How well do you know your traditional medicine?
Traditional medicinal materials usually refer to restorative materials from plants, animals or minerals in their natural states or in processed forms that have undergone simple processing, such as cutting or drying. Traditional medicinal materials include materials used in traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, traditional Malay medicine (Jamu) and also herbal medicines from other countries.
Traditional medicinal materials fall under two broad categories, mainly those sold in loose or bulk form and pre-packed for sales (stating information such as product name, brand name, ingredients, dosages and/or instructions for use on the packaging materials).
Presently, there is no licensing requirement for the import and local sale of traditional medicinal materials that are not of finished dosage forms (e.g., capsules, tablets, granules).
However, there are regulations in place to ensure the safety and quality of traditional medicinal materials. Dealers have to ensure the following:
Related: Chinese Proprietary Medicine
If you suspect that the traditional medicinal materials you are taking are making you unwell, stop consuming them and consult a medical professional.
You can also submit your feedback to HSA via this form: Enquiry/Feedback on Health Products | FormSG
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This article was last reviewed on 10 Apr 2025
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