As someone who believes in the importance of multitasking—even when it comes to enjoying a drink—I find it fascinating that some libations can also contribute to health and wellness. Yes, I am talking about Chinese herbal medicinal wines. These unique beverages are more than just a way to unwind; they are a centuries-old practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) designed to promote health, treat ailments and enhance well-being.

Chinese herbal medicinal wines are alcoholic drinks infused with a variety of herbs. In TCM, these wines have been used for centuries to deliver the therapeutic benefits of herbs efficiently, as the alcohol acts as a solvent to extract and preserve their medicinal properties. For those interested in trying these wines, Chicago’s Chinatown is an excellent place to start. Although my own visit was cut short by the presence of an impatient teenager, I found several stores offering a variety of medicinal wines. If you’re near an H-Mart, you might find a selection there as well, though I don’t have one close to me.

While I haven’t yet tried these wines myself, my education in the herbal portion of my acupuncture program has sparked my interest. As I graduate in August, I’m looking forward to exploring Chinatown more thoroughly and sampling some of these intriguing beverages.

Before trying anything new, I like to research it thoroughly. I found several peer-reviewed studies that highlight the potential benefits of Chinese medicinal wines:

1. Antioxidant Properties: One study evaluated the antioxidant properties of a medicinal wine made with Rhodiola rosea and Codonopsis pilosula, demonstrating its potential to fight oxidative stress.
2. Anti-Fatigue Effects: Another study focused on the antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties of a medicinal wine made from Astragalus and Angelica, indicating its ability to enhance vitality and reduce fatigue.

These findings provided the scientific backing I needed to feel confident about trying these wines. The research supports the idea that these beverages can offer more than just a pleasant drinking experience—they can also contribute to overall health and well-being.

For more information about the nutritional aspects of TCM, check out these NUHS blogs:

Mushrooms, Mushrooms, Mushrooms

Goji Berries: Gou Qi Zi

The Benefits of Lo Dou (aka, Mung Beans)

Sources:

Zhu, Y., Lin, Y., & Chen, Y. (2020). Antioxidant activities of traditional Chinese medicinal wine prepared with Rhodiola rosea L. and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 250, 112488.

Zhang, L., Li, J., & Zhao, X. (2015). Antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities of medicinal wine from Astragalus and Angelica. Journal of Functional Foods, 17, 86-94.