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 Much Jujube Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much jujube to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Ginkgo Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should
How much ginkgo to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Elderberry vs Echinacea: Same Goal, Different Temperaments
Comparing elderberry and echinacea for colds: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
Dandelion: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of dandelion in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
How Much Astragalus Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much astragalus to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Wei Qi: The Defensive Layer Behind Every Frequent-Cold Story
Wei Qi: The Defensive Layer Behind Every Frequent-Cold Story: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Cinnamon FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about cinnamon: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Echinacea FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about echinacea: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Latest entries
- How Much Jujube Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much jujube to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Ginkgo Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much ginkgo to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Elderberry vs Echinacea: Same Goal, Different Temperaments Comparing elderberry and echinacea for colds: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- Dandelion: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of dandelion in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- How Much Astragalus Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much astragalus to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Wei Qi: The Defensive Layer Behind Every Frequent-Cold Story Wei Qi: The Defensive Layer Behind Every Frequent-Cold Story: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Cinnamon FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about cinnamon: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Echinacea FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about echinacea: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Bitter orange: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop How much Bitter orange to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Your First TCM Visit for Bloating and Weak Digestion: What to Expect What happens at a first TCM appointment for Bloating and Weak Digestion: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
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.