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.
Bitter orange FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Bitter orange: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
How Much Dandelion Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much dandelion to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Yin and Yang in TCM: More Than a Symbol on a Necklace
Yin and Yang in TCM: More Than a Symbol on a Necklace: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Asian ginseng FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Asian ginseng: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Sleep and Insomnia: The Hour, Step by Step
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Sleep and Insomnia: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Green tea or Peppermint? How to Choose for Your Pattern
Comparing Green tea and peppermint for digestion: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
Cinnamon (肉桂): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of cinnamon in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
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.
Latest entries
- Bitter orange FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Bitter orange: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- How Much Dandelion Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much dandelion to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Yin and Yang in TCM: More Than a Symbol on a Necklace Yin and Yang in TCM: More Than a Symbol on a Necklace: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Asian ginseng FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Asian ginseng: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Sleep and Insomnia: The Hour, Step by Step What happens at a first TCM appointment for Sleep and Insomnia: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Green tea or Peppermint? How to Choose for Your Pattern Comparing Green tea and peppermint for digestion: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- Cinnamon (肉桂): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of cinnamon in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- 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.
- How Much Goji berry Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much Goji berry 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.