Essential Chinese Herbs and Their Therapeutic Benefits
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) has been practiced for thousands of years, using natural substances to restore balance, strengthen the body, and support overall health. Below are 20 foundational Chinese herbs, commonly used in modern clinical practice, with their primary therapeutic actions explained.
Dr. Young C Jang, L.Ac., D.Ac.
1/7/20264 min read
Ginseng (人参, Ren Shen)
Suggested image: Ginseng root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Ren Shen powerfully tonifies Qi, especially of the Lung and Spleen. It enhances energy, supports immune function, improves cognitive performance, and promotes recovery from fatigue or chronic illness.
Astragalus Root (黄芪, Huang Qi)
Suggested image: Sliced astragalus root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Huang Qi strengthens defensive Qi (Wei Qi), boosts immunity, supports wound healing, and improves stamina. It is widely used for recurrent infections and chronic weakness.
Angelica Sinensis (当归, Dang Gui)
Suggested image: Dang Gui root slices
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Dang Gui nourishes and invigorates Blood, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain, and promotes circulation. It is a key herb in women’s health formulas.
Licorice Root (甘草, Gan Cao)
Suggested image: Licorice root sticks
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Gan Cao harmonizes herbal formulas, soothes spasms, supports digestion, and reduces toxicity. It also moistens the Lung and relieves cough.
Rehmannia Root (熟地黄, Shu Di Huang)
Suggested image: Prepared rehmannia root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Shu Di Huang strongly nourishes Blood and Yin, supports kidney health, and is commonly used for anemia, dizziness, tinnitus, and aging-related conditions.
Peony Root (白芍, Bai Shao)
Suggested image: White peony root slices
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Bai Shao nourishes Blood, preserves Yin, softens the Liver, and alleviates muscle spasms or abdominal pain. It is often used for stress-related disorders.
Cinnamon Twig (桂枝, Gui Zhi)
Suggested image: Cinnamon twigs
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Gui Zhi warms the meridians, improves circulation, releases the exterior, and alleviates cold-induced pain, especially in joints and muscles.
Ginger (生姜, Sheng Jiang)
Suggested image: Fresh ginger root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Sheng Jiang warms the middle burner, improves digestion, stops nausea, and enhances circulation. It also helps protect the stomach when other herbs are used.
Schisandra Berry (五味子, Wu Wei Zi)
Suggested image: Schisandra berries
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Wu Wei Zi stabilizes and binds, supports Lung and Kidney function, improves endurance, reduces excessive sweating, and enhances mental focus.
Goji Berry (枸杞子, Gou Qi Zi)
Suggested image: Goji berries
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Gou Qi Zi nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, supports vision, enhances immune health, and promotes healthy aging.
Poria Mushroom (茯苓, Fu Ling)
Suggested image: Poria mushroom slices
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Fu Ling strengthens the Spleen, drains dampness, calms the mind, and supports digestion and urinary health.
Atractylodes (白术, Bai Zhu)
Suggested image: Atractylodes root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen, improves digestion, reduces edema, and enhances immune function.
Chinese Skullcap (黄芩, Huang Qin)
Suggested image: Skullcap root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Huang Qin clears heat and dampness, supports respiratory and gastrointestinal health, and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Coptis Root (黄连, Huang Lian)
Suggested image: Coptis rhizome
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Huang Lian clears intense heat, resolves toxicity, and is commonly used for digestive infections and inflammatory conditions.
Eucommia Bark (杜仲, Du Zhong)
Suggested image: Eucommia bark strips
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Du Zhong tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens tendons and bones, and is widely used for lower back pain and joint weakness.
Ligusticum (川芎, Chuan Xiong)
Suggested image: Ligusticum rhizome
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Chuan Xiong invigorates Blood, promotes circulation, and is particularly effective for headaches and menstrual pain.
Lotus Seed (莲子, Lian Zi)
Suggested image: Dried lotus seeds
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Lian Zi strengthens the Spleen, nourishes the Heart, calms the spirit, and supports digestive and emotional balance.
Mulberry Fruit (桑葚, Sang Shen)
Suggested image: Mulberries
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Sang Shen nourishes Blood and Yin, supports digestion, and is beneficial for dryness, constipation, and fatigue.
Pinellia Rhizome (半夏, Ban Xia)
Suggested image: Processed pinellia root
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Ban Xia transforms phlegm, stops nausea, and harmonizes the stomach. It is commonly used for cough, dizziness, and digestive disorders.
Jujube Date (大枣, Da Zao)
Suggested image: Red jujube dates
Therapeutic effectiveness:
Da Zao tonifies Qi and Blood, supports digestion, calms the mind, and harmonizes herbal formulas.