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."