate retinal violets in retinal cells, protects eyes from light damage, protects vision, and relieves visual fatigue. Vision Care also contains β-carotene to remove free radicals, promote the metabolism of cells in the body, with anti-ultraviolet function, beauty, eye protection, anti-aging functions.
There are also added vitamins in each capsule, such as Vitamin A for helping with dry eyes and corneal softening, and Vitamin B2 for reducing vision fatigue and improving eye epithelial tissue.
Where to Buy
There are around 300 locations in Singapore where you can buy QN Wellness products, including traditional Chinese medicinal halls, Unity, and online marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada, and online at www.qnwellness.com. Enter the promotional code “QNS15” at checkout to enjoy an extra 15% off the total bill.