Ginger is not just a kitchen spice; it is also commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. This article covers ginger’s origin, appearance, medicinal part, traditional understanding, differences from dried ginger, and common formulas, helping readers gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Dried ginger is made from the dried rhizome of ginger and is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine for warming the interior and dispelling cold. This article provides a systematic reference on identifying dried ginger, its medicinal part, TCM understanding, differences from fresh ginger, classic formulas containing dried ginger, and usage precautions, for those interested in Chinese herbal medicine.
Perilla leaf is the dried leaf of the plant Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae), commonly used for managing wind-cold common cold, stomach discomfort, and related patterns. This article covers leaf identification, the medicinal parts, differences from perilla stem and perilla seed, and classic formulas such as Xiang Su San, Xing Su San, Huoxiang Zhengqi San, and Banxia Houpo Tang. It outlines traditional understanding and modern research points of interest for perilla leaf, together with precautions for use. Suitable for readers seeking a systematic overview of perilla leaf.
Fang Feng is the dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata, a plant in the Apiaceae family. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to dispel wind, release the exterior, overcome dampness, and relieve pain. This article provides a clear scientific reference for readers who want to learn about Fang Feng, covering its appearance, medicinal parts, differences from Notopterygium and Schizonepeta, common formulas containing Fang Feng, and usage precautions.
Schizonepeta is the dried aerial part of the Lamiaceae plant Schizonepeta tenuifolia, known for its distinctive aroma and commonly used in Chinese medicine to disperse wind and release the exterior. This article offers a clear reference covering visual identification, medicinal parts, traditional understanding, differences from Saposhnikovia, and common formulas along with usage considerations.
Qiang Huo is a commonly used exterior-releasing and wind-dispelling medicinal in traditional Chinese medicine. This article provides a systematic and objective scientific reference for overseas Chinese readers, covering its appearance, medicinal part, TCM theory understanding, differences from Du Huo, classic formulas containing Qiang Huo, and practical precautions.
Bai Zhi is the dried root of Angelica dahurica or Angelica dahurica var. formosana, commonly used in traditional formulas for releasing the exterior, dispersing cold, and unblocking the nasal orifices. This article outlines the botanical features, medicinal parts, traditional Chinese medicine understanding, common formulas, and safety considerations of Bai Zhi, providing objective reference information for overseas TCM enthusiasts.
What is rhubarb? Its medicinal part is the root and rhizome, identifiable by features like “star spots” and “brocade lines.” Unlike Rumex (tu da huang), it should not be used interchangeably. This article introduces identification, common formulas, and precautions for rhubarb.
Rehmannia is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine for regulating blood disorders, heat patterns, and yin deficiency. Its medicinal part is the tuberous root. This article covers the visual identification of fresh rehmannia, raw rehmannia, and prepared rehmannia, their nature, taste, and meridian tropism, as well as their use in well-known formulas, helping readers build a foundational understanding of this herb.
Many people confuse raw and prepared Rehmannia root. This article systematically explains its processing origin, visual identification, medicinal part, and representative formulas to help readers more clearly understand this widely used yin-nourishing and blood-tonifying herb.
Huang Jing is a mild tonic herb. This article outlines its appearance, the part used medicinally, its traditional Chinese medicine applications, and important usage notes to help you build an objective understanding.
Turmeric is the dried rhizome of the turmeric plant, steamed or boiled and then dried. This article introduces the physical identification features, medicinal part, differences from Curcuma Radix (Yujin), and mentions classical formulas like Juanbi Decoction, helping readers recognize this traditional Chinese medicinal substance accurately.
San Qi is the root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng, a plant in the Araliaceae family, mainly produced in Yunnan and Guangxi. This article provides an objective reference on its visual identification, medicinal parts, common formulas, and safe use.
Pollen Typhae is the dried pollen of cattail plants, bright yellow, fine-textured, and easily airborne. This article outlines its identification features, the difference between raw and charred use, common formula examples, and precautions.
Ephedra (Mahuang) is a common Chinese herbal medicine, using its herbaceous stems as the medicinal part. Due to ephedrine alkaloids, it is strictly regulated. This article introduces its identification methods, differences from Ephedra root, common formulas, and precautions for use, helping to rationally understand this herb.
