Traditional Chinese Medicine, explained in plain English
Every entry gives the herb's English name, its Latin pharmacognosy name and its Chinese name together — plus what the classics say, what modern references add, and where the cautions are.
- Not medical advice
- Editorial team byline, never a fake credential
- Classical sources named on every page
Browse by topicNew to Chinese medicine? These guides explain the framework before you read about individual herbs.
THEORYTraditional Chinese Medicine theory in plain English: qi, yin-yang, the zang-fu organs, meridians and collaterals, the eight principles and pattern diagnosis.
THERAPYHow TCM approaches everyday complaints: food-therapy rules, acupressure and self-care for sleep, digestion, cough, headache, aching joints and stress.
HERBSChinese herbal medicine reference: what each herb is used for in TCM, how it is prepared and dosed, and its safety cautions and contraindications.
PRESCRIPTIONSClassic Chinese herbal formulas: what each formula is traditionally used for, its ingredients and how it is prepared and taken.
ACUPUNCTUREAcupressure and acupuncture points explained: where each point is, its traditional use, how to press it yourself and what to expect.
Featured herbsEach entry gives the English name, the Latin pharmacognosy name and the Chinese name together.
Meridians Explained: The Channels TCM Acupuncture Works Through
Meridians Explained: The Channels TCM Acupuncture Works Through: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Garlic Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should
How much garlic to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Dampness in TCM: The Heavy, Sticky Pattern Behind So Many Complaints
Dampness in TCM: The Heavy, Sticky Pattern Behind So Many Complaints: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Aching Joints: What Happens at a TCM Appointment
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Aching Joints: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Fatigue and Low Energy: What Happens at a TCM Appointment
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Fatigue and Low Energy: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
The Weekend Reset: A TCM Take on Recovering from a Hard Week
The Weekend Reset: A TCM Take on Recovering from a Hard Week: simple daily habits from a Traditional Chinese Medicine view, and why they work.
Goji berry FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Goji berry: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Garlic (大蒜): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of garlic in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Latest entries
- Meridians Explained: The Channels TCM Acupuncture Works Through Meridians Explained: The Channels TCM Acupuncture Works Through: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Garlic Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much garlic to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Dampness in TCM: The Heavy, Sticky Pattern Behind So Many Complaints Dampness in TCM: The Heavy, Sticky Pattern Behind So Many Complaints: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Aching Joints: What Happens at a TCM Appointment What happens at a first TCM appointment for Aching Joints: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Fatigue and Low Energy: What Happens at a TCM Appointment What happens at a first TCM appointment for Fatigue and Low Energy: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- The Weekend Reset: A TCM Take on Recovering from a Hard Week The Weekend Reset: A TCM Take on Recovering from a Hard Week: simple daily habits from a Traditional Chinese Medicine view, and why they work.
- Goji berry FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Goji berry: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Garlic (大蒜): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of garlic in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Mugwort: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of mugwort in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Goji berry vs Jujube: Same Goal, Different Temperaments Comparing Goji berry and jujube for nourishing: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
Editorial policy and sources
TCMHH is run by an editorial team, not by a named clinician. We say so on every page, because pretending otherwise would be dishonest. What we do instead is name our sources, date every revision, and publish corrections.