Practitioners say traditional Chinese medicine has a part to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dara Wang reports.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners say their ancient arts have a role to play in helping the elderly live through the COVID-19 pandemic. And through their efforts and the efforts of universities and charities, packages of TCM medications are being handed out to one of the city's most vulnerable populations — the elderly.

Since February, the School of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has given away free Chinese medicine at their clinics and at eldercare facilities. The specially prepared medications have a twofold purpose, to fortify the body's immune system and to uplift the spirits, giving a sense of optimism and self-confidence.

The school does something like this every year, during flu season — giving out medicines free of charge to patients over 65.

Chair Professor and Director of the Clinical Division at the School of Chinese Medicine of HKBU Bian Zhaoxiang and his team tailor-made this year's preparation, focusing on tuning up the immune system and fortifying a spirit of optimism.

In the first week of March, Cheung Chan-chu, 70, got one of the free packs from Lok Sin Tong, a charity group that has provided free medications since the early stage of its setup in the mid-1700s. "It was the first time I ever was given free Chinese medicine. The donation and the free delivery were heartwarming," said Cheung.

The organization provided free burial services in the early days, and later expanded its benefits to medical, education, and welfare for the elderly.

Cheung said she knows of many others who have picked up HKBU's Chinese medicine package since the Chinese New Year and recommended to their friends and families to get their own medications the same way. "Thanks to the medicine, we elderly people are feeling optimistic and no panic." She noticed that ginseng is listed among the ingredients. "It is a kind of precious Chinese medicine and good for health," Cheung said.