Chinese Herbs
A growing database of commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs.
98 articles · Page 8 of 10
Bo He (薄荷): Peppermint in TCM — Cooling, Dispersing, and Refreshing
Discover Bo He (Mentha/Peppermint), the primary herb for dispersing wind-heat in TCM. Learn about its cooling properties, applications for headaches and sore throat, and why it's added late in decoctions.
Chuan Xiong (川芎): The Premier Herb for Invigorating Blood and Moving Qi
Discover Chuan Xiong, the most important herb for invigorating blood circulation and moving Qi in TCM. Learn about its properties, applications for headaches and menstrual pain, and role in Si Wu Tang.
Da Zao (大枣): Jujube — The Sweet Herb That Nourishes and Harmonizes
Explore Da Zao (Jujube/Chinese Date), the sweet tonic herb that nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and harmonizes formulas. Learn about its properties, daily use, and role in the classic Gui Zhi Tang.
Du Huo (独活): Dispel Wind-Damp and Relieve Lower Body Pain
Discover Du Huo (Angelica pubescens), the key herb for dispelling wind-dampness in the lower body. Learn about its properties, clinical applications for joint pain and Bi syndrome, and its role in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.
Fang Feng (防风): The Herb That Guards Against Wind
Discover Fang Feng, the primary herb for dispelling wind in TCM. Learn about its unique properties for treating wind-related conditions, its role in Yu Ping Feng San, and why its name means 'guard against wind.'
Huang Bo (黄柏): The Lower-Body Heat Clearer of the Three Yellows
Explore Huang Bo (Phellodendron), the third of the Three Yellows, specialized in clearing damp-heat from the lower body. Learn about its properties, applications for urinary and reproductive conditions, and role in Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan.
Huang Lian (黄连): The Most Intensely Bitter Herb for Clearing Heat
Explore Huang Lian (Coptis), the most powerful herb for clearing damp-heat from the middle Jiao in TCM. Learn about its extreme bitterness, clinical applications, and role in Huang Lian Jie Du Tang.
Huang Qin (黄芩): The Essential Herb for Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness
Discover Huang Qin (Scutellaria), one of the most important heat-clearing herbs in TCM. Learn about its properties, clinical applications for upper-body heat and damp-heat, and its role in Xiao Chai Hu Tang.
Ju Hua (菊花): The Cooling Flower for Eyes, Head, and Liver
Explore Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), the beloved TCM herb for clearing wind-heat, soothing the eyes, and calming Liver Yang. Learn about its different varieties, clinical applications, and popular tea preparations.
Ku Shen (苦参): Clearing Damp-Heat and Killing Parasites
Discover Ku Shen (Sophora root), the intensely bitter herb for clearing damp-heat, especially in the lower body and skin. Learn about its properties, clinical applications for skin conditions and gynecological issues.