By: Henrietta Avollah Afful
At a time when many African countries are searching for affordable healthcare solutions and pharmacuetical independence, China’s centuries old herbal medicine industry is demonstrating how tradition can be transformed into a modern global industry through innovation, technology and scientific research.
Traditional Chinese Medicine — A Holistic Approach To Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has a history of more than one thousand years, is more than a medical system. It is a cornerstone of Chinese culture. TCM treats the body as an interconnected whole, seeking the root causes of illness rather than only alleviating symptoms. It is estimated that Chinese herbal medicines treat about 80% of diseases.
At the heart of TCM is qi or qì, the vital energy that flows through the body along meridians. Health problems arise when qi becomes blocked, too strong, or too weak. TCM also emphasizes yin and yang, the opposing forces in the body whose balance is essential for wellness. Imbalances, such as stagnant blood or disrupted qi flow, are believed to trigger illness.
Practitioners diagnose conditions using the four diagnostic methods: Wàng: observation, Wén: listening and smelling, Wèn: inquiry and Qi: pulse-taking.
Herbal medicine is central to treatment in this process. Practitioners create custom blends boiled into decoctions or processed into pills, powders, covering thousands of plants, minerals, and other natural ingredients.
Dietary guidance is also considered, with foods classified as “hot” (yang) or “cold” (yin) to restore balance in the human body.
Da Ren Tang: Tradition Meets Modern Science
For over 400 years and with more than 500 different types of medicines being produced, Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group has stood as a symbol of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), preserving centuries of herbal knowledge while embracing modern methods of production and research in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industry.
The company has expanded across China and has become an exemplar of how ancient healing practices can adapt to the modern era. it has evolved from a traditional Chinese medicine institution into a modern pharmacuetical and health enterprise.
During a tour of the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street by some journalists on Tuesday May 26, 2026, it was revealed that, Da Ren Tang sources “authentic medicinal ingredients and processes them in strict accordance with traditional methods”.
From raw material to final processing, the company commits to quality in its production line.
A walk through the first floor are displays of Chinese herbs, secret formulas stored in jars, traditional crafting techniques and brief text in Chinese language explaining the accompanied object.
This helps to immerse ones self into the deep cultural heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Apart from producing traditional medicines, Da Ren Tang exports some of its signature products to neigbouring countries and other parts of the world. Plans are also far advanced with a global treaty to ensure medication reach African countries.
While preserving TCM principles, Da Ren Tang has integrated modern research, quality control, and standardized production into its operations.
Its product range includes remedies for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, digestive and respiratory conditions, skin repair, gynecological and pediatric care, and chronic diseases.
The company demonstrates how technology and tradition can coexist: cultivation of medicinal plants is carefully managed, extraction and processing follow strict standards, and rigorous testing ensures high-quality products—all without compromising the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It handmade honey herbal pills, often using honey as a binder, reflect the brand’s commitment to traditional methods, while large-scale production ensures safety, consistency, and accessibility. It is making traditional medicine attractive to younger generations
An official of the Pharmacy, Lao Ying, speaking to Journalists, explained that China had over 1000 varieties of traditional medicines produced from plant, flowers, however, environmental and climate changes and the disapperance of some plants have affected the production to 500 varieties.
Da Ren Tang still produces nearly 500 different kinds of medication.
Lessons for Africa: Can Africa Industrialize its herbal strength?
Africa, particularly Ghana, is uniquely positioned to learn from this model. The continent has a wealth of medicinal plants and rich traditional knowledge, that can be tapped.
By combining scientific research, modern manufacturing techniques, and enforcing strict regulatory standards, African nations can develop a thriving pharmaceutical industry that hinges on herbs, medicinal plants with theraputic benefits with global potential.
Accessibility, affordability, cultural acceptance and spiritual, religious and sociological values make traditional medicines a preferred option for many people.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, believes traditional medicine backed by scientific methods, tools and guidelines can make a significant contribution to better access to medicines and achieving universal health coverage in Africa.
What Ghana can learn from China
Ghana through its Ministry of Health (MoH) in December 2021, launched the MoH Recommended Herbal Medicine List and the Basic Procedure for Assessing Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Medicine Products policy documents to enhance the process of integrating the sub-sector into the national healthcare delivery system.
The move emphasizes the importance of herbal and traditional medicines in healthcare delivery.
During a closing and certificate award ceremony for 268 practitioners of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (GHAFTRAM), Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, in an address read on his behalf, highlighted that traditional medicine has long served as the primary care source for many, especially in underserved communities. He noted that about 70 per cent of Ghanaians currently rely on traditional or complementary medicine.
This reaffirms the critical role of traditional and alternative medicine in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Ghana’s Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine is one body that researches and develops traditional medicines and has collaborated with traditional health practitioners since 1975.
To ensure that Ghana advances in the production of traditional medicines, and to protect it as a heritage and national asset, just as in the case of China, Ghana could;
Standardize cultivation of medicinal plants to ensure quality,
Intergrate Artificial Intelligence and innovation in production,
Train more practitioners to integrate tradition with scientific methods,
Develop research-backed formulations for chronic diseases, immunity, and wellness,
Expand local consumption and grow international exports.
This approach could strengthen local pharmaceutical industries, create jobs, and improve healthcare access.
With the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy, Africa as a continent can leverage on its natural resource strength to produce innovative quality traditional and herbal medicines to export to China.
A Legacy for the Future
Da Ren Tang shows that centuries-old knowledge can thrive in a modern, globalized world. Its history is a direct witness to millenia of medical acheivements, carrying the accumulated wisdom of generation of physicians and ensuring that the theoritical framework of TCM is passed on from a generation to the other.
By integrating heritage, innovation, and rigorous standards, Africa has the opportunity to turn its traditional medicine knowledge into a competitive, innovation-driven industry, improving public health, creating economic value, and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
