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.
Elderberry (接骨木莓): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of elderberry in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
What Is Qi? The Concept Behind Every TCM Diagnosis
What Is Qi? The Concept Behind Every TCM Diagnosis: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Milk thistle (水飞蓟): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of Milk thistle in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Milk thistle FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Milk thistle: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
The Eight Principles: The Grid Behind Every TCM Diagnosis
The Eight Principles: The Grid Behind Every TCM Diagnosis: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Mugwort FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about mugwort: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Turmeric: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of turmeric in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
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.
Latest entries
- Elderberry (接骨木莓): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of elderberry in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- What Is Qi? The Concept Behind Every TCM Diagnosis What Is Qi? The Concept Behind Every TCM Diagnosis: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Milk thistle (水飞蓟): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of Milk thistle in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Milk thistle FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Milk thistle: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- The Eight Principles: The Grid Behind Every TCM Diagnosis The Eight Principles: The Grid Behind Every TCM Diagnosis: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Mugwort FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about mugwort: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Turmeric: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of turmeric in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- 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.
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.