• Considered one of the best tonic herbs in Chinese herbalism, next to ginseng, for treating qi deficiency and conditions caused by excess dampness  

• Used for bloating, nausea and diarrhea in Western medicine applications

• Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets spleen and stomach meridians

  • Dries and clears dampness, especially in the digestive system

  • Supports spleen qi and strengthens the spleen and stomach

• AKA China root, is a fungus in the polyporaceae family, has been used for more than 2000 years in TCM 

• Noted in ancient Chinese texts to “restore and refresh the body and mind, and if used regularly it will prolong life”

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, diuretic and sedative properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung, liver and heart meridians 

  • Clears dampness 

  • Tonifies the heart and spleen

  • Soothes the lungs 

• AKA Chinese foxglove, is considered a “general tonic” in both TCM and Japanese medicine since it helps with such a wide range of health issues

• Contains catalpol, which studies have shown is neuroprotective and anti-diabetic 

• The root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well 

• TCM applications

  • Targets heart, liver, stomach and kidney meridians

  • Nourishes yin

  • Clears heat from the blood

  • Regulates kidney and liver function

  • Improves blood circulation

• One of the oldest remedies in TCM, known for its ability to stabilize emotions and improve mental focus

• Helps calm, strengthen and improve mental and emotional clarity by strengthening liver function 

• Always used with other herbs to help balance and support their function 

• Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, immune-supporting properties 

• TCM applications

  • Targets liver and spleen meridians

  • Nourishes liver blood

  • Calms liver yang

  • Preserves and purifies yin

• AKA Angelica sinensis, or female ginseng, has been used for centuries in TCM to treat depression and balance hormones

• Due to its hormone-balancing properties, has also been used to treat menstrual cramps, irregular menses, PMS and menopause symptoms

• Recent studies (2010 and 2016) have shown the efficacy of dong quai in decreasing depressive symptoms 

• TCM applications

  • Targets heart, liver, spleen and kidney meridians

  • Builds and nourishes the blood

  • Disperses cold

  • Reduces swelling

  • Alleviates pain

NOTE: Dong quai contains coumarin, which is a main ingredient in common blood-thinning medications. Taking dong quai may increase your risk of bleeding. Not advisable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Used in TCM to support reproductive health, fertility, energy and skin

• Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets the kidney meridians

  • Dries dampness

  • Dispels cold

  • Warms kidneys

  • Strengthens yang

• 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

• Ginger has been documented in ancient Chinese, Roman, Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit texts to help improve general health and well-being

• Helps promote perspiration and digestion to support clearing the body of toxins, specifically in the liver and colon 

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, antispasmodic, analgesic (pain-relieving), immune-supporting and cardiovascular protective properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung, spleen and stomach meridians

  • Disperses cold and warms the body

  • Used as a guide herb, enhancing the effects of any herbs it is used with and guides the other herbs to where they would be most beneficial

  • Lifts the spirit

  • Cleanses toxins 

• AKA red dates, have been cultivated in China and used medicinally for over 2,500 years 

• Jujubes are adaptogenic, meaning they help our bodies manage and adapt to stress (physical, biological or chemical)

• Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective and sedative properties

• TCM applications

  • Builds and nourishes qi and blood to promote longevity

  • Strengthens spleen

  • Calms the mind

  • Treats blood deficiency (anemia, fatigue, weakness, immune response)

  • Regulates blood pressure

  • Relieves constipation