Chinese Medicine Herbs Database
136essential Chinese medicine herbs explained in plain English. Learn each herb's properties, benefits, food pairings, and which body type it suits best.
Ginseng
人参|人蔘|ren shen
The strongest Qi tonic in Chinese medicine. Used for deep exhaustion, weak digestion, and recovery from illness.
Astragalus
黄耆|黃耆|huang qi
A gentler Qi tonic than ginseng, often chosen for people who catch colds easily or have weak digestion. Good for daily use.
Red Dates (Jujube)
大棗|大棗|da zao
The most commonly used food-herb in Chinese medicine. Sweet, nourishing, and gentle enough for daily use. Builds Qi and Blood, calms the mind.
Goji Berries
枸杞子|枸杞子|gou qi zi
Small sweet red berries that nourish Liver and Kidney Yin. Popular worldwide for eye health, anti-aging, and gentle energy support.
Fresh Ginger
生姜|生薑|sheng jiang
The most widely used warming food in Chinese medicine. Warms digestion, reduces nausea, and supports the body during colds.
Chrysanthemum
菊花|菊花|ju hua
A delicate floral tea that cools internal heat, especially in the head and eyes. Caffeine-free and perfect for afternoon relaxation.
Chinese Yam
山药|山藥|shan yao
A versatile root that simultaneously strengthens three organs: Spleen for digestion, Lung for immunity, and Kidney for reserves.
Longan
龍眼乾|龍眼乾|gui yuan
Small sweet dried fruit that builds Blood, calms the mind, and supports restful sleep. Called Dragon Eye in English.
Coix Seed (Jobs Tears)
薏苡仁|薏苡仁|yi yi ren
A grain that drains dampness while strengthening the Spleen. Used for water retention, skin issues, and digestive support.
Lotus Seeds
莲子|蓮子|lian zi
Small ivory seeds that calm the mind, support sleep, and strengthen digestion. A key ingredient in Chinese dessert soups.
Lily Bulb
百合|百合|bai he
A pale scaly bulb that nourishes Heart and Lung Yin. Calms the mind, reduces dry cough, and supports restful sleep.
White Fungus
银耳|銀耳|yin er
A gelatinous fungus that deeply moistens the body. Used for dry skin, dry cough, and as a natural skin moisturizer from within.
Mint
薄荷|薄荷|bo he
A refreshing herb that cools the body, moves stuck energy, and opens the sinuses. Used for stress, headaches, and sore throat.
Rose Petals
玫瑰花|玫瑰花|mei gui
Dried rose petals brewed as tea that moves Liver Qi and eases emotional tension. The classic PMS mood swing remedy.
Cinnamon
肉桂|肉桂|rou gui
A deeply warming bark that warms the Kidney, strengthens Yang, and improves circulation. Used for cold extremities and lower back ache.
Aged Tangerine Peel
陈皮|陳皮|chen pi
Dried citrus peel that moves Qi, reduces bloating, and transforms phlegm. The older the peel, the more valuable in Chinese medicine.
Honeysuckle
金银花|金銀花|jin yin hua
A powerful heat-clearing flower used for sore throats, early colds, and skin inflammation.
Dong Quai (Angelica)
当归|當歸|dang gui
The premier Blood tonic in Chinese medicine. Often called female ginseng. Used for menstrual issues and Blood deficiency.
Rehmannia
地黄|地黃|di huang
A root that nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin, clears heat, and builds Blood.
Poria (Fu Ling)
茯苓|茯苓|fu ling
A traditional mushroom that drains dampness, strengthens the Spleen, and calms the mind.
Fennel
茴香|茴香|xiao hui xiang
Warming seeds that dispel cold, reduce gas, and support digestion. Common kitchen spice.
Licorice Root
甘草|甘草|gan cao
A harmonizing herb that tonifies Qi, moistens the Lung, and balances other herbs in formulas.
Solomon Seal (Huang Jing)
黄精|黄精|huang jing
A gentle tonic that nourishes Qi, Yin, and essence simultaneously. Good for long-term vitality.
Ophiopogon (Mai Dong)
麦冬|麦冬|mai dong
Nourishes Heart and Lung Yin, moistens dryness, calms the mind. Used for dry cough and insomnia.
Solomon Seal (Yu Zhu)
玉竹|玉竹|yu zhu
Gentle Yin tonic that moistens Lung and Stomach. Used for dry throat and dry skin.
Dendrobium (Shi Hu)
石斛|石斛|shi hu
Premium Yin tonic that nourishes Stomach and Kidney Yin, generates fluids, clears deficiency heat.
Gastrodia (Tian Ma)
天麻|天麻|tian ma
Calms internal Wind, relieves headaches and dizziness, supports brain function.
Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)
何首乌|何首乌|he shou wu
Famous anti-aging herb for hair health, Blood deficiency, and Kidney essence.
Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong)
杜仲|杜仲|du zhong
Strengthens Kidney Yang, supports lower back and knees, may help blood pressure.
Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong)
肉苁蓉|肉苁蓉|rou cong rong
Gentle Yang tonic that warms Kidney, supports vitality, moistens intestines.
Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huo)
淫羊藿|淫羊藿|yin yang huo
Yang tonic that strengthens Kidney Yang, supports joints, helps cold-related pain.
Morinda (Ba Ji Tian)
巴戟天|巴戟天|ba ji tian
Kidney Yang tonic that supports vitality, strengthens lower back, disperses cold-damp.
Scrophularia (Xuan Shen)
玄参|玄参|xuan shen
Clears heat and nourishes Yin. Used for sore throat, dry mouth, deficiency heat.
Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
党参|党参|dang shen
A gentler alternative to ginseng. Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi. Good for daily use.
Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)
白术|白术|bai zhu
Strengthens Spleen Qi, dries dampness, supports digestion. A key herb for Spleen deficiency.
White Peony (Bai Shao)
白芍|白芍|bai shao
Nourishes Blood, regulates Liver, softens pain. Used for menstrual issues and muscle cramps.
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
熟地黄|熟地黄|shu di huang
The premier Blood and Kidney Yin tonic. Nourishes deeply for deficiency patterns.
Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao)
阿胶|阿胶|e jiao
A premium Blood tonic that nourishes Blood, stops bleeding, and moistens the Lung.
Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi)
灵芝|灵芝|ling zhi
A prized traditional mushroom that calms the mind, supports immunity, and nourishes Qi and Blood.
Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye)
桑叶|桑叶|sang ye
A cooling leaf that clears Lung heat, relieves cough, and may support healthy blood sugar.
Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi)
决明子|决明子|jue ming zi
A seed that clears Liver heat, benefits the eyes, and moistens the intestines for constipation.
Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen)
板蓝根|板蓝根|ban lan gen
Powerful heat-clearing herb for sore throat, viral infections, and skin eruptions. Used during flu season.
Forsythia (Lian Qiao)
连翘|连翘|lian qiao
Clears heat and toxicity, reduces swelling. Used for sore throat, skin eruptions, and early-stage infections.
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu)
知母|知母|zhi mu
Clears heat and nourishes Yin. Used for hot flashes, night sweats, and dry cough from Yin deficiency.
Plantain Seed (Che Qian Zi)
车前子|车前子|che qian zi
Drains dampness, promotes urination, clears heat. Used for edema and urinary issues.
Wolfberry Bark (Di Gu Pi)
地骨皮|地骨皮|di gu pi
Clears deficiency heat, cools the blood, reduces night sweats. From the wolfberry plant root bark.
Hawthorn (Shan Zha)
山楂|山楂|shan zha
Aids digestion of heavy meals, especially meat. Moves blood, may support heart health.
Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren)
酸枣仁|酸枣仁|suan zao ren
Calms the mind, nourishes Heart and Liver, supports restful sleep. The premier sleep herb in TCM.
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
五味子|五味子|wu wei zi
Five-flavor berry that tonifies Qi, supports liver, calms the mind, and astringes fluids.
Alisma (Ze Xie)
泽泻|泽泻|ze xie
Drains dampness, promotes urination, clears heat. Used for edema and damp-heat patterns.
Polyporus (Zhu Ling)
猪苓|猪苓|zhu ling
A traditional mushroom that drains dampness and promotes urination. Gentler than ze xie.
Bupleurum (Chai Hu)
柴胡|柴胡|chai hu
The premier herb for soothing Liver Qi stagnation. Relieves stress, irritability, and mood-related digestive issues.
Salvia Root (Dan Shen)
丹参|丹參|dan shen
Invigorates blood circulation and clears heat from the heart. One of the most studied Chinese herbs for cardiovascular support.
American Ginseng (Hua Qi Shen)
花旗参|花旗參|hua qi shen
A cooling Qi tonic, gentler than Asian ginseng. Nourishes Yin, clears heat, and supports energy without causing excess warmth.
Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)
葛根|葛根|ge gen
Releases muscle tension, generates fluids, and raises Spleen Yang. Used for neck stiffness and thirst in fevers.
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang)
乾姜|乾薑|gan jiang
Strongly warms the Spleen and Stomach, rescues devastated Yang, and warms the Lung. Hotter and drier than fresh ginger.
Galangal (Gao Liang Jiang)
高良姜|高良薑|gao liang jiang
A strong warming herb for cold-type stomach pain. Closely related to ginger but with a more pungent, peppery profile.
Glehnia Root (Sha Shen)
沙参|沙參|sha shen
Nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin, clears heat, and generates fluids. Used for dry cough and dry throat.
Asparagus Root (Tian Dong)
天冬|天冬|tian dong
Strongly nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin, clears heat, and generates fluids. Colder and more moisturizing than ophiopogon.
Asiatic Cornelian Cherry (Shan Zhu Yu)
山茱萸|山茱萸|shan zhu yu
Astringes Kidney Qi and Liver Yin, stops sweating, and secures essence. Key ingredient in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Sea Buckthorn (Sha Ji)
沙棘|沙棘|sha ji
A nutrient-dense berry that generates fluids, aids digestion, and may support skin and cardiovascular health.
Rhodiola (Hong Jing Tian)
红景天|紅景天|hong jing tian
An adaptogenic herb from high-altitude regions. Tonifies Qi, clears heat, and may support oxygen utilization and stamina.
Acanthopanax Bark (Wu Jia Pi)
五加皮|五加皮|wu jia pi
Dispels wind-damp, strengthens tendons and bones, and supports water metabolism. Used for joint stiffness and edema.
Red Ginseng Slice (Hong Shen Pian)
红参片|紅參片|hong shen pian
Steamed ginseng root slices with enhanced warming properties. Stronger than white ginseng for restoring deep deficiency.
Peach Gum (Tao Jiao)
桃胶|桃膠|tao jiao
A natural resin from peach trees that nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, and is prized for skin-beautifying properties.
Wood Ear Mushroom (Mu Er)
木耳|木耳|mu er
A common edible mushroom that nourishes blood, moistens the Lung, and may support circulation and cholesterol balance.
Fig (Wu Hua Guo)
无花果|無花果|wu hua guo
Moistens the Lung, relieves sore throat, and supports digestion. A gentle fruit-herb for dry cough and constipation.
Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo)
罗漢果|羅漢果|luo han guo
A natural zero-calorie sweetener that moistens the Lung, relieves sore throat, and clears heat. Popular for dry cough.
Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo)
黄柏|黃柏|huang bo
Clears damp-heat from the lower body, drains kidney deficiency fire, and may support urinary tract health.
Cape Jasmine Fruit (Huang Zhi Zi)
黄栀子|黃梔子|huang zhi zi
Clears heat, drains damp-heat, cools blood, and reduces irritability. Used for fever, jaundice, and restless conditions.
Prunella Spike (Xia Ku Cao)
夏枯草|夏枯草|xia ku cao
Clears liver fire, dissipates nodules, and may support thyroid and breast health. Used for headaches and eye issues.
Capillary Wormwood (Yin Chen)
茵陈|茵陳|yin chen
The primary herb for clearing damp-heat and jaundice. Promotes bile flow and supports liver health.
Isatis Leaf (Da Qing Ye)
大青叶|大青葉|da qing ye
A potent antiviral herb that clears heat, cools blood, and resolves toxicity. Used for epidemic fevers and sore throat.
Houttuynia (Zhe Er Gen)
折耳根|折耳根|zhe er gen
Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and drains pus from the Lung. A pungent herb valued for respiratory support.
Purslane (Ma Chi Xian)
馬齿莧|馬齒莧|ma chi xian
Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and cools blood. A common edible weed rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Aloe (Lu Hui)
芦薈|蘆薈|lu hui
Purges heat, clears liver fire, and kills intestinal parasites. The concentrated dried gel is used internally and externally.
Sichuan Fritillary Bulb (Chuan Bei)
川贝|川貝|chuan bei
Moistens the Lung, transforms phlegm, and stops cough. The premium herb for dry, chronic cough with sticky sputum.
Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren)
杏仁|杏仁|xing ren
Stops cough, calms wheezing, and moistens the intestines. Used for both respiratory and digestive conditions.
Trichosanthes Fruit (Gua Lou)
瓜蔞|瓜蔞|gua lou
Clears heat, transforms phlegm, and moistens dryness. The whole fruit, seeds, and root are all used medicinally.
Bamboo Leaf (Zhu Ye)
竹叶|竹葉|zhu ye
Clears heart heat, generates fluids, and promotes urination. A mild, pleasant-tasting herb for summer heat.
Pinellia Tuberr (Ban Xia)
半夏|半夏|ban xia
The most important herb for transforming phlegm and stopping vomiting. Always processed before use to reduce toxicity.
Peucedanum Root (Qian Hu)
前胡|前胡|qian hu
Descends Lung Qi, transforms phlegm, and disperses wind-heat. Used for cough with thick sputum and chest fullness.
Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma)
升麻|升麻|sheng ma
Releases exterior rashes, clears heat and toxicity, and lifts Yang. Used for mouth ulcers and prolapse.
Oroxylum Seed (Mu Hu Die)
木蝴蝶|木蝴蝶|mu hu die
Moistens the Lung, soothes the throat, and regulates Liver Qi. Known for its large butterfly-shaped seeds.
Star Anise (Ba Jiao Hui Xiang)
八角|八角|ba jiao hui xiang
A warming spice that disperses cold, moves Qi, and relieves pain. The source of shikimic acid used in antiviral drugs.
Ginkgo Nut (Bai Guo Ren)
白果仁|白果仁|bai guo ren
Astringes the Lung, stops wheezing, and reduces urination. The nut of the ancient ginkgo tree, used in both food and medicine.
Sichuan Peppercorn (Hua Jiao)
花椒|花椒|hua jiao
Strongly warming spice that dispels cold, moves Qi, kills parasites, and relieves pain. Creates the signature Sichuan ma (numbing) sensation.
Clove (Mu Ding Xiang)
母丁香|母丁香|mu ding xiang
Strongly warming herb that warms the middle, descends rebellious Qi, and relieves hiccups. Used for impotence in Kidney Yang deficiency.
Patchouli (Guang Huo Xiang)
广藿香|廣藿香|guang huo xiang
Resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle, and relieves nausea. The aromatic leaves are used in both medicine and tea.
Chicken Gizzard Lining (Ji Nei Jin)
鸡內金|雞內金|ji nei jin
A unique animal-derived herb that transforms food stagnation, aids digestion, and may dissolve urinary stones.
Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi)
枳实|枳實|zhi shi
Strongly breaks up stagnant Qi, reduces distension, and resolves phlegm. The unripe fruit is stronger than the nearly ripe form.
Notoginseng (San Qi)
三七|三七|san qi
The premier herb for stopping bleeding while also invigorating blood. Used for trauma, bruising, and internal bleeding.
Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)
益母草|益母草|yi mu cao
Invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, and promotes urination. The name means 'benefit mother herb' for its use in women's health.
Osmanthus Flower (Gui Hua)
桂花|桂花|gui hua
A fragrant flower that warms the middle, dispels cold, and freshens the breath. Commonly used in teas and desserts.
Lotus Leaf (He Ye)
荷叶|荷葉|he ye
Clears summer heat, raises Yang, and may support weight management. Commonly brewed as a daily tea.
Sandalwood (Tan Xiang)
檀香|檀香|tan xiang
Moves Qi, relieves chest pain, and warms the middle. The aromatic wood is also prized for incense and meditation.
Cocklebur Fruit (Cang Er Zi)
苍耳子|蒼耳子|cang er zi
Dispels wind-damp, opens nasal passages, and relieves sinus headaches. The primary herb for allergic rhinitis.
Mulberry Twig (Sang Zhi)
桑枝|桑枝|sang zhi
Dispels wind-damp, unblocks channels, and relieves joint pain. A gentle herb for upper body arthritis.
Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye)
紫苏|紫蘇|zi su ye
Releases the exterior, harmonizes the middle, and resolves seafood poisoning. Both leaves and seeds are used medicinally.
Aged Tangerine Peel (Guang Chen Pi)
广陈皮|廣陳皮|guang chen pi
The premium aged tangerine peel from Xinhui, Guangdong. Moves Qi, transforms phlegm, and improves with age like fine wine.
Saffron
藏红花|藏紅花|zang hong hua
One of the most precious spices in the world, prized in Chinese medicine for invigorating blood circulation, lifting mood, and supporting women's health.
Malva Nut
胖大海|胖大海|pang da hai
A popular throat remedy in Chinese medicine. These seeds swell dramatically in water, creating a gel that soothes the throat, quiets a cough, and moistens dryness.
Sweet Wormwood
青蒿|青蒿|qing hao
The herb behind a Nobel Prize. Artemisinin, extracted from Sweet Wormwood, revolutionized malaria treatment worldwide and made this plant one of the most celebrated herbs in modern medical history.
Black Goji
黑枸杞|黑枸杞|hei gou qi
A rare, nutrient-dense berry from the high plateaus of China. Unlike red goji berries, black goji is rich in anthocyanins and has become a trending superfood for vision, skin, and anti-aging support.
Szechwan Lovage Root
川芎|川芎|chuan xiong
The premier herb for moving blood and relieving pain in Chinese medicine. Szechwan Lovage Root is the go-to herb for headaches, menstrual pain, and any condition involving stuck blood and qi.
Dandelion
蒲公英|蒲公英|pu gong ying
A powerful yet gentle heat-clearing herb that supports liver detoxification, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy urination. Dandelion is one of the most accessible and widely used traditional plants in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions.
Euryale Seed
芡实|芡实|qian shi
A gentle food-grade herb that strengthens the spleen, stops chronic diarrhea, and anchors kidney energy. Euryale seed is a popular ingredient in Chinese wellness soups and congees, valued for being both nourishing and stabilizing.
Burdock Root
牛蒡根|牛蒡根|niu bang gen
A versatile heat-clearing root that excels at skin conditions, throat inflammation, and detoxification. Burdock root bridges Eastern and Western herbal medicine, being used in both TCM formulas and European folk remedies.
Pumpkin Seeds
南瓜子|南瓜子|nan gua zi
A food-grade herb that kills intestinal parasites, supports prostate health, and provides gentle daily nutrition. Pumpkin seeds are one of the safest and most accessible traditional foods in Chinese medicine.
Black Jujube
黑枣|黑枣|hei zao
A deeply nourishing blood tonic that warms the middle, calms the heart, and supports women's wellness. Black jujube is darker and richer than red jujube, with a stronger warming and blood-building effect.
Mugwort
艾叶|艾叶|ai ye
One of the most revered herbs in Chinese medicine for women's wellness. Mugwort warms the lower abdomen, supports menstrual comfort, and has been used for centuries in both internal remedies and moxibustion therapy.
Cordyceps Flower
虫草花|虫草花|chong cao hua
An affordable cultivated mushroom that delivers many benefits of wild cordyceps. Cordyceps Flower is widely used in Chinese home cooking to support energy, respiratory health, and immune function without the high cost of wild cordyceps.
Senna Leaf
番泻叶|番泻叶|fan xie ye
One of the most effective natural laxatives in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. Senna Leaf provides reliable relief for occasional constipation by stimulating the large intestine to move.
Turmeric
薟黄|薟黃|jiang huang
A golden root that invigorates blood circulation and reduces pain. One of the most studied herbs in modern wellness, used in Chinese medicine for centuries to break up stagnation and ease inflammation.
Mulberry
桑槏|桑槏|sang shen
A dark purple berry that nourishes blood and Yin. In Chinese medicine, mulberry is used to support healthy aging, hair color, and restful sleep. It is one of the most accessible Yin-nourishing foods.
Jasmine
茉莉|茉莉|mo li
A fragrant flower that soothes the Liver and calms the mind. In Chinese medicine, jasmine is used to ease emotional tension, support digestion, and lift the spirits. It is one of the most popular tea flowers in East Asia.
Deer Antler Velvet
鹿茸|鹿茸|lu rong
One of the most prized yang tonics in Chinese medicine, deer antler velvet strengthens kidney yang, builds essence, and supports deep vitality. It is traditionally used for cold sensitivity, lower back weakness, and recovery from exhaustion.
Cyperus
香附|香附|xiang fu
Known in TCM as the chief of qi-regulating herbs, cyperus moves stagnant energy, soothes the liver, and eases stress-related tension. It is one of the most important herbs for menstrual comfort and emotional balance.
Bird's Nest
燕窩|燕窩|yan wo
A premium tonic food prized in Chinese wellness for centuries, bird's nest nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and supports skin vitality. It is traditionally used for dry skin, dry cough, and post-illness recovery.
Albizzia Flower
合歡花|合歡花|he huan hua
A soft, brush-like pink flower from the tree of happiness, used in Chinese medicine to calm restless thoughts and settle a heavy heart. Unlike sedating herbs that make you drowsy, albizzia works by releasing the emotional knot that keeps the mind spinning at night.
Cardamom
砂仁|砂仁|sha ren
A small, intensely aromatic seed pod that wakes up a sluggish digestive fire. In Chinese medicine, sha ren is the go-to herb when food sits heavy, the belly bloats, and the appetite goes quiet, especially in damp, humid weather or after cold, raw meals.
Gynostemma
絞股蓝|絞股藍|jiao gu lan
A leafy vine nicknamed the herb of immortality in the mountainous regions where people reportedly live unusually long lives. In Chinese medicine, jiaogulan gently builds energy, clears heat, and supports the heart, making it a cooling alternative to ginseng for those who find warming tonics too stimulating.
Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)
冬虫夏草|冬虫夏草|dong chong xia cao
A fungus that emerges from caterpillar larvae in high-altitude plateaus, valued for simultaneously warming kidney yang and strengthening lung qi. Its rarity and dual-system action make it the most prized yang tonic in Chinese medicine.
Snow Lotus (Xue Lian Hua)
雪莲花|雪莲花|xue lian hua
A rare flower growing above the snow line in Tibetan mountains, where temperatures drop well below freezing. Its ability to survive extreme cold translates in TCM theory to a potent warming effect that dispels deep cold-damp from joints and kidneys.
Japanese Knotweed (Hu Zhang)
虎杖|虎杖|hu zhang
A tenacious root known in the West as a source of resveratrol. In Chinese medicine, its bitter, cold nature clears liver heat, promotes bile flow, and invigorates blood circulation, making it useful for inflammatory skin and liver patterns.
Achyranthes (Niu Xi)
牛膝|牛膝|niu xi
A root whose defining property is directing blood and energy downward. This makes it essential for any formula addressing lower body issues, from knee pain to heavy menstrual bleeding, and gives it a role no other herb can replicate.
Spatholobus (Ji Xue Teng)
鸡血藤|鸡血藤|ji xue teng
A woody vine whose cross-section oozes a red sap resembling blood. This visual signature led to its primary use: nourishing blood while simultaneously keeping it circulating, a rare combination that makes it indispensable for patterns where deficiency and stagnation coexist.
Psoralea (Bu Gu Zhi)
补骨脂|补骨脂|bu gu zhi
A small dark seed whose Chinese name means mended bone substance. It warms kidney yang powerfully and is traditionally used for bone weakness, frequent urination, and the kind of deep fatigue that makes the lower back feel hollow.
Cynomorium (Suo Yang)
锁阳|锁阳|suo yang
A parasitic plant growing in desert sands with no chlorophyll. Its Chinese name means locking yang, referring to its dual ability to tonify kidney yang while securing essence against leakage, and its moistening quality that also gently lubricates the intestines.
Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi)
莱菔子|莱菔子|lai fu zi
The dried seed of the common radish, promoted from kitchen vegetable to medicine. It resolves food stagnation, moves phlegm, and gently directs qi downward, making it one of the most practical everyday herbs for digestive complaints.
Belamcanda (She Gan)
射干|射干|she gan
A plant with sword-shaped leaves whose root clears heat and phlegm from the throat and lungs. Its bitter, cold nature targets the respiratory tract specifically, making it a focused herb for sore throat with sticky, yellow phlegm.
Acorus (Shi Chang Pu)
石菖蒲|石菖蒲|shi chang pu
An aromatic rhizome that grows among rocks near water. Its strong fragrance opens the senses and clears mental fog, making it the primary herb in TCM for awakening the mind and dissolving the invisible phlegm that clouds consciousness.
American Ginseng
西洋参|西洋參|xī yáng shēn
A cooling cousin of Asian ginseng that replenishes Qi and nourishes Yin at the same time. American Ginseng is the herb of choice for people who feel depleted but also run warm, because it builds energy without adding heat.
Sophora Root
苦参|苦參|kǔ shēn
One of the most intensely bitter herbs in the Chinese pharmacy. Sophora Root dries dampness, clears heat, and kills parasites, reaching areas that gentler cooling herbs cannot.
Cogon Grass Root
白茅根|白茅根|bái máo gēn
A sweet, cold root that cools the blood and stops bleeding while gently draining heat through urine. Cogon Grass Root is mild enough for regular use and is traditionally brewed as a summer cooling tea.
Pagoda Tree Flower
槐花|槐花|huái huā
A flower that cools blood, stops bleeding in the lower body, and clears liver fire. Pagoda Tree Flower is the primary herb for hemorrhoids and blood in the stool from heat patterns.
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