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 Period Pain: The Hour, Step by Step
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Period Pain: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Hot or Cold? The First Question Many TCM Diagnoses Ask
Hot or Cold? The First Question Many TCM Diagnoses Ask: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
The Story of Lavender (薰衣草): From Classic Texts to Modern Use
The origins and history of lavender in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Red clover FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Red clover: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
How Much Sage Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much sage to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Asian ginseng: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of Asian ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Lavender Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should
How much lavender to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Aloe vera FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Aloe vera: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Latest entries
- Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Period Pain: The Hour, Step by Step What happens at a first TCM appointment for Period Pain: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Hot or Cold? The First Question Many TCM Diagnoses Ask Hot or Cold? The First Question Many TCM Diagnoses Ask: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- The Story of Lavender (薰衣草): From Classic Texts to Modern Use The origins and history of lavender in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Red clover FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Red clover: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- How Much Sage Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much sage to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Asian ginseng: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of Asian ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Lavender Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much lavender to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Aloe vera FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Aloe vera: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Your First TCM Visit for Constipation: What to Expect What happens at a first TCM appointment for Constipation: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Aloe vera Dosage: What Studies Used and What Homes Should How much Aloe vera to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
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.