Andrographis is the dried aerial part of Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae), known for its extremely bitter taste. This article covers its morphological identification, medicinal parts, TCM approach, differences from similar herbs, common preparations, and precautions—ideal for overseas Chinese readers who want a systematic understanding of Andrographis.
Tu Fu Ling is the dried rhizome of Smilax glabra, not a fungal medicinal. This article introduces its morphological identification, medicinal part, TCM understanding, differences from Fu Ling, common formulas such as Tu Fu Ling Decoction, Sou Feng Jie Du Decoction, Wu Bao San, and usage precautions.
Bai Jiang Cao comes from the dried whole herb of Patrinia scabiosifolia or Patrinia villosa, with a distinctive fermented odor. Traditionally used for clearing heat, resolving toxicity, draining pus, and dispelling stasis, this article provides a clear reference covering appearance, medicinal parts, differentiation from similar herbs, and representative formulas.
Gentian root, the dried root and rhizome of Gentianaceae plants, is known for its intense bitterness and commonly used to clear liver and gallbladder damp-heat. This article outlines its identification features, medicinal parts, traditional applications, and formulas like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with cautions on its bitter-cold nature harming the stomach.
Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) is the dried root commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat, dry dampness, dispel parasites, and promote diuresis. This article provides a science-based overview, covering visual identification, medicinal parts, differences from Huang Bai (Phellodendron bark) and Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus root bark), example formulas, and usage precautions, to build a foundational understanding of Ku Shen.
Wild chrysanthemum is the dried flower head of Chrysanthemum indicum, small, yellow, bitter and acrid, often used to clear heat, resolve toxins, drain fire and calm the liver. This article outlines key identification points, the medicinal part, differences from florist’s chrysanthemum, and common formulas, along with precautions for use, for overseas Chinese readers seeking a systematic understanding of this herb.
She Gan (Belamcanda chinensis rhizome) is the dried rhizome of the Iris family plant Belamcanda chinensis, a commonly used heat-clearing and phlegm-resolving herb in traditional Chinese medicine. This article offers a systematic introduction to She Gan, covering its appearance identification, medicinal part, traditional uses, how to distinguish it from similar herbs, and common formulas, along with precautions for use.
Ma Bo is a unique medicinal material derived from fungi. This article provides a systematic overview of Ma Bo for overseas readers, covering visual identification, medicinal parts, traditional Chinese understanding, differences from Hai Jin Sha and Pu Huang, and common formulas such as Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, along with usage precautions.
Xiang Ru is a plant in the Lamiaceae family often used for summer colds with internal dampness. This article covers its appearance, medicinal parts, differences from Huo Xiang, and classic formulas like Xiang Ru San to help readers understand this herb.
Xi Xin is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that requires strictly regulated use. Its root and rhizome are the official medicinal parts. This article systematically introduces Xi Xin through its appearance, medicinal parts, common formulas, and key safety precautions.
Gypsum is a commonly used mineral medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, not the same as plaster used in construction. This article guides you through recognizing the fibrous crystal appearance, understanding the medicinal part and processing, differentiating the functions of raw and calcined gypsum, and introducing classic formulas that contain gypsum, helping to build a cognitive framework for safe use.
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu) is one of the commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat, purging fire, and nourishing yin to moisten dryness. It comes from the dried rhizome of the Anemarrhena asphodeloides plant. This article covers visual identification, medicinal parts, the difference from Phellodendron, and classic formulas containing Anemarrhena, helping overseas readers systematically understand its morphology, traditional applications, and precautions for use. It provides a clear reference for daily understanding of Chinese herbs, suitable for overseas TCM enthusiasts.
Gardenia is the ripe fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, a plant in the Rubiaceae family, and a commonly used heat-clearing herb in Chinese medicine. This article covers what gardenia looks like, its medicinal parts, how it differs from herbs such as coptis and scutellaria, introduces common formulas that include gardenia, and explains precautions for use, offering overseas readers a clear reference guide.
Kudzu root is a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine formulas as well as a food processed into kudzu powder. This article introduces the source, medicinal parts, appearance, differences from sweet kudzu, common formulas, and precautions for use, providing a clear reference for overseas Chinese.
Dan Dou Chi is not a regular cooking condiment but a medicinal product made from soybeans through a specific fermentation process. This article systematically introduces its appearance, medicinal origin, key differences from edible fermented soybeans, and common formulas such as Zhizichi Decoction, along with reminders about processing methods and allergy concerns during use.
