There is a huge Chinese presence and influence in Singapore. So when someone is sick, it’s not uncommon to look to Eastern remedies and causes. Upon arriving in Singapore, I almost immediately acquired a chest cough. To the Chinese, they say my body is too “hot” — not when measured by a thermometer (that would be the western solution), this is a different kind of heat … meaning that my body’s yin/yang is out of whack — probably true since it’s 85 degrees and about 85% humidity all the time.
Plus we’re in the A/C most of the time, foods and spices are different … tons of reasons.
So, seeking eastern answers, I was told 2 things:
1. Avoid “heaty” foods
2. Visit the chinese medicine man
“Heaty foods” are red meats, fried foods, citrus (and probably more than that, I’ve yet to learn).
“Coolie foods” are clear broths, chicken, most vegitables, and some really interesting desserts.
So I’m doing that (or trying to, as much as I can / understand).
The medicine man is another experience. It’s more like a drug store, but instead of being filled with pills and drops and syrups, it’s filled with grains and powders and tonics. After asking about the quantity, color, and frequency of my phlegm (ewwww), they prescribed a tea … it cost about $5 for the package of what looked like ingredients for 5-bean soup. So, I duely put it on the stove in 3 rice bowls of water and boiled for over an hr to reduce the water to 3/4 of a rice bowl. (Well, actually I was talking to Conrad on the phone and almost boiled all the water out, so it was a tad bit more concentrated, but I think the essence of the thing was there.)
Now, I also went to the clinic at work. Dr there gave me 4 medicines and said he thinks my cough may be due to a new alergy.
So, we’ll see. This week, I’m trying to stay eastern — if I can kick it with a tea, why bother with the pills.
Until then, I’m keeping the tissues nearby! 
Still smiling.
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Reading your blog makes me feel like I’m experiencing this with you! I can almost feel your phlegm in my throat!
Let me know if the “eastern remedy” helps you. I’ve had this cough and phlegm for over 2 years now! I’m hoping the doctor I see and test I have this week will help; but maybe your remedy will help! Since I had a bad cold after the flu shot (my immune system was compromised by the radioactive iodine), the cough is much worse. I can hardly go out in public, because it is so gross when I have to cough up this junk!
Phlegm. Heh, heh. That’s a funny word.
Chicken (soup)!!! You already knew that
TEA? Why not!!! …and NO red meat- perhaps Singapore culture is light years ahead of us…good luck with that cold…hope you’re not feeling all of the aches and pains that go along with a rotten cold…xoxoxo Do you think a CARE PACKAGE would help? I’ll need your address!!! (Beck, didn’t anyone suggest CHOCOLATE as a cure? I know I’d try that first…(second…third………….etc.)
Mom1 .. address is in my “new diggs” post … chocolate never hurts (but I’m not sure how well it travels)!
Mom2 .. it may make you cough more, but so far it’s turned my chest congestion into more of a nose cold. (Not flu like, just drippy.) So far, I’ve been really impressed with the turnaround. If it works, you may find some with your name on it under the christmas tree!