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.
How to Take Sage: Tea, Decoction and Extract Forms Explained
How to prepare and take Sage at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Eating for Period Pain: A Chinese Dietetics Guide
TCM diet rules for Period Pain: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
Should You Try TCM for Acid Reflux and Heartburn? Here Is the Realistic Picture
An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Acid Reflux and Heartburn: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
Licorice root with Jujube: The Classic Combination Explained
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Licorice root with Jujube: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
Is Ginger Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say
Safety guide to Ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
The Rhodiola and Astragalus Pairing: Formula Logic for Home Use
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Rhodiola with Astragalus: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
Is Turmeric Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say
Safety guide to Turmeric in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Press Here: Acupressure Points for Getting Sick Often
Acupressure for Getting Sick Often: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
Latest entries
- How to Take Sage: Tea, Decoction and Extract Forms Explained How to prepare and take Sage at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Eating for Period Pain: A Chinese Dietetics Guide TCM diet rules for Period Pain: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- Should You Try TCM for Acid Reflux and Heartburn? Here Is the Realistic Picture An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Acid Reflux and Heartburn: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
- Licorice root with Jujube: The Classic Combination Explained Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Licorice root with Jujube: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- Is Ginger Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say Safety guide to Ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- The Rhodiola and Astragalus Pairing: Formula Logic for Home Use Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Rhodiola with Astragalus: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- Is Turmeric Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say Safety guide to Turmeric in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Press Here: Acupressure Points for Getting Sick Often Acupressure for Getting Sick Often: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Acupressure for Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Points You Can Press Yourself Acupressure for Acid Reflux and Heartburn: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Constipation: Self-Massage Points from TCM Acupressure for Constipation: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
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.