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.
Milk thistle Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses
Safety guide to Milk thistle in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Acupressure for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: Points You Can Press Yourself
Acupressure for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
Early Colds and Immunity: Self-Massage Points from TCM
Acupressure for Early Colds and Immunity: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
Period Pain: Self-Massage Points from TCM
Acupressure for Period Pain: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
Valerian: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM
How to prepare and take Valerian at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Jujube and Goji berry: Why TCM Pairs Them
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Jujube with Goji berry: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
Garlic Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses
Safety guide to Garlic in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Valerian with Jujube: The Classic Combination Explained
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Valerian with Jujube: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
Latest entries
- Milk thistle Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses Safety guide to Milk thistle in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Acupressure for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: Points You Can Press Yourself Acupressure for Stress and a Wound-Up Mind: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Early Colds and Immunity: Self-Massage Points from TCM Acupressure for Early Colds and Immunity: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Period Pain: Self-Massage Points from TCM Acupressure for Period Pain: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Valerian: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM How to prepare and take Valerian at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Jujube and Goji berry: Why TCM Pairs Them Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Jujube with Goji berry: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- Garlic Safety Guide: Cautions, Contraindications and Sensible Doses Safety guide to Garlic in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Valerian with Jujube: The Classic Combination Explained Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Valerian with Jujube: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- Eating for Bloating and Weak Digestion: A Chinese Dietetics Guide TCM diet rules for Bloating and Weak Digestion: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- The Sage and Licorice root Pairing: Formula Logic for Home Use Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Sage with Licorice root: 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.