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Bichengqie (Litsea cubeba) is often used in traditional formulas as one of the options for warming the middle and dispersing cold. Its official source differs between regions. This article introduces its appearance and identification, medicinal part, traditional Chinese medicine understanding, comparisons, common formulas, and precautions, helping you gain a clear reference when learning about this fruit-based medicinal.

Pepper is both a kitchen spice and an interior-warming medicinal commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. This article systematically reviews the characteristics of pepper’s nearly mature fruit, the processing differences between black and white pepper, the traditional Chinese medicine approach of warming the middle and directing qi downward, and common formulas such as Pepper Center-Regulating Pill. It also reminds people with yin deficiency with effulgent fire, stomach heat, and similar patterns to use pepper with particular caution.

Chuan Niuxi is the dried root of the amaranth family plant Cyathula officinalis. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to remove blood stasis and promote menstruation, ease joint movement, and guide blood downward. This article explains what Chuan Niuxi is, systematically reviews its identifying features, medicinal root part, and differences from Huai Niuxi, discusses the use of formulas such as Tianma Gouteng Yin, and notes related precautions to help overseas readers gain a comprehensive understanding of this medicinal herb.

Spatholobus stem is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb for activating blood and nourishing blood, derived from the dried vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus. This article reviews its appearance characteristics, medicinal part, common formulas, and precautions, and compares spatholobus stem with fevervine and sargentodoxa stem to help readers understand this traditional medicinal material more accurately.

Lingxiao flower is the dried flower of Campsis grandiflora or Campsis radicans. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to invigorate blood, unblock menstruation, cool blood, and dispel wind. This article introduces its appearance, medicinal parts, differences from safflower, common formulas, and safety precautions.

Sumu comes from the dried heartwood of the legume plant Caesalpinia sappan. It is widely used in Chinese medicine traumatology and in resolving blood stasis. This article provides overseas readers with a systematic introduction, covering visual identification, medicinal parts, differences from similar herbs, and classic formulas containing Sumu.

Gusuibu is a commonly used Chinese medicinal derived from the dried rhizome of Drynaria fortunei. It is sand-parched to remove hairs before use and appears as a flat, elongated strip with brown scales. Traditionally it is used for traumatic injuries and kidney deficiency-related low back pain. This article outlines its identification, medicinal part, differences from Dipsacus and Cibotium, common formulas, and cautions such as yin deficiency with fire.

Dragon’s blood is a traditional remedy valued in traumatology, derived from the resin of the palm plant Daemonorops draco. This article covers its appearance and identification, medicinal source, traditional actions, and differences from myrrh and frankincense, and also outlines common formulas such as Qili San to help readers build a systematic understanding.

Frankincense is a traditional resinous medicinal that is often misunderstood because of its appearance and effects. This article systematically explains its medicinal source, granule appearance, differences from myrrh and benzoin, common blood-activating trauma formulas, and usage precautions, helping readers understand what frankincense is and how to view its traditional applications correctly.

Myrrh is an oleo-gum resin exuded by plants in the Burseraceae family. It commonly appears as irregular reddish-brown granules with a distinctive aroma. This article introduces myrrh’s appearance and identification, medicinal part, TCM understanding, differences from frankincense and dragon’s blood, and common formulas such as Huoluo Xiaoling Dan, as well as precautions for use.

Wulingzhi is derived from the dried feces of animals such as Trogopterus xanthipes and is used as medicine after standardized processing. This article introduces the key identification points of lump and granular forms, its traditional blood-activating and pain-relieving actions, differences from Puhuang and Cansha, as well as common formulas such as Shixiao San and Shaofu Zhuyu Tang, and explains contraindications and safety precautions.

Yan Hu Suo, also known as Yuan Hu, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to invigorate blood and move qi. This article covers its appearance, tuber medicinal part, differences from Yu Jin and Chuan Xiong, and several common formulas containing Yan Hu Suo to help build a basic understanding.

Ezhu comes from the dried rhizome of plants in the ginger family and is often used in Chinese medicine to regulate qi and blood stasis and food accumulation. This article provides a clear guide for overseas readers, covering plant morphology, medicinal parts, traditional understanding, differences from Yujin and Sanleng, common formulas, and precautions.

San Leng is the dried tuber of Sparganium stoloniferum with the outer skin removed, and its name comes from the knife-cut ridges often visible on the surface. This article introduces its appearance, medicinal part, differences from Ezhu and Xiangfu, common formulas, and precautions for use.

Pyrite (Zirantong) is a mineral medicine commonly used in traditional Chinese traumatology. Composed mainly of iron disulfide, it is traditionally used to disperse blood stasis, relieve pain, and promote bone healing. This article explains its identification, medicinal processing, common formulas, and safety considerations to help overseas readers understand this medicine correctly.