Chinese Medicine Herbs Database
100 essential 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 medicinal 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.
Red Ginseng (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 medicinal 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 medicinal 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.
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