On October 23rd, in Shanghai, a reporter spoke with traditional Chinese medicine practitioners about the growing trend of herbal pastes, or “gāofāng,” as a means of boosting health during the colder months.
Dr. Jin Muli, a physician at a local herbal medicine shop, explained that the saying “Three nines for a winter, fewer ailments come next year” emphasizes the importance of winter supplements. With the fast-paced nature of modern life, many residents experience symptoms like cold hands and feet or frequent illnesses as they enter autumn and winter. He noted that winter is an ideal time for the body to conserve energy and enhance vitality, making it the perfect season to consume herbal pastes.
“Winter is the ‘storing’ season according to traditional Chinese medicine. It’s a time for nourishing the body to prepare for the energy demanded by the upcoming year,” Dr. Zhang Yiqun shared during the interview. He elaborated that people who could benefit from gāofāng include those with chronic illnesses, individuals in sub-optimal health, the elderly, women and children with weaker constitutions, and patients recovering from illness.
Mr. Pei, a local citizen, shared his personal experience with gāofāng. “A few years ago, I started taking herbal paste on the recommendation of a friend. It worked wonders for me, so this year I came back for more,” he said, mentioning that he traveled nearly half an hour on a bus from Pudong to purchase gāofāng for his mother, who is in her 80s and regularly takes it each winter for health maintenance.
The preparation of gāofāng is meticulous, often taking about a day for a single portion. The key process of brewing involves at least eight hours of careful attention from a master herbalist. Fang Jie, an inheritor of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage in gāofāng preparation, detailed how their shop customizes formulas based on individual needs. Unlike typical herbal pastes, their products contain a higher ratio of herbs, resulting in a lighter texture that is economically viable for those aiming to improve their health.
As the concept of winter health supplementation gains traction, an increasing number of young people are also embracing this traditional practice. Dr. Zhang observed, “The proportion of younger individuals seeking gāofāng has been rising. They tend to be more informed and proactive about their health, often discussing their conditions and goals with us. They also emphasize taste and portability, preferring gāofāng products that are easy to carry and enjoyable to consume.”
Dr. Jin advised that while taking gāofāng, it’s generally best to avoid strong teas, coffee, and spicy foods, as these can counteract the effects of the herbal paste. Additionally, if gāofāng contains ginseng, it’s recommended to avoid consuming radishes, as they can diminish its efficacy.