Common Herbs and Their Main Properties
As an herbalist, I have studied many Chinese herbs and their healing properties. Here are some of the most common herbs used in Chinese medicine and their main therapeutic actions:
Ginseng (Rénshēn)
Ginseng is one of the most well-known and widely used herbs in Chinese medicine. The main part used is the root. Ginseng works to boost energy levels, enhance stamina, and support the adrenal glands. It acts as an adaptogen to help the body handle stress. Ginseng also strengthens overall immunity. Some real cases I have seen ginseng help with include fatigue, low libido, insomnia, and recovery from illness or surgery.
Angelica sinensis (Dǎngguī)
Commonly known as Chinese angelica, this herb has a long history of use for women’s health issues. Its main actions warm and nourish the blood, making it especially useful for painful periods, miscarriage risk, and menopausal symptoms. In one patient, it helped relieve severe menstrual cramps that were interfering with her daily activities. The warming property of angelica sinensis also explains its use to combat coldness in the uterus and lower back.
Astragalus (Huángqí)
Astragalus is an immune-boosting herb that strengthens the wei qi (defensive qi) just under the skin. It has demonstrated ability to enhance resistance to colds and flu in clinical studies. As an adaptogen, astragalus helps the body handle stress which can weaken immunity. This herb also tonifies chi (vital energy). In my practice, astragalus effectively supported recovery from long-term illness by reducing vulnerability to infections. It also showed promise for treating allergies in one child patient.
Common Herbs by Organ System
Different Chinese herbs often work to target specific organ systems. Here are some of the most prominent herbs categorized by their therapeutic actions:
For Liver and Gallbladder Health
Shíchángpǔ (Polygonum multiflorum) is an herb known to nourish liver yin, making it helpful for promoting liver detoxification and supporting liver health long-term. It also strengthens tendons and bones. In treating one patient with joint pain, shíchángpǔ showed noticeable relief when used along with moving exercises.
For Lung and Respiratory Issues
Báishǎo (Polygonum bistorta) works to clear heat and resolve toxins from the lungs. As such, it ** helps expel phlegm and is commonly used to treat coughs, sore throats, and upper respiratory infections**. In my clinic, combining báishǎo with other herbs relieved a case of persistent cough.
For Heart and Circulatory Support
Hòu pò (Magnolia officinalis) has an aroma that opens the mind and relieves anxiety or restlessness. It also calms shen or spirit. These sedative and anti-anxiety actions support a calm mental state which is important for maintaining healthy heart function. Magnolia worked well for one patient struggling with work stress and persistent racing thoughts at night.
Herbs as Tonics and Energetics
Beyond their organ targets, Chinese herbs can be also categorized based on their tonic and energetics:
Yang Tonics
Jĭn yín huā (Lonicera japonica) and lián qiào (Forsythia suspensa) are examples of warming yang tonics. Their diaphoretic effect releases fever and upper respiratory toxins to the surface, making them useful for flu, colds, and infectious diseases. In my practice, yang tonics like these proved effective at relieving flu symptoms and reducing recovery time when taken at illness onset.
Yin Tonics
ān chú (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and shēngdì (Rehmannia glutinosa) are chief cooling yin tonics that nourish body fluids. They support overall hydration and are nourishing to the lungs, kidneys, and stomach. These tonics have helped patients rebuild weakened yin from chronic illness, long-term stress, or aging. In one case, shēngdì effectively relieved dry mouth and throat for an elderly gentleman.
Blood Tonics
Dāng guī (Angelica sinensis) heads the list of herbs that tonify and enrich blood supply. Along with subduing irregular menses or pain, it treats various signs of anemia such as pale complexion, dizziness, and fatigue. Proper blood nourishment through regular intake of warming blood tonics can promote healthy skin, nails, and hair – which was observed in a patient of mine with perimenopausal symptoms.
I hope this overview of common Chinese herbal ingredients and how they can support various health concerns provides a helpful starting point! Please let me know if any topic would benefit from further explanation.
