From Guangdong/China to Nanyang : The Heritage of Medicated Oils and Balms in Singapore
1.0 Background :
The genesis of the medicated oil and balm heritage of Singapore was first set in place in the late 19th and 20th century. It was a direct product of the cultural, medical and entrepreneurial spirit of the mass migration from Guangdong, China, sometimes referred to as the Guangdong diaspora. At that time, there was a dire need to address the health challenges of the migrants’ living and working conditions, leveraging traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and whatever materials were available at the time in Nanyang. Singapore being the entrepot of the region had the best selection of essential oils which were imported from the West for distribution to Nanyang. From this evolved iconic household brands like Chop Wah On Shake Hand Brand and others through the business acumen, shrewd adaptation and innovation of their respective owners.
2.0 Historical Context : The Great Migration from Guangdong to Singapore
– Push Factors : Political instability (Opium War, Taiping Rebellion), economic hardship, poverty and famine, over-population and lack of arable land.
– Pull Factors in Colonial Singapore : The establishment of Singapore free port in 1819 created immense economic opportunities. The booming tin mining, rubber plantations, port operations and construction generated a huge demand for labour.
– The promise of a better life in Nanyang was a compelling proposition to many who were facing hardship in life in Guangdong. By the early 20th century, Chinese made up more than half of Singapore’s population, many of them from Guangdong.
3.0 The “Migrant Condition” – Creating A Need For Medicated Oils and Balms
– Harsh Physical Labour and Ailments : Gruelling work in the harbour, plantations, mines and construction sites led to chronic musculoskeletal pain, bruises, sprains and fatigue.
– Tropical climate resulted in additional health challenges such as heat stroke, insect bites and skin infections.
– Lack of Accessible , Affordable and Trusted Healthcare
Western medicine facilities were limited and ill-affordable. Trust and faith in it were also lacking. There was a pervasive fear of “walking into a hospital vertically and leaving it horizontally (in other words even more seriously ill or even dead!).
4.0 Medicated Oils and Balms – The Perfect Solution
– Affordable : Relatively inexpensive
– Portable and Durable : Unlike herbal decoctions, oils and balms are portable and durable
– Easy to use : It required no special preparation and knowledge – simply apply topically.
– Multi-Purpose : A single bottle could be used for a wide range of common ailments, from soothing dizziness, insect bites to pain relief. Many migrants often carried a bottle of medicated oil or balm in their pockets for use whenever needed.
5.0. Adaptation & Localisation : Embedding Into The Singapore Fabric
– Evolving Uses : Beyond catering to the medicinal needs of the diaspora, Chop Wah On’s medicated oils and balms and other similar products became a staple in many Singapore households and those of the immigrants back home in China for a myriad of issues such as colds, stomach aches, insect bites, motion sickness, rheumatic pain etc. These in turn spread to other countries especially those with a large Chinese community e.g Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Cambodia etc.
-Expanding range : It has been 109 years since the founding of Chop Wah On. Over the past century, its range of medicated oils and balms expanded to include the very popular Shake Hand Brand Wah On Farm Crocodile Oil, Shake Hand Brand Honey Bee Apitherapy, Shake Hand Brand Wah On Lao Feng Huo Luo Oil and Shake Hand Brand Wah On Eucalypthol Balm. In recent years there was even a range of cosmetic-type of products such as Shake Hand Brand Miracle Lady Cream, Shake Hand Brand Miracle CrocOil Facial Sheet Mask and Gold Crocodile Oil Lip & Skin Protectant.
Expanding Clientele :
With the growth of tourism in Singapore, many more tourists got to know of Chop Wah On’s products and their efficacies. Mainly through word of mouth, a considerable number of customers of non-Chinese origin from various countries learned to use Chop Wah On’s products. The e-commerce through the internet also contributed to this growth. These products not only crossed borders but also transcended cultures, becoming trusted remedies in households of diverse backgrounds.
6.0 Conclusion:
– A symbol of Care and Nostalgia :
The act of applying medicated oil and balm for a headache or tummy ache became a gesture of care within families. At the same time, the distinct aroma of these products is a powerful sensory trigger and cultural identity for Singaporeans of various races. Today, the distinct aroma of medicated oils and balms remains more than just a remedy – it is a link to heritage, a symbol of care and a shared memory across generations of Singaporeans.
– A Living Heritage :
The medicated oil and balm industry is not a mere commercial sector but also a cultural heritage from the diaspora. It represents the resilience, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Guangdong migrants who built new lives in Singapore. Today Chop Wah On’s products and those of other brands are very prevalent in Singaporean households. These items have also become “must-buys” of many tourists especially those from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They are also exported globally and represent a unique Singapore success story with deep roots in the Chinese/Guangdong diaspora experience.
