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....

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.

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 has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts for centuries. The Tang Bencao includes early descriptions, though initial records were brief. Over time, TCM practitioners expanded their understanding of its benefits through clinical practice. Li Shizhen described Hawthorn Fruit’s appearance, origin, and effects in detail. He noted it grows in mountainous areas across China, with trees about 10 feet tall, leaves like elm with lobes, and deep red fruits res

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, known as Tao Ren in Chinese, is the dried, mature seed of the peach tree (Amygdalus persica) or wild peach (Amygdalus davidiana) from the Rosaceae family. Prized for its ability to promote blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, and lubricate the intestines, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat conditions caused by blood stagnation. This article explores its properties, uses, and modern applications in a clear and simple way.

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. While Ji Xue Teng’s use dates back centuries, early TCM texts provide limited details. Later works, like Zhao Xuemin’s Ben

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