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 Asian ginseng Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much Asian ginseng to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
How Much Turmeric Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much turmeric to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Bitter orange (枳实 / 枳壳): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of Bitter orange in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Ginger: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Your First TCM Visit for Internal Heat: What to Expect
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Internal Heat: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
The Story of Fenugreek (胡芦巴): From Classic Texts to Modern Use
The origins and history of fenugreek in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Peppermint: Origins, History and the TCM View
The origins and history of peppermint in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Rhodiola FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about rhodiola: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Latest entries
- How Much Asian ginseng Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much Asian ginseng to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- How Much Turmeric Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much turmeric to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Bitter orange (枳实 / 枳壳): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of Bitter orange in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Ginger: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Your First TCM Visit for Internal Heat: What to Expect What happens at a first TCM appointment for Internal Heat: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- The Story of Fenugreek (胡芦巴): From Classic Texts to Modern Use The origins and history of fenugreek in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Peppermint: Origins, History and the TCM View The origins and history of peppermint in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Rhodiola FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about rhodiola: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- 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.
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.