Chinese herbs 101: Our favorite Chinese herbs for just about everything
Whole-Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to restore balance through individualized treatment. Herbal medicine is an integral part of WS-TCM and has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions to maintain balance and health.
Why use Chinese herbs?
According to TCM, disease is the result of interactions between different parts of the body and our environment, which is made up of the Chinese elements - water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. To learn more about Chinese elements, click here. When parts of the body become imbalanced, we experience symptoms or get sick with disease. Imbalances or deficiencies can occur in the following:
Qi: The vital energy that flows along meridian pathways throughout our body
Shen: Our spirit or mind. This allows us to think + feel, controls cognitive and emotional presence
Jing: Our essense, which determines bith our physical and energectic characteristics
How To Incorporate Chinese Herbs Into Your Daily Life
There are many ways to add Chinese herbs to your lifestyle! First, you have to purchase them. They are easily found at health food stores, organic food stores, and other specialty stores.
The easiest and most convienient way is in the form of supplements. They can be taken daily with a glass of water and your other vitamins or medications.
Another simple way to consume Chinese herbs is by drinking them in the form of tea. Generally, the cheaper the tea, the more processed it is. Look for tea brands with trusted sources (where their tea leaves and ingredients are grown). Making herbal tea from scratch is another option that may be more satisfying for some.
Many of these herbs can be cooked with and added to meals. Search for recipes on the web to get inspiration. Another way to incorporate these herbs is by adding the powdered version to a drink, smoothie, or meal.
When we prescribe you an herbal formula, we will give it to you - so there’s no need to source your own herbs and figure out what you want to do with it.
Top 21 Chinese Herbs to lead a healthy life
Astragalus
Also known as Huang Qi, astragalus Benefits include immune and antiviral functions, as well as anti-cancer properties. It also may lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels, and has brain and liver-protecting properties, which can help with anti-aging.
Bone Broth & Bone Marrow
Bone Marrow and broth in TCM is used to promote immune function, support a healthy mood, and boost energy levels. Bone broth is also valued for its ability to warm Yang, build blood, strengthen qi, promote liver function, and detoxify the liver of heavy metals and other toxic elements.
Chestnuts
Chestnuts contain manganese, antioxidants, and C & B vitamins, helping to protect the heart and aid digestion. They also support bone health, boost the immune system, and improve brain function.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and high blood cholesterol, which is important for heart health. It is also rich in antioxidants, which protect against disease and are anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a fungus that is known for improving respiratory function, treating kidney disorders, promoting reproductive health, and boosting energy.
Deer Antler
Deer antler is prescribed to treat a variety of conditions including osteoporosis, arthritis, mastitis, uterine fibroids, and menstrual disorders, It also is used to reduce physical fatigue and heal chronic wounds.
Fo-Ti or (or he shou wu)
Fo-ti is known as a youth-giving tonic because it balances Yin and Yang energies by treating Yin deficiency, which can lead to stress, aging, anxiety, and fatigue. Fo-ti is also known to support liver and kidney health, nourish the heart, and provide relief from sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. It also helps with high cholesterol!
Ganoderma lucidum
This is a fungus that can help manage diabetes, has anti-aging and anti-cancer effects, and can improve cardiovascular health.
Ginger
Ginger is known for its bioactive properties and is helpful with nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, stomach bugs, diarrhea, arthritis, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is known for its brain-boosting and vascular health benefits. It is also a potent antioxidant. Ginkgo Biloba is taken to improve mental sharpness and memory, even by those with Alzheimer’s disease. Lastly, it is used to help fight against a fatty liver.
Red Ginseng
Its name Ren Shen means “human root” nodding to the human-like shape the root grows into. and It can improve a large number of diseases such as diabetes, anorexia, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, and impotence. It can also improve mental activity, enhance longevity, alleviate digestive issues, and induce sedative/calming effects. It also nourishes and tonifies the spleen, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Red Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and reduces effects of aging by boosting collaagen levels in the skin, which reduces wrinkles, dark spots, and discoloration.
Goji Berries
Goji berries positively affect the liver and kidneys because of their detoxifying properties. Goji berries are a powerful antioxidant and is an excellent source of amino acids and 20 other trace minerals including iron and potassium. They are known for boosting immune function, promoting healthy skin, regulating blood sugar levels, improving mood, promoting healthy skin, protecting eye health, boosting fertility, detoxifying the liver, and fighting cancer. The list of goji berry benefits goes on and on. You can read more about it by clicking the link to the article below.
Licorice
Licorice has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It also helps reduce symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Miso
Miso paste, which is made from fermented beans, has been used for centuries to treat gastric ulcers, inflammation, fatigue, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Miso is full of probiotics that help balance our gut bacteria - the good and the bad. This helps the digestive system by improving its energy to better break down foods and absorb nutrients, which in turn boosts immune function. When buying miso that is fermented, make sure it is certified organic and has been refrigerated with a fermentation time of at least 180 days.
Poultry & Fish Eggs (Roe)
Both poultry and fish eggs promote reproductive health because they are packed with nutrients and important vitamins for reproduction such as B12, vitamin D, and folate. Components of fish roe include antioxidants, vitamins, proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids - all helpful for anti-aging.
Reishi
Reishi is full of antioxidants and other healing properties, making it helpful in preventing heart disease, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Reishi also works as a natural cancer treatment.
Rehmannia
Also known as Chinese foxglove, Rehmannia is commonly used to treat a variety of health concerns including diabetes, weakened bones and skeletal diseases, fever, and allergies. It also improves blood circulation, purifies the kidneys, and treats adrenal fatigue.
Rhubarb (R. officinale)
Not all rhubarb has medicinal qualities. Also known as Dahuang, rhubarb benefits include pain relief, anti-cancer, laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also promotes bone health, heart health, and digestive health. It stops bleeding, including bloody stools and bloody vomiting, treats burns, is used as a cathartic, is good for skin and eyes, and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Proceed with caution if you are using cardiac medications, diuretics, or steroids. If pregnant or nursing, ensure you eat only the stalks and not the leaves, which contain oxalic acid, a toxic compound. Everything consumed in excess can be harmful, so don’t go overboard with the rhubarb to be on the safe side if pregnant or breast feeding.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is produced by worker honey bees to feed the queen bee. It is used to fight respiratory conditions (sore throat, cough, cold & flu), aid digestion, and build endurance. It also supports the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Royal jelly is also used for its protective effects on wound healing, neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and reproductive health. Remember, royal jelly is very potent - you only need half a teaspoon a day to enjoy its benefits.
Seaweed
Seaweed has a range of health benefits that battle chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Different types of seaweed may be used to treat different things. Sargassum is used to treat Hashimoto’s disease, inflammation, cancer, and bacterial and viral infections. Kelp (a brown seaweed) is anti-inflammatory and contains iodine, which supports thyroid and cognitive health as well as protects you from specific kinds of cancer.
Turmeric
Turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health properties. This makes it helpful in treating arthritis, Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and hypertension. It also prevents gallstones and helps to remove mercury from the body.
Chinese Herbs for Specific Issues & General Systems Health
Chinese Herbs for Sleep
Chinese Herbs for Insomnia
Ginseng
Jujube Seed
Chinese Herbs for General Sleep Health
Fo-ti
Chamomile
Passionflower
Ginseng
Jujube Seed
Schisandra Berry
Chinese Herbs to Take During Pregnancy
Codonopsis Root: Also known as Dǎng shēn, this herb boosts Qi and reduces fatigue
Dried Lily Bulb: Calms and relaxes the mind, soothes and promotes lung health, and improves fluid and skin complexion. Dried lily bulb also helps with loss of appetite, vomiting, and nausea.
Astragalus Root: Also known as Huáng qí, this root promotes immune strength and stamina during pregnancy
Orange Peel: Improves qi circulation, bloating, and digestion
Chinese Yam: Has an abundance of vital nutrients, improves the absorption of nutrients, and supports the digestive system and spleen
Ginger: Helpful with nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting
Gotu Kola: Promotes lactation
Chinese Herbs for Fertility
Chinese Herbs to Improve Sperm Quality
Lycium barbarum
Ginger
Ginseng
Chinese Herbs to Boost Fertility
Goji Berries
Female Ginseng (Dong Quai)
Cinnamon
Maca
Chasteberry (Vitex)
Red Clover
Chinese Herbs for Reproductive Health
Menstrual Pain or Irregularities
Ginseng
Chinese Herbs to Increase Libido
Horny Goat Weed
Ginko Biloba
Maca
Chinese Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Ginseng
Maritime Pine Bark
Horny Goat Weed
Chinese Herbs for PCOS
Herbs for General Reproductive Health
Poultry and fish (roe) eggs
Cordyceps
Royal Jelly
Licorice - Helps balance hormones during menopause
Chinese Herbs for Gastrointestinal Issues
Chinese Herbs for Constipation
Rhubarb
Hemp Seed Pill
Miso
Chinese Herbs for Diarrhea
Ginger
Rhubarb
Atractylodes Root
Chinese Herbs for Heart Burn/Acid Reflux
Xiang Fu
Wurfbainia villosa - Sha Ren
Chinese Herbs for Nausea
Ginger
Chinese Herbs to Help Digestion
Miso
Royal Jelly
Chestnuts
Ginger
Red Yeast Rice
Atractylodes Root
Chinese Herbs to Strengthen the Immune System
Chinese Herbs for Diabetes
Ginseng
Rehmannia
Seaweed
Chestnuts
Ginger
Turmeric
Herbs to Boost Overall Immune Function
Miso
Bone Marrow & Bone Broth
Goji Berries
Reishi
Poultry & Fish Eggs
Schisandra
Astragalus
Honeysuckle Flower
Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss
Ginseng
Lotus Leaf (He Ye)
Fu Ling
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Chinese Herbs for Stress Reduction
Fo-ti
Ginseng
Schisandra Berry
Mimosa Tree Bark
Chinese Herbs for Heart Health
Chinese Herbs for Hypertension
Miso
Turmeric
Herbs for General Heart Health
Reishi - prevents heart disease
Fo-ti - Reduces cholesterol
Seaweed
Cinnamon
Ginseng
Red Yeast Rice - reduces cholesterol & improves blood circulation
Rhubarb
Chinese Herbs for Mental Health
Chinese Herbs for Depression
White Peony Root (inhibits the reuptake of serotonin)
St. Johns Wort
Chinese Herbs for Anxiety
Fo-ti
Gotu Kola
White Peony Root
Schisandra Berry
Chinese Herbs for ADHD
Shi Chang Pu
Yuan Zhi
Zhi Shi
Chinese Herbs for Brain Health/Function
Gotu Kola
Ginkgo Biloba
Chestnuts
Kelp (a brown seaweed)
Chinese Herbs for Pain
Chinese Herbs for Migraines
Curcumin
Chinese Herbs for General Pain Relief
Rhubarb - Treats pain caused by blood stagnation and injuries
Safflower Flower (Hong Hua)
Atractylodes Root - Joint pain (rheumatism)
Corydalis Root (Yan Hu Suo)
Licorice
Cinnamon
Frankincense Resin (Ru Xiang)
Turmeric (Jiang Huang)
Angelica Dahurica
Sichuan Lovage Root
Feverfew (Xiao Bai Ju)
Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)
Myrrh Resin (Mo Yao)
Chinese Herbs to Fight Cancer
Goji Berries
Seaweed
Reishi
Oldenlandia diffusa, also known as OD or Bai Hua She She Cao
Turmeric & Curcumin
Astragalus
Scutellaria Barbata
Licorice
Rhubarb
Chinese Herbs for Anti-Aging
Try out the best Chinese herbs for anti-aging!
Ginseng (Ren Shen): Known for its rejuvenating properties, ginseng is believed to enhance vitality, improve mental clarity, and strengthen the immune system. It is often used to combat fatigue, enhance energy, and promote overall well-being.
Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi): Rich in antioxidants, goji berries are said to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote a youthful complexion. They are also thought to enhance longevity by boosting the body's resilience to stress and disease.
Rehmannia (Di Huang): This herb is known for its ability to tonify the kidneys and nourish the blood. It is often used in formulas to address signs of aging such as hair loss, fatigue, and poor memory.
Cinnamon: Rich in antioxidants, which protect against disease and are anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): A powerful anti-aging herb, He Shou Wu is believed to replenish Jing, strengthen the kidneys, and prevent gray hair. It is also used to improve energy, vitality, and sexual health.
Astragalus (Huang Qi): Often used to strengthen the immune system and enhance Qi, astragalus is known for its ability to promote longevity, improve skin elasticity, and support the body’s natural defenses against aging.
Ganoderma lucidum: This is a fungus that can help manage diabetes, has anti-aging and anti-cancer effects, and can improve cardiovascular health.
Fish Roe (Eggs): Include antioxidants, vitamins, proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids - all helpful for anti-aging.
Royal Jelly: This is jelly produced by worker honey bees to feed the queen bee and protect against the effects of aging.
Chinese Herbs for General Wellness
Chinese Herbs for Acne
Fragrant Angelica Root
Honeysuckle Flower
Licorice
Safflower
Skullcap
Chinese Herbs for Smoking Cessation
St Johns Wort
High fever
Rhubarb
Honeysuckle Flower
Cold/Flu
Honeysuckle Flower
Astragalus
Licorice
Fragrant Angelic Root - Relieves congestion, opens nasal passages, cold symotoms, and headaches
Remember…
Make sure you consult with your professional health team. As licensed practitioners of Chinese medicine, our team at Garden Acupuncture can help you choose the right herbs for the symptoms you are experiencing. Book an appointment with us today and feel relief tomorrow!