Tian Ma, also known as Gastrodia tuber or Heavenly Hemp, is the dried rhizome of the orchid plant Gastrodia elata, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is prized for its ability to calm internal wind, subdue liver yang, and treat conditions like headaches, dizziness, and seizures. Its name, meaning "heavenly hemp," reflects its calming and stabilizing effects.

Zhi Shi, also known as immature bitter orange, is the dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium or its cultivated varieties, or Citrus sinensis, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is valued for its ability to break up qi stagnation, relieve food retention, and clear phlegm blockages. It is commonly used for digestive issues like bloating and chest fullness.

Chan Tui, also known as cicada slough, is the dried exoskeleton of the Cryptotympana pustulata cicada nymph after it molts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its ability to disperse wind-heat, promote rash eruption, and relieve itching. It is commonly used for conditions like colds, measles, and itchy skin. Chan Tui was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) as a lower-grade herb, noted for treating childhood se

Bai Zi Ren, also known as Arborvitae Seed or Platycladus orientalis seed, is the dried, mature seed of the Chinese arborvitae tree. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to calm the mind and relieve constipation, it is widely used for conditions like insomnia, palpitations, and dry intestines.

Gou Teng, also known as Uncaria Vine or Uncaria rhynchophylla (and related species), is the dried, hooked stem of a plant in the madder family. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to clear heat, calm the liver, and stop spasms, it is widely used for conditions like dizziness, high blood pressure, and convulsions caused by liver hyperactivity or heat.

Goji Berry, also known as Wolfberry Fruit or Lycium barbarum, is the dried, mature fruit of a plant in the nightshade family. Celebrated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its gentle nourishment of the liver and kidneys, as well as its ability to improve vision and boost vitality, it is both a medicinal herb and a popular food.

Prince Ginseng, also known as Pseudoginseng Root or Pseudostellaria heterophylla, is the dried root of a plant in the carnation family. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its gentle ability to boost energy, nourish yin, and strengthen the spleen and lungs, it is especially suitable for children, the elderly, and those recovering from illness.

Niu Xi, also known as Huai Niu Xi or Achyranthes Root, is the dried root of Achyranthes bidentata, a plant in the amaranth family. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to promote blood circulation, strengthen joints, and relieve pain, it is commonly used for lower back pain, menstrual issues, and injuries.

Huang Qi, or Astragalus Root (Astragali Radix), is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a history dating back to the Han Dynasty. First documented in the Shennong Bencao Jing as a top-grade herb, it is derived from the dried roots of Astragalus mongolicus or Astragalus membranaceus, primarily sourced from Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei.

Chi Shao, also known as Red Peony Root or Paeonia lactiflora, is the dried root of a peony plant, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to cool blood, clear stasis, and ease pain. Its balanced action makes it a key remedy for conditions caused by blood heat and stagnation, such as menstrual issues and injuries. Chi Shao’s importance is documented in ancient texts.

Dang Shen: A natural herb that nourishes the middle qi, soothes the stomach, promotes fluid secretion, and strengthens immunity

Figwort Root, also known as Xuan Shen or Black Figwort, is the dried root of Scrophularia ningpoensis from the Scrophulariaceae family. Valued for its ability to nourish yin, reduce internal heat, and clear toxins, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat late-stage fevers, yin deficiency with heat, and toxic swellings. This article explains its properties, uses, and modern applications in a simple and clear way.

Trichosanthes Fruit has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts for centuries. The Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) lists it as a middle-grade herb, noting it "treats chest and abdominal stagnation, masses, hernias, breast difficulties, and abscesses." The Mingyi Bielu further describes it as effective for "heart pain, cough, thirst, lung dryness, swelling, and dispersing masses."

Plantain Seed has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts for centuries. The Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) lists it as a top-grade herb, noting it "treats qi stagnation, heat accumulation, difficult urination, pain, urinary dribbling, and damp joint pain." The Mingyi Bielu further describes it as effective for "painful, red, and burning urination, clearing obstructions, detoxifying, and treating red eyes with excessive tearing."

Hawthorn Fruit, also known as Shan Zha or Red Fruit, is the dried, mature fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida or Crataegus hupehensis from the Rosaceae family. Valued for its ability to aid digestion and promote blood circulation, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat food stagnation and blood stasis. Hawthorn Fruit has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts for centuries. The Tang Bencao includes early descriptions, though initial records were

Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Xian Ling Pi, is the dried aerial parts of plants like Epimedium brevicornu, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium pubescens, or Epimedium koreanum from the Berberidaceae family. Renowned for its ability to tonify kidney yang and dispel wind-dampness, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat kidney deficiency and joint pain. This article explains its properties, uses, and modern applications in a simple and clear way.

Peach Kernel has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts for centuries. The Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) classifies it as a middle-grade herb, noting it "treats blood stasis, masses, evil qi, and kills small parasites." The Mingyi Bielu further describes it as effective for "relieving blood stagnation, breaking up masses, promoting menstruation, stopping cough, and calming upward-rising qi." Ancient healers highly valued Peach Kernel f

Vitex Fruit, also known as Man Jing Zi or White Back Fruit, is the dried, mature fruit of Vitex trifolia or Vitex rotundifolia from the Verbenaceae family. Valued for its light, uplifting properties, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear wind-heat and relieve symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and eye disorders. This article explains its characteristics, uses, and modern applications in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Rhubarb Root, also known as Da Huang, General, or 锦纹大黄 (Jīn Wén Dà Huáng), is the dried root and rhizome of plants like Rheum palmatum, Rheum tanguticum, or Rheum officinale from the Polygonaceae family. Known for its strong ability to clear heat, relieve constipation, and stop bleeding, Rhubarb Root holds a significant place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This article explains its properties, uses, and modern applications in a simple and clear way.

North Glehnia Root, also known as Bei Sha Shen, Laiyang Sha Shen, or Sea Sha Shen, is the dried root of the plant Glehnia littoralis, a member of the Apiaceae family. Renowned for its gentle yet effective properties, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries to nourish yin, clear lung heat, and promote fluid production in the stomach. This article explores the characteristics, uses, and modern applications of North Glehnia Root in a simple and easy-

Ji Xue Teng, also known as Spatholobus suberectus or Chicken Blood Vine, is the dried stem of a plant in the legume family, named for the reddish sap that oozes from its cut surface, resembling chicken blood. This herb is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to promote blood circulation, relax muscles, and relieve menstrual pain.

Dong Ling Cao, also known as Rabdosia rubescens or Ice Crystal Grass, is the dried aerial part of a plant in the mint family, valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to clear heat, detoxify, and relieve throat pain. Known by names like Snow Flower or June Snow, it has a long history of use, particularly in folk remedies, despite limited mention in ancient TCM classics.

Chuan Xiong, also known as Ligusticum chuanxiong or Szechuan Lovage Root, is the dried rhizome of a plant in the parsley family, famous for its strong aroma and its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Often called the "qi-moving herb in the blood," it excels at promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and dispelling wind. Chuan Xiong’s use dates back to the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica), where it was listed as a top-grade herb for tre

Mao Zhua Cao, also known as Cat’s Claw Herb or Ranunculus ternatus, is the dried tuberous root of a plant in the buttercup family, named for its roots’ resemblance to tiny cat claws. This herb is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to reduce swelling, disperse nodules, and clear toxins. In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential in treating various conditions, including tumors and infections.