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.
Sage (鼠尾草): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of sage in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in Chinese Medicine
The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in Chinese Medicine: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Rhodiola (红景天): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of rhodiola in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: What Happens at a TCM Appointment
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
The TCM Evening Routine for People Who Cannot Switch Off
The TCM Evening Routine for People Who Cannot Switch Off: simple daily habits from a Traditional Chinese Medicine view, and why they work.
Green tea Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should
How much Green tea to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Chamomile FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about chamomile: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Ginkgo FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about ginkgo: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Latest entries
- Sage (鼠尾草): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of sage in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in Chinese Medicine The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in Chinese Medicine: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Rhodiola (红景天): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of rhodiola in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: What Happens at a TCM Appointment What happens at a first TCM appointment for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- The TCM Evening Routine for People Who Cannot Switch Off The TCM Evening Routine for People Who Cannot Switch Off: simple daily habits from a Traditional Chinese Medicine view, and why they work.
- Green tea Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much Green tea to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Chamomile FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about chamomile: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Ginkgo FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about ginkgo: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Garlic FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about garlic: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Jujube (大枣): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of jujube 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.