TCM adds spice to modern diets for young consumers

With a rising awareness of health and well-being, traditional Chinese medicine cuisine is gaining popularity among consumers in China.

TCM drinks, bread, ice cream, hot pot — there has been a trend in the catering industry of incorporating Chinese medicinal ingredients into various food and beverages.

They have become unique, especially among youngsters.

At the Peerless Tea Delights shop in Xining, Northwest China's Qinghai province, various Chinese herbs are on show in glass boxes.

Meanwhile, waiters serve porridge that can strengthen the spleen and stomach, desserts that can relieve the summer heat, and tea that can improve immunity.

It was run by a TCM clinic that the family of Wu had opened for about 100 years.

Yang Yilin, 20, bought a cup of "lung-clearing and throat-moistening" tea.

"Recently I've been eating too much spicy food, which has made my throat uncomfortable. But it hasn't reached the point when I need to see a doctor and take pills," she said.