Don’t let this little herb fool you–despite its size and delicate appearance, chamomile is a powerhouse in the herb world; it has been used for almost 5,000 years to address a wide range of health issues and has no known side effects 

Most commonly used to treat digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia and skin irritations

Also used to relieve pain, soothe the body and mind, relieve depression 

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic, sedative and digestive relaxant properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung, heart, stomach and liver meridians

• Relieves qi stagnation

• Strengthens the stomach

• Clears heat

• Moves blood

• Calms Shen, the emotional and spirit layer of our being, which is associated with the nervous system 

Has been used for centuries as a pain and inflammation relieve; has also been used for gastrointestinal issues

The root is a demulcent, meaning it contains mucilage helps soothe irritated and/or inflamed internal tissue

TCM applications

• Targets kidney, bladder, spleen and lung meridians

• Clears heat

• Promotes tissue repair

• Builds blood and qi

• Nourishes yin

Commonly used in TCM for coughs and colds, gastrointestinal issues, and female reproductive issues

Known in TCM as a “guide drug”, it enhances the effects of any herbs it is used with and guides the other herbs to where they would be most beneficial

Improves fatigue by regulating cortisol and supporting the adrenals 

Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating properties

Also works as an antispasmodic, helping reduce muscle pain as well as joint pain

Contains tannins, which are astringent in nature and therefore helpful for soothing tissue and treating lax tissue

Has been used to help decrease nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating and ulcer symptoms

Contains a compound called salicin, a natural pain reliever, that was isolated from the plant in 1899 and used to create what we know now as aspirin

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic and diuretic properties

TCM applications

• Targets the stomach and bladder meridians

• Clears heat, dampness and inflammation (ulcers, bloating, gastritis, bladder infections, muscle pain, arthritis, headaches, fever)

• Regulates water (bladder infections, edema, high blood pressure)

Has long been used to treat respiratory conditions, in addition to reducing pain, and soothing skin

Due to its mucilage content, mullein is able to soothe the mucous membranes in the body (mouth, eyelids, nose, lungs, stomach, intestines)

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, diuretic and sedative properties 

TCM applications

• Targets stomach, lung and small/large intestine meridians 

• Tonifies yin and lung qi 

• Resolves dampness 

A native tree of the Amazon that has been used since the time of the Incas, who used the tree to make hunting bows and the bark to treat a wide range of health conditions

The inner bark is what is used medicinally to reduce pain and inflammation and fight candida

Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties 

Also has been used to treat ulcers, detoxify the body, fight cancer and increase immunity 

Slippery elm bark is a demulcent, meaning it contains mucilage that helps soothe irritated and/or inflamed internal tissue; this is why it is so beneficial in treating sore throats, coughs and many digestive issues, such as IBS, diarrhea, constipation and ulcers

Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, when there is an excess of free radicals in the body which then promotes aging and chronic disease

Also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung and large intestine meridians

• Supports digestion and lung yin (sore throat, minor dry cough)

• Heals wounds and skin, especially skin conditions that present with itchiness