Digupi is the dried root bark of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to cool blood, clear deficiency heat, and clear lung heat, this article provides a systematic overview covering visual identification, harvest of root bark, differences from Moutan Cortex, and common formulas like Xie Bai San, while cautioning those with spleen-stomach deficiency cold or external heat.
Hu Huang Lian, derived from the dried rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to clear deficiency heat, relieve infantile nutritional impairment heat, and drain damp-heat. This article covers visual identification, the medicinal plant part, differences from Huang Lian, common formulas, and precautions, providing a comprehensive reference for overseas readers.
Bai Wei is a commonly used herb for clearing heat and cooling the blood, sourced from the dried roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum or Cynanchum versicolor. This article systematically introduces its morphological features, medicinal parts, differentiation from Bai Qian and Di Gu Pi, traditional formula applications, and precautions for use, offering a reference for overseas TCM enthusiasts.
Mirabilite is a crystalline mineral medicine containing sodium sulfate, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine formulas for purgation and bowel movement. This article introduces the appearance identification, medicinal source, differences from Xuanming powder and table salt, and the application thoughts and safety precautions of classic formulas such as Da Cheng Qi Tang.
Huo Ma Ren is the dried mature fruit of Cannabis sativa, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to moisten the intestines, promote bowel movements, and nourish deficiency. This article introduces its appearance, medicinal parts, differences from Yu Li Ren and flaxseed, and classic formulas containing it such as Ma Zi Ren Wan and Run Chang Wan, along with key usage precautions.
Yu Li Ren comes from the mature seeds of plants such as Prunus humilis and Prunus japonica, and is one of the commonly used moistening laxative herbs in Chinese medicine. This article systematically covers its visual identification, medicinal part, traditional understanding, differences from Hemp Seed and Peach Kernel, and its applications in formulas like Five Seed Pill and Intestine-Moistening Pill, along with safety precautions during use.
Senna leaf is a commonly used stimulant laxative in Chinese medicine, derived from the dried leaflets of Cassia angustifolia or Cassia acutifolia. This article covers identification, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, differences from rhubarb, common preparations, and precautions to help readers understand its traditional role and modern safety knowledge.
Aloe vera in Chinese medicine is not the fresh translucent gel inside the leaf but a solid mass made by concentrating and drying the leaf juice. This article covers the visual identification of medicinal aloe, its medicinal parts, how TCM understands it, how it differs from aloe gel, common formulas containing aloe, and safety precautions, offering a clear reference for those who want to understand this herbal substance.
Croton Seed Cake is a toxic processed herbal material made by pressing most of the fatty oil from the seed kernels of Croton tiglium. It is strictly restricted in use. This article provides an objective, science-based introduction covering visual identification, medicinal origin, traditional understanding, modern toxicity, and precautions, helping overseas Chinese readers correctly recognize this high-risk Chinese herb.
Gansui is the dried root tuber of Euphorbia kansui, traditionally used to drain water, expel retained fluids, reduce swelling, and resolve masses. This article covers visual identification, the medicinal part, differences from Jingdaji (Euphorbia pekinensis), and classic formulas such as Shizao Decoction, aiming to help readers build a foundational understanding while emphasizing its toxicity and the principle that it should not be used without professional guidance.
Peking spurge (Jing Da Ji) is the dried root of Euphorbia pekinensis, a toxic herb used as a drastic purgative to expel retained water. This article covers its identification, medicinal parts, TCM perspective, toxicity research, differences from similar herbs, classic formulas, and safety precautions, providing a comprehensive overview of its traditional use and risks.
Plantago seed comes from the mature seeds of Plantago asiatica or Plantago depressa and is a common diuretic damp-draining herb. This article details its appearance, medicinal part, traditional Chinese medicine understanding, common formulas, and important usage details, serving as a reference for readers who want a systematic understanding of Plantago seed.
Plantain herb is the dried whole plant of Plantago asiatica or Plantago depressa, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. This article covers plant identification, medicinal parts, differences from plantain seeds, and common formulas that include plantain herb, along with key precautions for use.
Talc is the massive form of the silicate mineral talc, often used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat and promote diuresis. This article introduces its identification tips, medicinal origin, differences from gypsum, and common formulas such as Liu Yi San and Ba Zheng San, with usage precautions to help overseas readers safely understand this mineral medicine.
Genkwa flower is the dried flower bud of the Thymelaeaceae plant Daphne genkwa, traditionally classified as a drastic water-expelling purgative. This article will introduce you to its appearance, the part used medicinally, how it differs from clove, common formulas such as Ten Jujube Decoction, and its associated risks.
