Growing up in Singapore, most of us obediently abided by quirky beliefs from our mommy dearest that have been passed down for generations. From “Girl ah. You’re coughing, don’t eat chicken.” to “Aiyo, your body so heaty. Come drink Liang Teh.”
But how much truth do these old wives’ tales actually carry? Is there a scientific or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) basis behind them? Our PULSE TCM physicians weigh in to separate fact from fiction.
5 Common TCM Food Myths Debunked by Physicians (Singapore Edition)
#1 “Don’t eat dark soya sauce when you have chickenpox/wound. Later got scar.”
Myth 1: Does Eating Dark Soy Sauce Darken Scars and Wounds?
The Verdict: MYTH. Eating dark soy sauce after chickenpox or an injury will not darken your scars.
From a scientific standpoint, scar hyperpigmentation is primarily caused by inflammation and exposure to UV rays, not by the ingestion of dark-colored foods. Scars are often a direct result of scratching, which impedes recovery and increases the risk of bacterial infection.
"To avoid scarring, the best thing you can do is leave the wound alone and do not scratch it! The pigment in soy sauce is broken down during digestion and does not travel to your skin."
— TCM Physician Sheryl Tay
#2 Mom every day: “Come drink Liang Teh/ Chrysanthemum Tea/ Barley. It’s good for you.”
Myth 2: Should You Drink Liang Teh (Herbal Tea) Every Day for Health?
The Verdict: IT DEPENDS. You should not drink Liang Teh every day if your body doesn't need it.
In TCM, cooling teas (like Chrysanthemum or Barley) are used to clear excess "heat" from the body. However, if your body constitution is naturally "cold" or "deficient," drinking cooling teas daily can actually weaken your digestive system and lead to fatigue or loose stools.
"There's no need to drink liang teh all the time if you're not suffering from any prolonged heatiness. Even when there is an underlying issue, prolonged consumption might have adverse effects. Get your body constitution checked by a certified TCM Physician first!"
— TCM Physician Ardy Quek
#3 “You coughing. Cannot eat chicken!”
Myth 3: Can You Eat Chicken When You Have a Cough?
The Verdict: TRUTH IF... you are suffering from a "heaty" cough.
In TCM dietary therapy, chicken is classified as a "heaty" (warming) food. If your cough is accompanied by heat symptoms—such as yellowish phlegm, a sore throat, and constipation—consuming chicken can increase your internal heat and exacerbate the cough.
However: There are many types of coughs in TCM, including wind-cold, phlegm-cold, phlegm-heat, and yin deficiency. If you have a "cold" cough, chicken might not be detrimental.
"Because there are so many variations of a cough, it's best to skip the self-diagnosis. What works for one person's cough might worsen another's. Consult a TCM Physician for an accurate diagnosis."
— TCM Physician Sheryl Tay
#4 “Don’t keep drinking lemon/lime juice. Later gastric.”
Myth 4: Does Drinking Too Much Lemon or Lime Juice Cause Gastric Issues?
The Verdict: NOT REALLY. Lemon and lime juice do not directly cause gastric issues unless you already have an underlying stomach condition.
There is little scientific evidence proving that acidic juices inherently cause gastritis in a healthy stomach. However, moderation is key. The high ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in limes and lemons can dissolve tooth enamel. If you already suffer from acid reflux or stomach ulcerations, excessive intake can definitely worsen your symptoms by irritating the stomach lining.
"Like most foods and drinks, consume it in moderation! If you experience discomfort, it's a sign to cut back and seek treatment for underlying gut health issues."
— TCM Physician Oh Xu Xuan
#5 “Cannot drink beer after eating durian! Will die one.”
Myth 5: Can Eating Durian with Alcohol Be Fatal?
The Verdict: MYTH. Eating durian and drinking beer will not kill you, unless consumed in dangerously extreme amounts or if you have an allergy.
There is no scientific evidence showing that the consumption of durian with alcohol is a lethal combination. However, both durian and alcohol contain extremely high amounts of fat and sugar. Eating them together forces your liver and digestive system into overdrive.
From a TCM perspective, both are highly "heaty." Combining them causes body temperature to spike, induces high inflammatory states, and leads to severe bloating and indigestion.
"While you probably won't die, overtaxing your digestive and liver system is terrible for your body. For the sake of your health and comfort, we highly recommend not taking them together."
— TCM Physician Victoria Tan
