The best doctor is ourselves, for no one knows our body better than we do~
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treasure of China. Experienced TCM practitioners can use it to combat various ailments, and we can also apply it in dietary therapy to nourish our bodies~
Ten Essential Chinese Medicinal Herbs for Every Family
Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom): Strengthens the foundation and expels evils, the herb of immortals.
Ren Shen (Ginseng): A little every 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 (Ginger): Protects against evils, supports Yang Qi, and disperses cold and dampness.
Bai Mao Gen (Imperata Grass): 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 a pearl.
Gan Cao (Licorice): Nourishes the body and enhances beauty, a tonic for the common people.
Hua Jiao (Sichuan Pepper): The spicy doctor, characteristically dispels cold.
Top Properties of Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Best for clearing heat and detoxifying—Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle);
Best for aromatic dampness transformation—Huo Xiang (Agastache);
Best for promoting urination and draining dampness—Fu Ling (Poria);
Best for aromatic opening of orifices—She Xiang (Musk);
Best for clearing heat—Shi Gao (Gypsum);
Best for purging 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 cooling and relieving pain—Yuan Hu (Cyathula);
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 (Malt);
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—Zao Ren (Jujube Seed);
Best for warming the interior—Fu Zi (Aconite).
Good herbs make women beautiful for a lifetime
Dang Gui (Angelica): A sacred herb for nourishing blood, ensuring women’s lifelong safety.
Hong Hua (Safflower): A flower that invigorates blood and enhances beauty.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort): The beauty expert of Empress Wu Zetian.
Xue Lian Hua (Snow Lotus): A guest from the ice mountain that nurtures youthful beauty.
Ai Cao (Mugwort): A natural health “comforter”.
Aloe Vera: Cleopatra conquered the world with it.
Bai Ji (Bletilla): The whitening fairy among herbs.
Ge Gen (Kudzu): The “women’s ginseng” that relieves heat and generates fluids.
Bai Shao (White Peony): A confidante for nourishing Yin and blood in women.
Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): Nourishes the skin, keeping it youthful and fair.
Yu Zan Hua (Hosta): Nourishes blood and removes spots, beautiful and flawless like a flower.
Protecting our innate foundation
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): Warms and tonifies kidney Yang, allowing you 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, unmatched in the world.
San Qi (Notoginseng): The “gold that cannot be exchanged” for reviving the dead.
Qian Shi (Euryale): A water fairy loyal to the spleen and kidneys.
Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum): Tonifies 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.
The source of health from the acquired foundation
Bai Fu Ling (Poria): Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the center, allowing even Empress Dowager Cixi to “return to youth”.
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam): A divine food that nourishes our acquired foundation.
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 remedy for warming the stomach.
Common Ailments Without Seeking Help
Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root): A classic remedy for colds.
Jie Geng (Platycodon): A cough remedy that makes the great chef smile.
Lo 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 when eating seafood.
Nangua Zi (Pumpkin Seeds): Eating a handful daily alleviates prostate concerns.
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 stopping night sweats and spontaneous sweating.
Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot): The first choice for patients with persistent cough due to lung cold.
Luo Di Sheng Gen (Ficus): A sacred herb for treating injuries in the Dai community.
Shi Chang Pu (Acorus): Beneficial for the heart, a blessing for patients with coronary heart disease.
Da Ji (Cirsium): A good remedy for stopping bleeding, whether used externally or internally.
Juan Bai (Selaginella): A restorative herb for inflammation and bleeding.
Xian He Cao (Agrimonia): Quickly restores physical strength.
Puhuang (Cattail Pollen): Can lower blood lipids.Brain-Boosting and Calming Methods
Tian Ma (Gastrodia): The guardian that keeps smart people from being confused for a lifetime.
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): Boosts brain function and clears the heart, bringing joy and relieving worries.
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, a treasure for solidifying essence and strengthening bones.
Yuan Zhi (Polygala): An effective remedy for treating palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
Effortless Herbal Detox
Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle): With it, even the hottest summer feels cool.
Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion): Use it for any unknown swelling or toxins.
Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia): Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, a small herb with great effects.
Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed): The earliest used 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 purging fire, especially for 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, the 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.
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 premium vegetable for patients with “three highs”.
Bo He (Mint): An aromatic therapy for soothing the throat.
Hui Xiang (Fennel): A remedy for alleviating chronic gastritis.
Bai Guo (Ginkgo): An undeniable remedy for cough and asthma.
Che Qian Cao (Plantago): The best dietary therapy for prostatitis.
Digestive Herbs
Digestive herbs include Shan Zha (Hawthorn), Qu (Malt), and Mai (Barley), which help with food accumulation.
Shan Zha aids in digesting meat accumulation and treats chest and abdominal pain caused by stasis.
Mai helps digest rice accumulation, relieves breast engorgement, and alleviates liver Qi stagnation.
Lai Fu (Radish) aids in digestion and regulates Qi, suitable for food accumulation and phlegm.
Nei Jin (Inner Gold) helps dissolve accumulations and stones, addressing various food accumulations and incontinence.
Calming Herbs
Heavy calming herbs include Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), Ci Shi (Magnetite), and Hu Po (Amber).
Yao Xin (Heart-nourishing) herbs include Bai Zao Ren (Jujube Seed), Yuan Zhi (Polygala), and He Huan Hua (Mimosa).
Zhu Sha detoxifies and calms the heart, treating palpitations and insomnia.
Ci Shi calms the heart and liver, enhancing hearing and vision while stabilizing anxiety.
Hu Po calms fright and soothes the spirit, solidifying and balancing the liver to treat dizziness.
Suan Zao Ren nourishes the heart and benefits the liver, treating blood deficiency, insomnia, and excessive sweating.
Yuan Zhi opens the heart and expels phlegm, beneficial for forgetfulness, epilepsy, and cough.
Detoxifying, Insecticidal, Moisturizing, and Itching-Relieving Herbs
Bai Fan (Alum), She Chuang Zi (Cnidium), and Liu Huang (Sulfur) are effective for detoxification and insecticidal purposes.
Xiong Huang (Realgar) detoxifies and kills intestinal worms, treating eczema, snake bites, and abscesses.
Liu Huang relieves itching and treats scabies, while also enhancing Yang and promoting bowel movements.
Phlegm-Resolving, Cough-Relieving, and Asthma-Reducing Herbs
Phlegm-resolving herbs include Ban Xia (Pinellia), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), and Bai Fu Zi (White Atractylodes).
Ban Xia resolves phlegm and treats nausea and dizziness.
Jie Geng (Platycodon) helps resolve phlegm and promotes lung function.
Chuan Bei (Fritillaria) resolves phlegm and moistens the lungs, treating heat phlegm and cough.
Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) clears the lungs and resolves heat phlegm, promoting digestion.
Huang Qi (Astragalus) helps with cough and asthma, while Bai Guo (Ginkgo) aids in lung health.
This comprehensive list of Chinese medicinal herbs is hard to find, so be sure to save it! Share it with friends so more people can benefit!
