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Niu Xi: The TCM Herb for Joint Strength and Blood Flow
Niu Xi, also known as Huai Niu Xi or Achyranthes Root, is the dried root of Achyranthes bidentata , a plant in the amaranth family....

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4 min read


Chi Shao: The TCM Herb for Cooling Blood and Relieving Pain
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.

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5 min read


Figwort Root Xuan Shen: A Traditional Herb for Cooling Heat and Soothing Throat
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.

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5 min read


Trichosanthes Fruit Gua Lou: A Traditional Herb for Clearing Phlegm and Relieving Chest Pain
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."

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5 min read


Plantain Seed Che Qian Zi: A Traditional Herb for Urinary Health and Clear Vision
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."

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6 min read


Hawthorn Fruit Shan Zha: A Traditional Herb for Aiding Digestion and Promoting Blood Flow
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

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5 min read


Epimedium Yin Yang Huo: A Traditional Herb for Boosting Kidney Vitality and Joint Health
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

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6 min read


Peach Kernel: A Traditional Herb for Promoting Blood Flow and Relieving Constipation
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.

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5 min read


Vitex Fruit Man Jing Zi: A Traditional Herb for Relieving Headaches and Eye Issues
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.

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5 min read


Rhubarb Root Da Huang: A Potent Herb for Clearing Heat and Relieving Constipation
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.

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6 min read


Glehnia Root Bei Sha Shen: A TCM for Nourishing, Healing and Yin Deficiency
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-

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5 min read


Ji Xue Teng: The TCM Herb for Blood Circulation and Joint Health
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

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4 min read


Dong Ling Cao: The TCM Herb for Soothing Throat and Detoxification
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.

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4 min read


Chuan Xiong: The TCM Herb for Blood Flow and Pain Relief
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

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5 min read


Cat's Claw Herb Mao Zhua Cao: The TCM Herb for Reducing Swelling and Detoxification
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.

Health Lab
4 min read
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