Top 10 Chinese Herbs You Should Know
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to promote balance, vitality, and healing. At the heart of TCM lies herbal medicine—a sophisticated system using plants to treat everything from fatigue to inflammation. Whether you're new to TCM or looking to deepen your knowledge, here are 10 essential Chinese herbs everyone should know.
1. Ginseng (Ren Shen / 人参)
Main Benefits: Boosts energy, strengthens immunity, improves mental focus.
Ginseng is a legendary herb known for its adaptogenic properties. Often used to treat fatigue, stress, and low immunity, it's considered a Qi (vital energy) tonic.
2. Astragalus (Huang Qi / 黄芪)
Main Benefits: Strengthens the immune system, supports recovery, combats fatigue.
This sweet, warming root is widely used to boost Wei Qi (defensive energy), helping the body fight infections and recover faster.
3. Licorice Root (Gan Cao / 甘草)
Main Benefits: Soothes sore throat, harmonizes other herbs, reduces inflammation.
A common ingredient in many TCM formulas, licorice balances the formula and the body. It’s also great for digestion and respiratory issues.
4. Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang / 熟地黄)
Main Benefits: Nourishes blood, supports kidney and liver function.
Often used for blood deficiency symptoms such as dizziness, pale skin, or irregular menstruation. It’s a key herb in women’s health.
5. Dang Gui (当归 / Angelica Sinensis)
Main Benefits: Promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain.
Known as the “female ginseng,” Dang Gui is a top herb for women’s reproductive health. It’s used for menstrual pain, fatigue, and skin nourishment.
6. Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi / 枸杞子)
Main Benefits: Nourishes liver and kidneys, supports vision, boosts energy.
These small red berries are rich in antioxidants and are often used in soups, teas, and snacks. Great for eye health and anti-aging.
7. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi / 五味子)
Main Benefits: Enhances concentration, calms the mind, protects the liver.
Its name means “five-flavor berry” because it contains all five tastes. Schisandra supports stress management and mental clarity.
8. Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao / 冬虫夏草)
Main Benefits: Boosts stamina, strengthens lungs and kidneys, enhances libido.
Cordyceps is a rare fungus valued for improving athletic performance, respiratory health, and overall vitality.
9. Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua / 菊花)
Main Benefits: Clears heat, improves eye health, relieves headaches.
Often used in tea, this flower is great for cooling the body and reducing eye strain, especially after screen time.
10. Peony Root (Bai Shao / 白芍)
Main Benefits: Nourishes blood, calms liver, relieves muscle cramps.
Used to support emotional balance and physical relaxation, peony root is a favorite for easing PMS, stress, and irritability.
Chinese herbs offer a natural path to wellness, grounded in thousands of years of wisdom. Whether you’re dealing with stress, low immunity, or fatigue, these ten herbs provide a foundation for balance and healing.