Editor’s Note
The best doctor is ourselves, as no one knows our bodies better than we do. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treasure of China, and experienced TCM practitioners can use it to combat various ailments. We can also apply it in dietary therapy to nourish our bodies.
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Ten Essential Chinese Medicinal Herbs for Every Family
Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom): Tonifies the body and expels evil, a divine herb
Ren Shen (Ginseng): A little each day promotes health and longevity
Shan Zha (Hawthorn): Excellent for digestion and resolving blood stasis
Huang Qi (Astragalus): The premier herb for tonifying Qi
Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger): Protects against evils, supports Yang Qi, dispels cold and dampness
Bai Mao Gen (White Grass Root): A cooling herb that stops bleeding
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum): The best liver-protecting tea for modern people
Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears): Not a pearl but better than one
Gan Cao (Licorice): Nourishes the body and enhances beauty, a common tonic
Hua Jiao (Sichuan Pepper): A spicy doctor, characteristically dispels cold
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Top Properties of Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Best for clearing heat and detoxifying—Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle);
Best for aromatic transformation of dampness—Huo Xiang (Agastache);
Best for promoting urination and draining dampness—Fu Ling (Poria);
Best for aromatic opening of the orifices—She Xiang (Musk);
Best for clearing heat—Shi Gao (Gypsum);
Best for draining fire—Huang Lian (Coptis);
Best for descending Qi—Chen Xiang (Agarwood);
Best for generating fluids—Shi Hu (Dendrobium);
Best for resolving phlegm—Ban Xia (Pinellia);
Best for calming the liver—Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn);
Best for spicy cooling—Bo He (Peppermint);
Best for pain relief—Yuan Hu (Corydalis);
Best for stopping bleeding—San Qi (Notoginseng);
Best for tonifying Yang—Lu Rong (Deer Antler Velvet);
Best for tonifying Yin—Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum);
Best for purging—Da Huang (Rhubarb);
Best for cooling blood—Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn);
Best for regulating Qi—Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange);
Best for soothing the liver—Yu Jin (Curcuma);
Best for invigorating blood—Dan Shen (Salvia);
Best for tonifying Qi—Ren Shen (Ginseng);
Best for tonifying blood—Dang Gui (Angelica);
Best for tonifying the spleen—Shan Yao (Chinese Yam);
Best for digestion—Shen Qu (Fermented Wheat);
Best for clearing phlegm—Bei Mu (Fritillaria);
Best for reducing jaundice—Yin Chen (Virgate Wormwood);
Best for dispelling wind—Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens);
Best for calming the spirit—Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed);
Best for warming the interior—Fu Zi (Aconite).
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Good Herbs for Women’s Lifelong Beauty
Dang Gui (Angelica): A sacred blood-nourishing herb, ensuring women’s lifelong safety
Hong Hua (Safflower): A flower that invigorates blood and enhances beauty
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort): The beauty secret of Empress Wu Zetian
Xue Lian Hua (Snow Lotus): A flower that blooms from the ice, nurturing youthful beauty
Ai Cao (Mugwort): A natural health enhancer, “Comforting Skin”
Aloe Vera: The secret of Cleopatra’s beauty
Bai Ji (Bletilla): The whitening fairy among herbs
Ge Gen (Kudzu): The “women’s ginseng” that clears heat and generates fluids
Bai Shao (White Peony): A confidante for nourishing Yin and blood
Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): Moisturizes the skin, keeping it youthful and radiant
Yu Zan Hua (Hosta Flower): Nourishes blood and removes spots, making one as beautiful as a flower
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Protecting Our Innate Essence
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): Warms and tonifies kidney Yang, allowing one to live for 500 years with flowing black hair
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries): The ancient elixir for seasonal health
Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps): A dual tonic for Yin and Yang, unique in the world
San Qi (Notoginseng): A miraculous herb for reviving the dead
Qian Shi (Euryale Seed): A water fairy loyal to the spleen and kidneys
Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum): Nourishes the liver and kidneys, achieving perfect harmony
Du Zhong (Eucommia): The top herb for regulating blood pressure
Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta): Gently nourishes, starting from the womb
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The Source of Health from Acquired Essence
Bai Fu Ling (White Poria): Strengthens the spleen and tonifies the center, allowing even Empress Dowager Cixi to regain youth
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam): A divine medicinal food that nourishes our acquired essence
Fan Mu Guo (Papaya): The “longevity fruit” that ensures your digestive peace
Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel): The most common herb for strengthening the spleen
Huo Xiang (Agastache): Supports the spleen and stomach Qi, allowing you to eat as you please
Ding Xiang (Clove): A fragrant herb that warms the stomach
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Common Ailments Without Seeking Help
Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root): A classic remedy for colds
Jie Geng (Platycodon): A cough remedy that brings smiles
Lou Han Guo (Monk Fruit): A sweet fruit that can lower blood sugar
Tao Ren (Peach Kernel): Best at invigorating blood, dispelling stasis, and promoting bowel movements
Zi Su (Perilla): Dispels cold and warms the stomach, essential for seafood dishes
Nangua Zi (Pumpkin Seeds): A handful daily keeps prostate issues at bay
Bin Lang (Betel Nut): A top herb for digestion and resolving accumulation
Zhu Yu (Cornelian Cherry): The best choice for external blood pressure reduction
Dong Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf): A wonderful remedy for night sweats and spontaneous sweating
Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot): The first choice for chronic cough and lung cold
Luo Di Sheng Gen (Fallen Root): A sacred herb for injuries in the Dai community
Shi Chang Pu (Acorus): Beneficial for the heart, a blessing for coronary heart disease patients
Da Ji (Cirsium): A good remedy for stopping bleeding, whether used externally or internally
Juan Bai (Selaginella): A herb that reduces inflammation and stops bleeding
Xian He Cao (Agrimony): Quickly restores physical strength
Pu Huang (Cat Tail Pollen): A flower pollen that can lower blood lipids
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Brain Health and Calming Techniques
Tian Ma (Gastrodia): A guardian that keeps smart people from confusion
Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed): Banishes insomnia, bringing sweet dreams for a lifetime
Hong Zao (Red Dates): Nourishes blood and calms the spirit, can be eaten as a snack daily
Huang Hua Cai (Day Lily): Enhances brain function and clears the heart, bringing joy
Gui Yuan (Longan): Nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and strengthens the body, with countless benefits
Lian Hua (Lotus): Clears the heart and nourishes the spirit, solidifying essence and strengthening bones
Yuan Zhi (Polygala): A special remedy for treating palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia
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Easy Herbal Detox
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle): With it, summer heat feels cool
Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion): Use it for unknown lumps and toxins
Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia): Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, a small herb with great effects
Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed): The earliest ophthalmic herb in history
Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf): A common remedy for clearing lung heat
Zhi Zi (Gardenia): Excellent at resolving heat toxins throughout the body
Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal): The top herb for clearing heat and draining fire, treating lymphatic tuberculosis
Zi Hua Di Ding (Viola): A key herb for detoxifying and resolving abscesses
Mu Dan Pi (Peony Root): A marvelous cooling blood herb, a divine medicine among flowers
Feng Xian Hua (Impatiens): An external remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying, known as the “daughter flower”
Huang Lian (Coptis): Clears damp-heat from the five organs, the world’s most bitter herb
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Delicious Vegetarian Dishes on the Table
Yin Er (Tremella): The best food for nourishing the lungs and moistening Yin
Bai He (Lily Bulb): Benefits the five organs, delicious in any preparation
Jie Cai (Shepherd’s Purse): A top vegetable for patients with “three highs” (hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia)
Bo He (Mint): An aromatic remedy for soothing the throat
Hui Xiang (Fennel): A remedy for alleviating chronic gastritis
Bai Guo (Ginkgo): Unquestionably effective for treating cough and asthma
Che Qian Cao (Plantago): The best dietary therapy for prostatitis
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Several Common Medicinal Herbs
01 Digestive Herbs
Digestive herbs include Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Mai Ya (Barley), and Nei Jin (Inner Gold).
Shan Zha (Hawthorn) helps digest meat, treats chest and abdominal pain, and can resolve stasis.
Mai Ya (Barley) aids in digesting grains, relieves breast engorgement, and alleviates liver Qi stagnation.
Nei Jin (Inner Gold) resolves accumulation and stones, suitable for various food stagnation and incontinence.
02 Calming Herbs
Heavy calming herbs include Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), Ci Shi (Magnetite), Amber, Long Gu (Dragon Bone), and Long Chi (Dragon Tooth).
Zhu Sha detoxifies and calms the heart, treating palpitations and insomnia.
Ci Shi calms the heart and liver, enhancing hearing and vision.
Long Gu calms fright and stabilizes the spirit, treating dizziness.
Suan Zao Ren nourishes the heart and liver, treating blood deficiency, insomnia, and sweating.
Yuan Zhi opens the heart orifices, expels phlegm, and is effective for forgetfulness, epilepsy, and cough.
03 Detoxifying and Anti-parasitic Herbs
Bai Fan (Alum), She Chuang Zi (Cnidium), and Sulfur are effective.
Xiong Huang (Realgar) detoxifies and kills intestinal parasites, treating eczema, snake bites, and abscesses.
Sulfur stops itching, treats scabies, and can be taken internally to enhance Yang and relieve constipation.
04 Phlegm Resolving and Cough Suppressing Herbs
Phlegm resolving herbs include Ban Xia (Pinellia), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), and Bai Qian (Cynanchum).
Ban Xia resolves phlegm and dampness, disperses lumps, and treats nausea and dizziness.
Jie Geng (Platycodon) resolves phlegm and promotes lung function, relieving cough and sore throat.
Chuan Bei (Fritillaria) resolves phlegm and moistens the lungs, effective for dry phlegm and cough.
So comprehensive a list of Chinese medicinal herbs is hard to find, so be sure to save it!
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