Radix Adenophorae, the dried root of Adenophora tetraphylla or Adenophora stricta, is traditionally used to nourish yin, clear the lungs, benefit the stomach, generate fluids, resolve phlegm, and supplement qi. This article introduces its identification, medicinal parts, differences from Radix Glehniae, and traditional formulas such as Shashen Maidong Decoction to build a systematic understanding of this herb.
Schisandra is named for its complete five flavors and is a commonly used astringent herb. This article provides a systematic introduction to schisandra, covering appearance identification, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, modern research, differences from southern schisandra, common formulas, and usage precautions, helping you understand this traditional medicinal herb more safely.
Jujube (Da Zao) is both a common food and a deeply traditional Chinese medicinal substance. This article introduces the appearance characteristics, medicinal parts, differences from black date and longan fruit, and common formulas such as Guizhi Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction, along with usage precautions.
Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees from nectar and is also a traditional Chinese medicinal material. This article provides a comprehensive popular science reference, covering appearance identification, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, modern research, differences from similar products, common formulas, and precautions for use.
Gui Zhi is taken from the young branches of the cinnamon tree and is a commonly used exterior-releasing and warming-communicating substance in Chinese medicine. This article introduces its physical characteristics, medicinal parts, traditional actions, differences from cinnamon bark, and its use in classic formulas such as Gui Zhi Tang and Ma Huang Tang, along with situations and constitutions that require caution.
Suan Zao Ren is the dried ripe seed of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to nourish the heart, calm the mind, and astringe sweat. This article outlines its appearance, medicinal part, differences from Bai Zi Ren, and its role in formulas such as Suan Zao Ren Tang and Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, providing an objective reference for overseas Chinese readers.
Bai Zi Ren is the dried ripe kernel of Chinese arborvitae, traditionally used to nourish the heart, calm the mind, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. This article covers appearance identification, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, differences from Suan Zao Ren, and common formulas for a comprehensive, objective overview.
Longan aril is the dried aril of the fruit of Dimocarpus longan, appearing as yellowish-brown, translucent thin slices. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to tonify the heart and spleen, nourish blood, and calm the mind. This article examines its characteristics, medicinal part, traditional understanding, comparisons with similar substances, and common formulas.
As a familiar traditional ingredient, Ejiao often appears in tonic formulas. This article provides a systematic overview, covering Ejiao’s appearance identification, its donkey-hide medicinal part, its understanding from a TCM perspective, how to distinguish it from similar materials, and common formulas, offering a reference for readers who want a deeper insight into Ejiao.
Deer antler velvet is the young, unossified antler of male deer, covered with fine hairs and having a unique honeycomb-like cross-section. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to warm and tonify kidney yang and replenish essence and blood. This article introduces identification methods, the medicinal parts, differences from deer antler glue, and common formulas containing deer antler velvet, along with usage precautions.
Cordyceps sinensis is a complex formed by a fungus parasitizing ghost moth larvae. In traditional Chinese medicine it is commonly used to tonify the kidney and replenish the lung, and to stop bleeding and resolve phlegm. This article outlines its morphological identification, medicinal parts, common formulas, and precautions for use, offering an objective reference for readers interested in Cordyceps.
Lingzhi (Ganoderma) is the dried fruiting body of the polypore fungus Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has long been used to supplement qi, calm the spirit, and relieve cough and wheezing. This article introduces Lingzhi’s appearance, medicinal parts, formulas and basic information about this commonly used Chinese herb.
Rhodiola rosea is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb whose roots and rhizomes are used for medicine. Because it grows in cold, high-altitude areas, it has unique properties for tonifying qi and activating blood. This article covers appearance identification, medicinal parts, traditional Chinese medicine understanding, modern research, differentiation from similar herbs, common formulas, and precautions, helping readers build basic knowledge of Rhodiola rosea.
Ci Wu Jia is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine and modern herbal health, derived from the root and rhizome or stem of Acanthopanax senticosus. It is named for its dense, fine prickles on the branches. This article provides a systematic overview of its visual identification, medicinal parts, traditional understanding, differences from similar herbs, common dosage forms, and usage precautions.
White hyacinth bean is the mature seed of the legume plant Dolichos lablab. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to strengthen the spleen, transform dampness, harmonize the middle jiao, and relieve summerheat. This article takes readers through its visual identification, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, modern components, differences from similar herbs, and common formulas containing white hyacinth bean, providing a balanced look at its characteristics and usage.
