By Dawn Tay

UNLIKE in 2003, when Singaporeans rushed to traditional herbal shops to get Chinese herbs as a prevention for Sars, herbalists told my paper that they have seen only a handful of customers asking for similar concoctions to prevent Influenza A (H1N1).

This, they said, was probably because of the low number of confirmed cases here and also because Singaporeans are better informed now.

Just like during the Sars period, text messages, promising "sacred formulas" for herbal tea that will protect the drinker from the virus, are making their rounds here.

However, most Singaporeans my paper spoke to doubted the authenticity of the SMS and said that they would not try it.

Bank officer Rodney Lee, 40, said: "I'd delete (the message). I don't know the source of the information so I wouldn't trust it. I would try it only if it was recommended by a doctor."

Echoed retail assistant S. M. Koh, 63: "If it worked, there wouldn't be a need for vaccine research and development."

One of the ingredients listed in the SMS - woad root (ban lan gen) - was also touted as a prevention for Sars back in 2003. Stocks were snatched up by Singaporeans despite rising prices.

Once again, woad root has made an appearance as an ingredient for the prevention of H1N1.

But it is hardly a miracle cure for H1N1 as it is mostly used for getting rid of toxins and bringing down heatiness, herbalists said.

Mr Kwok Kim Ghee, a herbalist in Chinatown, said: "The herbs are commonly used for raising overall immunity.

"If you're falling sick they can't cure you."

However, a few Singaporeans were open to giving such formulas a try.

Madam Tan Siew Ling, 50, a retail assistant, said: "I don't really believe it, but if a family member or friend came down with H1N1, I might give it a try, just in case."

As of yesterday, 11 people here were confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 flu.

But does consuming Chinese herbs, widely thought to be effective in boosting the immune system, lower the risk of the catching H1N1 virus?

Doctors my paper spoke to said that there has been no evidence to date which prove the efficacy of the herbs.

Healthway Medical family physician Chin Khong Ling said: "There is no direct research as to whether there is a correlation between the use of Chinese herbs and lowering the risk of catching the H1N1 virus."

The Health Sciences Authority has also urged the public to stay clear of fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent H1N1 flu.

For more my paper stories click here.