Chinese Herbs
A growing database of commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs.
98 articles · Page 1 of 10
Bai He (百合): Lily Bulb in TCM — The Flower That Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Lungs
Explore Bai He (Lilium bulb), a sweet, cooling TCM herb that nourishes Lung Yin, clears Heart heat, and calms the spirit. Learn its use for chronic dry cough, insomnia, anxiety, and the famous 'Lily Disease' (百合病) described in the Shang Han Lun.
Mu Gua (木瓜): Chaenomeles Fruit in TCM — The Sour Herb That Relaxes Muscles and Harmonizes the Stomach
Learn about Mu Gua (Chaenomeles speciosa), the TCM herb that relaxes tendons, transforms dampness, and harmonizes the Stomach. Discover its use for muscle cramps, leg stiffness, indigestion with diarrhea, and summer dampness conditions.
Chen Xiang (沉香): Agarwood in TCM — The Sinking Fragrance That Warms and Calms
Explore Chen Xiang (agarwood), one of TCM's most precious aromatic herbs. Learn how it warms the Kidney, captures rising Qi, relieves pain, and calms the spirit — and why it commands prices higher than gold.
Di Gu Pi (地骨皮): Lycium Root Bark in TCM — Cooling the Fire Within
Learn about Di Gu Pi (Lycium root bark), the TCM herb that clears Lung heat, reduces steaming bone sensation, and cools blood. Discover its use for night sweats, chronic cough, and Yin deficiency heat patterns.
Bai Bu (百部): The Hundred-Root Herb for Stubborn Cough and Parasites
Bai Bu (Stemona root) has been used in Chinese medicine since the Han dynasty for chronic cough, whooping cough, and intestinal parasites. What makes this humble root interesting is its dual personality — it is both a respiratory remedy and an external parasite killer.
Bai Mao Gen (白茅根): Cogongrass Rhizome in TCM — Cooling Blood and Stopping Bleeding
Learn about Bai Mao Gen (Imperata cylindrica), the sweet cold herb that cools blood, stops bleeding, promotes urination, and clears heat. Discover its use for nosebleeds, blood in urine, edema, and its gentle safety profile suitable for children.
Gou Ji (狗脊): Cibot Rhizome in TCM — The 'Dog Spine' Herb for Back and Joint Strength
Learn about Gou Ji (Cibotium barometz), the TCM herb that strengthens the lower back, nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, and fortifies tendons and bones. Discover its use for chronic back pain, knee weakness, and urinary incontinence.
Zi Wan (紫菀): Aster Root in TCM — Kuan Dong Hua's Classic Partner for Cough
Learn about Zi Wan (Aster tataricus), one of the most important phlegm-resolving herbs in TCM. Paired with Kuan Dong Hua, it resolves stubborn phlegm, directs Qi downward, and stops chronic cough — a clinical staple for respiratory conditions.
Kuan Dong Hua (款冬花): Coltsfoot in TCM — The Cough-Relieving Flower
Learn about Kuan Dong Hua (Tussilago farfara / Coltsfoot flower), one of the most important herbs for stopping cough in TCM. Discover how it moistens the lungs, resolves phlegm, and calms wheezing — with centuries of clinical use.
Yi Mu Cao (益母草): Motherwort in TCM — The Women's Herb
Learn about Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus japonicus / Motherwort), the signature herb for women's health in TCM. Discover how it regulates menstruation, invigorates blood circulation, reduces edema, and its modern research on uterine health.