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.
Echinacea (紫锥菊): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of echinacea in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Licorice root FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about Licorice root: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Astragalus: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Asian ginseng vs Rhodiola: Same Goal, Different Temperaments
Comparing Asian ginseng and rhodiola for fatigue: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
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.
Hawthorn: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of hawthorn in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Chamomile vs Lavender: Which One Fits You?
Comparing chamomile and lavender for sleep: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
Latest entries
- Echinacea (紫锥菊): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of echinacea in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Licorice root FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about Licorice root: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Astragalus: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Asian ginseng vs Rhodiola: Same Goal, Different Temperaments Comparing Asian ginseng and rhodiola for fatigue: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- 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.
- Hawthorn: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of hawthorn in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Chamomile vs Lavender: Which One Fits You? Comparing chamomile and lavender for sleep: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- 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.
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.