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.
Mugwort: Side Effects, Interactions and Who Should Avoid It
Safety guide to Mugwort in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Turmeric: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM
How to prepare and take Turmeric at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Peppermint: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM
How to prepare and take Peppermint at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Headache: Self-Massage Points from TCM
Acupressure for Headache: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
The TCM Food Rules for Early Colds and Immunity
TCM diet rules for Early Colds and Immunity: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
Asian ginseng: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM
How to prepare and take Asian ginseng at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Licorice root Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses
Safety guide to Licorice root in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Can TCM Help with Headache? An Honest Answer
An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Headache: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
Latest entries
- Mugwort: Side Effects, Interactions and Who Should Avoid It Safety guide to Mugwort in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Turmeric: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM How to prepare and take Turmeric at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Peppermint: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM How to prepare and take Peppermint at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Headache: Self-Massage Points from TCM Acupressure for Headache: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- The TCM Food Rules for Early Colds and Immunity TCM diet rules for Early Colds and Immunity: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- Asian ginseng: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM How to prepare and take Asian ginseng at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Licorice root Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses Safety guide to Licorice root in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Can TCM Help with Headache? An Honest Answer An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Headache: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
- Sleep and Insomnia: What to Eat and Avoid in TCM TCM diet rules for Sleep and Insomnia: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- Asian ginseng and Astragalus: Why TCM Pairs Them Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Asian ginseng with Astragalus: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
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.