Gui Zhi, also known as cinnamon twig, is the dried young branch of the cinnamon tree from the Lauraceae family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its ability to warm the body, promote vitality, and relieve pain. This article explores the properties, uses, and modern research on Gui Zhi in a simple and clear way. Gui Zhi has been used in TCM for centuries. Its earliest record appears in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Herbal Medicine), whe

E Zhu, also known as blue ginger, is the dried rhizome of plants like Curcuma zedoaria or Curcuma kwangsiensis from the ginger family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its ability to promote blood flow, relieve pain, and aid digestion. This article explores the properties, uses, and modern research on E Zhu in a simple and clear way.

Ligustrum fruit, also known as Nu Zhen Zi or privet fruit, is the dried, mature fruit of the Ligustrum plant from the Oleaceae family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is highly valued for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote healthy hair. This article explores the properties, uses, and modern research on ligustrum fruit in a simple and clear way.

Gardenia fruit, also known as Zhi Zi or Cape Jasmine fruit, is the dried, mature fruit of the gardenia plant from the Rubiaceae family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its ability to clear heat, reduce irritability, and detoxify the body. This article explains the properties, uses, and modern research on gardenia fruit in a simple and clear way.

Tu Si Zi, also known as Cuscuta chinensis or Dodder Seed, is the dried, mature seed of a plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It is highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to nourish the kidneys, support essence, improve vision, and prevent miscarriage or diarrhea. The earliest record of Tu Si Zi appears in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica), where it is listed as a top-grade herb, noted for healing injuries, addressing

Dang Gui, also known as Angelica sinensis or Chinese Angelica, is the dried root of a plant from the Apiaceae family. Renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as the "holy herb for women," it is celebrated for its ability to nourish blood, promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, relieve pain, and ease constipation. Its earliest mention is in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica), where it is listed as a top-grade herb. It was noted fo

Yu Zhu, also known as Polygonatum or Solomon’s Seal, is the dried rhizome of the Polygonatum odoratum plant from the Liliaceae family. Renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to nourish yin, moisten dryness, and quench thirst, Yu Zhu holds a significant place in herbal therapy.

Chinese Quince (Mu Gua), known in TCM as the dried, nearly mature fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa, Chaenomeles sinensis, or related plants in the Rosaceae family, is a valued herb for its ability to relax muscles, promote circulation, and aid digestion. While its earliest mention appears in the ancient Chinese text Shi Jing (Book of Songs) as a cultivated fruit tree, its medicinal value was not widely recognized until later.

Jie Geng, also known as Balloon Flower or Platycodon Root, is the dried root of the Platycodon grandiflorus plant from the Campanulaceae family. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to clear lung phlegm, soothe the throat, and guide other herbs to the upper body, Jie Geng is a unique and versatile herb. Its use was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica) as a middle-grade herb, noted for treating “chest and rib p

Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying), known as "Granny’s Herb" or "Yellow Flower Herb," is the dried whole plant of Taraxacum mongolicum, Taraxacum sinicum, or related species from the Asteraceae family. Prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to clear heat, detoxify, reduce swelling, and promote urination, dandelion is a versatile herb. Its use was first recorded in the Tang Bencao (Tang Materia Medica), noted for treating “breast abscesses and swelling, with juice

Niu Bang Zi, also known as Arctium Fruit or Burdock Seed, is the dried mature fruit of the burdock plant (Arctium lappa) from the Asteraceae family. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to disperse wind-heat, promote lung function, soothe the throat, and detoxify, it holds a significant place in herbal therapy. Its use was first recorded in the Ming Yi Bie Lu (Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians), classified as a lower-grade herb, noted for “imp

Bitter Apricot Seed (Ku Xing Ren), the dried mature seed of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca or related species), is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Valued for its ability to relieve cough, calm wheezing, and promote bowel movements, it holds an important place in herbal therapy. Its use was first noted in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), though early texts did not distinguish between bitter and sweet apricot seeds.

Bai Jiang Can, also known as Silkworm or Fried Silkworm, is the dried body of silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) infected and stiffened by Beauveria bassiana fungus. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to dispel wind, stop spasms, transform phlegm, and resolve toxins, Bai Jiang Can holds a unique place in herbal therapy. Its use was first noted in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), though early descriptions were brief.

Bai Xian Pi, also known as Dictamnus Root Bark or White Fresh Bark, is the dried root bark of the Dictamnus plant, a valued herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Renowned for its ability to clear heat, detoxify, dry dampness, and relieve itching, Bai Xian Pi has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions and other ailments.

Bitter Orange Peel, known as Zhi Qiao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the dried, immature fruit of the Citrus aurantium plant or its cultivated varieties. Renowned for its ability to regulate qi, relieve chest and abdominal fullness, and promote digestion, it holds a significant place in TCM. Its use dates back to ancient times, with a long history of clinical application.