Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) is a Chinese herb derived from the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, commonly used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi, and dry dampness while promoting urination. This article covers its visual identification, medicinal parts, traditional understanding, modern research, comparison with similar herbs, and common formulas.
Poria is very common in Chinese medicine, but is often confused with Tu Fu Ling (Smilax glabra). This article introduces its medicinal parts, identification methods, common formula combinations, and usage precautions, suitable for those who want to understand the basics of Poria.
Many people have tasted the mild sweetness of licorice in herbal formulas, herbal teas, or even snacks. This seemingly ordinary yet versatile herb often acts as a “harmonizer” in traditional formulas. This article systematically reviews the characteristics of licorice, its understanding in traditional Chinese medicine, and common formulas, while distinguishing between raw and honey-fried licorice to give readers a thorough overview.
Honey-fried licorice is prepared licorice root processed with honey, clearly distinct from raw licorice in both appearance and application. This article introduces its medicinal part, identification tips, common classical formulas, and precautions, helping readers correctly understand this widely used Chinese herb.
Dang Gui is the dried root of Angelica sinensis, commonly used as a blood-nourishing and blood-invigorating herb. This article introduces how to identify Dang Gui through its appearance, clarifies its medicinal parts, reviews TCM perspectives and related modern research, compares it with Chuanxiong and Baishao, and lists common formulas containing Dang Gui along with precautions.
Bai Shao is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, a plant in the Ranunculaceae family. After boiling and peeling, it becomes whitish. This article introduces its identifying features, differences from Chi Shao, common formulas, and usage precautions, helping readers gain a basic understanding of this widely used Chinese herb.
Red peony root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora or Paeonia veitchii, commonly used as a heat-clearing, blood-cooling herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Learning to identify it by appearance, understanding its medicinal part, and recognizing its role in herbal formulas helps build a comprehensive understanding of this material.
Chuanxiong is the dried rhizome of a plant in the Apiaceae family, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to invigorate blood, promote qi circulation, dispel wind, and relieve pain. This article covers identification tips, the medicinal part used, how it differs from similar herbs, and common formulas for informational purposes.
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.
Niuhuang, also known as cow bezoar, is a dry stone formed in the gallbladder or bile duct of cattle. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to clear the heart, open the orifices, cool the liver, and extinguish wind. This article systematically introduces Niuhuang from the perspectives of identification features, medicinal parts, TCM understanding, modern research, and common formulas, while also reminding about precautions for use.
Goji berry, the ripe fruit of Lycium barbarum, is a widely used food and medicinal ingredient. What are its key features? Which part is used medicinally? How does it differ from glossy privet fruit and black goji berry? What role does it play in formulas like Qi Ju Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan? This article provides a systematic introduction to goji berry for overseas readers.
Chinese yam comes from the rhizome of Dioscorea opposita and is a classic example of “medicine and food homology.” This article covers its appearance, medicinal parts, traditional Chinese medicine insights, differences from Tianhuafen, and classic formulas that contain Chinese yam, offering a comprehensive look at this common medicinal ingredient.
