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.
Getting Sick Often: What Happens at a TCM Appointment
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Getting Sick Often: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Dandelion FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about dandelion: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
How Much Echinacea Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much echinacea to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Green tea FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Green tea: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Licorice root: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of Licorice root in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Fenugreek: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop
How much fenugreek to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Elderberry FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about elderberry: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
How Much Cinnamon Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much cinnamon to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Latest entries
- Getting Sick Often: What Happens at a TCM Appointment What happens at a first TCM appointment for Getting Sick Often: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Dandelion FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about dandelion: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- How Much Echinacea Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much echinacea to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Green tea FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Green tea: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Licorice root: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of Licorice root in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Fenugreek: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop How much fenugreek to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Elderberry FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about elderberry: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- How Much Cinnamon Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much cinnamon to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Does Lavender Live Up to the Claims? An Evidence Check An evidence check on Lavender: what clinical studies support, what TCM tradition adds, the safety picture and a realistic bottom line.
- Does Sage Live Up to the Claims? An Evidence Check An evidence check on Sage: what clinical studies support, what TCM tradition adds, the safety picture and a realistic bottom line.
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.