Dating as far back as 5,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has made significant contributions to the well-being of people all over the world. Adapted to the modern lifestyle, this time-honored industry is integrating with contemporary culture to become a growing trend among young people.

As they enter a specialty café located in the downtown area of Beijing, customers can detect the faint aroma of traditional Chinese herbs. The cafe stands out from regular coffee spots by displaying a variety of Chinese herbal medicines – such as goji berries, ginseng and cinnamon – behind the counter or hanging from the ceiling.

"In Chinese medicine, cinnamon has a function of dispersing coldness and warming the channels and collaterals, and tonifying the kidneys. It is especially good for women who suffer from cold limbs in winter due to a cold constitution because it can warm the meridians and tonify the kidneys," said Wang Lepeng, an associate professor at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

Adding a small amount of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients to coffee doesn't detract from the taste, but instead enhances the flavor of the drink to offer new and unique taste experiences.

Customer Jiang Tianbao finds goji berry coffee delightful,“I like to drink coffee, and since I've been staying up late recently, I've been enjoying goji berry coffee, which is better for both my eyes and my body. The taste is a little sweet, bitter and slightly sour.”

Besides coffee, Chinese herbal tea is also a popular drink with its subtle bitterness and sweetness.

"Each herb has its own function. For example, rose flower tea promotes blood circulation and warms the meridians, while jasmine can relieve pain. Osmanthus can refresh the mind. All three can also regulate the stomach and liver and relieve depression," Wang Lepeng said.

For those looking for a natural solution to healthy skin, Chinese herbs can be used for facial treatments.

At Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, traditional Chinese medicines are ground into powder, mixed with egg white and honey, and made into a paste for facial masks. These Chinese medicine facial masks are popular among young women.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is entirely natural, so there's no risk of using harsh chemicals on your skin. As a result, people place more trust in this type of treatment," said Zhang Jieying, a student at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.