Keeping tabs: Lee doing calculations and packing herbs at her shop in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Traditional Chinese herbs are getting more expensive too.
The prices of some herbs with anti-viral properties have surged by 50%.
The hikes are due to shortages in China and strong demand from the rest of the world due to Covid-19.
Another reason was the Russia-Ukraine war which has affected petroleum prices, which in turn led to increased shipping costs, said Dr Tan Pin Tin, president of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Malaysia Northern Region Students and Alumni Association.
“The prices of herbs have gone up by about 30% to 35% this year, while those with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties went up by 50% early this year,” she said, adding that was no supply shortage here.
Dr Tan said among the herbs that are more costly are jin yin hua (honeysuckle flowers) and rehmannia glutinosa.
Jin yin hua can help eliminate toxins and cool the body while rehmannia glutinosa is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and is used post-Covid-19 or during treatment.
Wei Min Medical Hall physician Lee Yeng Yeng, 57, said the prices of common herbs had climbed by an average of 30% since March 2020.
“We believe this is due to higher production and labour costs. There is also stronger demand in China,” she said at her shop in Lebuh Kimberley.
Fortunately, Lee said there was no shortage of Chinese herbs in the market.
She said the Qingfei Paidu decoction, which helps to relieve heatiness and discomfort often associated with Covid-19 infections and vaccination side effects, was among the more popular items.
Herbal tea and chrysanthemum tea are also popular, she added.
