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.
Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Early Colds and Immunity: The Hour, Step by Step
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Early Colds and Immunity: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs
Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Rhodiola: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop
How much rhodiola to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Jujube FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about jujube: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Elderberry Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should
How much elderberry to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
How Much Pomegranate Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much pomegranate to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Food Therapy in TCM: Why the Kitchen Comes Before the Pharmacy
Food Therapy in TCM: Why the Kitchen Comes Before the Pharmacy: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Headache: The Hour, Step by Step
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Headache: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Latest entries
- Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Early Colds and Immunity: The Hour, Step by Step What happens at a first TCM appointment for Early Colds and Immunity: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Rhodiola: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop How much rhodiola to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Jujube FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about jujube: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Elderberry Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much elderberry to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- How Much Pomegranate Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much pomegranate to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Food Therapy in TCM: Why the Kitchen Comes Before the Pharmacy Food Therapy in TCM: Why the Kitchen Comes Before the Pharmacy: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Headache: The Hour, Step by Step What happens at a first TCM appointment for Headache: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Sage FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about sage: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Valerian (缬草): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of valerian in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
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.