Traditional Chinese Medicine Herb Library
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herb Library
A comprehensive clinical reference covering 50 foundational TCM herbs across 9 therapeutic categories. Each herb includes its primary indications, key mechanisms, classical TCM function, and modern research applications. Purple-badged herbs include full deep-dive articles.
CAT 1: Adaptogenic & Qi Tonics
Herbs that strengthen the body's adaptive capacity, build foundational Qi, and support HPA axis resilience. The cornerstones of preventive and restorative TCM medicine.
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Master immune tonic and Qi builder. Upregulates NK cells, T-cells, and telomerase. First-line adaptogen for chronic fatigue, immune deficiency, and cancer adjunct support.
🟣 Deep DiveReishi (Ling Zhi)
The mushroom of immortality. Triterpenes modulate NF-κB, polysaccharides enhance Th1 immunity. Adaptogen, sleep modulator, and anti-tumor agent.
🟣 Deep DiveSchisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
Five-flavor berry. Adaptogen, hepatoprotective, and cognitive enhancer. Modulates cortisol, improves work accuracy under stress, supports liver detox phase I & II.
🟣 Deep DiveGinseng (Ren Shen)
Panax ginseng — the king of tonics. Ginsenosides modulate HPA axis, enhance cognition, and improve insulin sensitivity. Differentiating Panax vs. American vs. Siberian.
Qi TonicEleuthero (Ci Wu Jia)
Siberian ginseng. Adaptogen for physical endurance and immune resilience. Eleutherosides modulate cortisol and support adrenal recovery without stimulation.
Qi TonicCodonopsis (Dang Shen)
Gentle Qi tonic and ginseng substitute. Strengthens Spleen and Lung Qi, improves digestion, and supports immune function. Safe for long-term and pediatric use.
CAT 2: Anti-Inflammatory & Pain
Herbs that move Blood and Qi, dispel Wind-Damp, and reduce inflammatory signaling at the biochemical level. Core herbs for chronic pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal conditions.
Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo)
The TCM analgesic. L-THP alkaloid binds dopamine receptors and inhibits COX-2. Evidence-based for chronic pain, headache, dysmenorrhea, and addictive behavior modulation.
Wind-DampQiang Huo
Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp from the upper body. Used for acute neck/shoulder pain, headache from wind invasion, and febrile conditions with body aches.
Wind-DampDu Huo
Lower body Wind-Damp herb. First-line for lower back pain, sciatica, and knee/hip arthritis from Damp-Bi obstruction. Often paired with Qiang Huo for full-body coverage.
Blood MoverFrankincense (Ru Xiang)
Boswellia serrata. Inhibits 5-LOX (leukotriene pathway). Evidence-based for osteoarthritis, IBD, and asthma. Moves Qi and Blood, stops pain, reduces swelling.
Blood MoverMyrrh (Mo Yao)
Commiphora myrrha. Paired with Frankincense for synergistic analgesia and blood stasis resolution. Antimicrobial and wound-healing properties; used topically and internally.
Wind-DampClematis (Wei Ling Xian)
Clears Wind-Damp, unblocks channels, and stops pain. Used for joint stiffness, limb numbness, and bone spurs. Also traditionally used to soften fish bones.
CAT 3: Immune Modulating & Antiviral
Herbs that clear Heat and Toxins, modulate innate and adaptive immunity, and demonstrate direct antiviral activity. Essential for acute infections, chronic viral load, and immune dysregulation.
Andrographis (Chuan Xin Lian)
King of bitters. Andrographolide inhibits NF-κB, reduces viral replication, and shortens upper respiratory infections. Evidence in COVID-19, influenza, and HIV adjunct protocols.
🟣 Deep DiveIsatis (Ban Lan Gen)
Classic TCM antiviral. Indirubin and sinigrin inhibit viral neuraminidase. Used in China for influenza, herpes, mumps, and COVID-19 prevention protocols.
Heat-ToxinHoneysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)
Lonicera japonica. Clears Heat and resolves Toxin. Chlorogenic acid inhibits multiple respiratory viruses. First-line herb in Chinese COVID and influenza formulas (Lianhua Qingwen).
Heat-ToxinForsythia (Lian Qiao)
Paired with Honeysuckle in Yin Qiao San. Forsythoside A demonstrates antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. Clears Heat from the upper burner and skin.
Immune TonicLigustrum (Nu Zhen Zi)
Yin tonic with immune-modulating properties. Oleanolic acid upregulates white blood cell production. Used post-chemotherapy and for chronic immune deficiency with Yin deficiency signs.
Immune TonicCordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)
The caterpillar mushroom. Cordycepin modulates NK cells, supports ATP production, and improves VO2 max. Used for immune recovery, chronic fatigue, and respiratory insufficiency.
CAT 4: Cardiovascular & Blood
Herbs that invigorate Blood, dissolve stasis, and support cardiovascular integrity. Core herbs for heart disease, circulatory disorders, and menstrual conditions.
Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Premier cardiovascular herb. Tanshinones inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce LDL oxidation, and protect cardiac mitochondria. Approved drug in China for angina and stroke prevention.
Blood MoverSafflower (Hong Hua)
Carthamus tinctorius. Invigorates Blood and dissolves stasis. Used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, cardiovascular disease, and traumatic injury. Potent platelet inhibitor — caution with anticoagulants.
Blood MoverChuan Xiong (Ligusticum)
Head-ascending Blood mover. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) crosses the blood-brain barrier, inhibits platelet aggregation, and improves cerebral microcirculation. Used for headache, stroke recovery.
CardiovascularHawthorn (Shan Zha)
Crataegus. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins improve coronary blood flow, reduce LDL, and provide mild ACE-inhibiting activity. Evidence-based for hypertension and heart failure adjunct.
CardiovascularKudzu (Ge Gen)
Pueraria lobata. Isoflavones (puerarin, daidzein) reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and demonstrate neuroprotective effects. Used for hypertension, diabetes, and alcohol cravings.
Blood TonicDong Quai (Dang Gui)
The female ginseng. Blood tonic and mover. Ferulic acid inhibits platelet aggregation and modulates estrogen receptors. First-line herb for menstrual disorders, anemia, and post-partum recovery.
CAT 5: Digestive & Hepatic
Herbs that strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, drain Damp, and protect and regenerate liver function. Essential for digestive insufficiency, dysbiosis, and hepatic conditions.
Berberine / Coptis (Huang Lian)
AMPK activator, antimicrobial, and glucose regulator. Head-to-head with metformin for T2DM. Remodels gut microbiome and reduces SIBO. The most clinically researched TCM alkaloid.
🟣 Deep DiveMilk Thistle (Silymarin)
Hepatoprotective gold standard. Silymarin inhibits hepatotoxin uptake, stimulates hepatocyte regeneration, and upregulates glutathione. Evidence in cirrhosis, NAFLD, and drug-induced liver injury.
Spleen TonicBai Zhu (White Atractylodes)
Strengthens Spleen Qi and dries Damp. Atractylenolides modulate gut immunity and reduce intestinal inflammation. First-line herb for loose stools, bloating, and fatigue from Spleen deficiency.
Qi RegulatorChen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel)
Regulates Qi, dries Damp, and transforms Phlegm. Hesperidin and nobiletin modulate lipid metabolism and gut motility. Essential in most digestive formulas for bloating and nausea.
Damp DrainerFu Ling (Poria)
Bland Damp-draining fungus. Beta-glucans modulate immune function; pachymic acids reduce neuroinflammation. Calming and Spleen-strengthening — used in virtually all classical TCM formulas.
HepaticYin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris)
Premier liver and gallbladder herb. Scoparone and chlorogenic acid promote bile secretion, reduce liver fibrosis, and demonstrate hepatoprotective activity. Used for jaundice and NAFLD.
CAT 6: Neurological & Cognitive
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Shen, enhance cognitive function, and support neurological resilience. Key herbs for anxiety, insomnia, cognitive decline, and neuroinflammation.
Lion's Mane (Hou Tou Gu)
The only mushroom that stimulates NGF and BDNF synthesis. Hericenones and erinacines cross the blood-brain barrier. Evidence for early Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment, and depression.
🟣 Deep DiveBacopa (Brahmi)
Ayurvedic-TCM crossover. Bacosides enhance synaptic communication, reduce anxiety via GABA modulation, and demonstrate antioxidant activity in hippocampal tissue. 12-week RCT evidence.
Shen CalmerSuan Zao Ren (Ziziphus)
Premier insomnia herb in TCM. Saponins modulate GABA-A receptors and serotonin pathways. Evidence for anxiety-related insomnia, palpitations, and excessive dreaming. Nourishes Heart Yin.
Shen CalmerYuan Zhi (Polygala)
Opens the Heart orifices and calms the Shen. Triterpenoid saponins demonstrate antidepressant and neuroprotective activity. Used for anxiety, forgetfulness, insomnia, and phlegm misting the mind.
Qi TonicAcanthopanax (Wu Jia Pi)
Eleutheroside-containing adaptogen with neurological affinity. Supports motor coordination, reduces neuroinflammation, and is used for weakness of sinews and bones in TCM.
Wind-PhlegmTian Ma (Gastrodia)
Extinguishes Liver Wind and stops tremors. Gastrodin crosses the blood-brain barrier, reduces neuroinflammation, and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's and epilepsy models.
CAT 7: Hormonal & Reproductive
Herbs that tonify Kidney Yin, Yang, and Jing — the foundational energies governing hormonal health, fertility, sexual function, and aging. Core herbs for endocrine support.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)
Legendary Jing tonic and longevity herb. Stilbene glycosides activate SIRT1, modulate telomerase, and reduce LDL. Critical hepatotoxicity warning — raw vs. prepared form distinction essential.
Yang TonicBa Ji Tian (Morinda)
Warms Kidney Yang and strengthens sinews. Iridoid glycosides demonstrate adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory activity. Used for impotence, infertility, lower back pain from Kidney Yang deficiency.
Yin TonicShu Di Huang (Rehmannia)
Prepared Rehmannia — the cornerstone of Kidney and Liver Yin tonification. Iridoid glycosides modulate adrenal function and demonstrate neuroprotective activity. Base of six-ingredient kidney formula.
Yang TonicTu Si Zi (Cuscuta)
Nourishes Kidney Yin and Yang simultaneously. Flavonoids modulate estrogen receptors and support spermatogenesis. Used for infertility, miscarriage prevention, and Kidney-Liver deficiency patterns.
Yang TonicShe Chuang Zi (Cnidium)
Warms the Kidney and dries Damp. Osthole modulates estrogen and androgen receptors, demonstrates anti-osteoporotic activity. Used for impotence, vaginal discharge, and skin conditions.
Yang TonicYin Yang Huo (Epimedium)
Horny goat weed. Icariin inhibits PDE5 (same target as sildenafil), modulates testosterone, and demonstrates anti-osteoporotic and neuroprotective effects. Evidence in COPD and bone density.
CAT 8: Detox, Antimicrobial & Anti-Tumor
Herbs that clear Heat-Toxin, drain Fire, and demonstrate direct antimicrobial and anti-proliferative activity. Key herbs in oncology support, infection management, and systemic detoxification.
Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Baicalin and baicalein inhibit NF-κB, COX-2, and viral replication. Anti-tumor activity in lung, liver, and colorectal cancer models. A premier Heat-clearing herb with exceptional research depth.
Heat-ClearingHuang Bai (Phellodendron)
Clears Damp-Heat from the lower burner. Berberine-rich — antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Used for UTIs, vaginal infections, dysentery, and Kidney-Fire conditions.
🟣 Deep DiveQing Hao / Bai Hua She She Cao / Ban Zhi Lian
The TCM oncology triad. Artemisinin (Qing Hao) exploits cancer cell iron dependency; Bai Hua She She Cao inhibits STAT3 and PI3K/Akt; Ban Zhi Lian targets Wnt/β-catenin and cancer stem cells.
Damp-HeatTu Fu Ling (Smilax)
Clears Damp-Heat and resolves Toxin. Used for syphilis historically; modern applications include gout (uric acid reduction), psoriasis, and heavy metal detoxification support.
CAT 9: Respiratory & Lung
Herbs that transform Phlegm, stop cough, moisten the Lungs, and restore Lung Qi diffusion. Essential for respiratory infections, chronic lung conditions, and Lung Yin deficiency.
Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria)
Clears Phlegm-Heat and stops cough. Isosteroidal alkaloids demonstrate expectorant and antitussive activity. Used for productive cough with thick yellow phlegm, lung nodules, and goiter.
Lung TonicJie Geng (Platycodon)
Platycodin saponins open the Lung and direct herbs upward. Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating. Used for throat and lung conditions; guides other herbs to the upper body.
Yin TonicMai Men Dong (Ophiopogon)
Nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin and clears Deficiency-Heat. Steroidal saponins demonstrate cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory activity. Used for dry cough, thirst, and heart palpitations.
Lung QiMa Huang (Ephedra)
Releases the exterior and disperses Lung Qi. Ephedrine is a potent bronchodilator. First-line in TCM for cold-type asthma and acute respiratory obstruction. Strict dosing limits — regulated in many countries.
Related Hubs
- Holistic Botanicals Hub
- Pain & Inflammation Hub
- Chronic Illness Hub
- Neuroinflammation Hub
- Integrative Oncology Hub
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal medicine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking pharmaceutical medications.