Applying science to TCM for natural pain relief

Yen Tse's inherited family formula has been developed from boiling herbs like these, to form a liniment, to a hydrogel patch and gel. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star

For centuries, Asian cultures have been using traditional herbal medicines to treat a variety of ailments.

Taken orally or applied topically, medicinal herbs are used both as a self-cure by patients and as a professional remedy by traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practitioners.