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.
Making Fenugreek Work: A Practical Preparation Guide
How to prepare and take Fenugreek at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
Cinnamon and Ginger: Why TCM Pairs Them
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Cinnamon with Ginger: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
Eating for Tired, Dry Eyes: A Chinese Dietetics Guide
TCM diet rules for Tired, Dry Eyes: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
Is Valerian Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say
Safety guide to Valerian in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Is Asian ginseng Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say
Safety guide to Asian ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
Should You Try TCM for Internal Heat? Here Is the Realistic Picture
An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Internal Heat: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
Sleep and Insomnia: Self-Massage Points from TCM
Acupressure for Sleep and Insomnia: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
Eating for Constipation: A Chinese Dietetics Guide
TCM diet rules for Constipation: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
Latest entries
- Making Fenugreek Work: A Practical Preparation Guide How to prepare and take Fenugreek at home: forms, timing, classic pairings and what to look for when buying.
- Cinnamon and Ginger: Why TCM Pairs Them Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Cinnamon with Ginger: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- Eating for Tired, Dry Eyes: A Chinese Dietetics Guide TCM diet rules for Tired, Dry Eyes: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- Is Valerian Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say Safety guide to Valerian in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Is Asian ginseng Safe? What the Evidence and TCM Tradition Say Safety guide to Asian ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine: research findings, traditional contraindications, dosing sense and who should avoid it.
- Should You Try TCM for Internal Heat? Here Is the Realistic Picture An honest look at whether Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with Internal Heat: pattern diagnosis, treatment tools and when to see a doctor first.
- Sleep and Insomnia: Self-Massage Points from TCM Acupressure for Sleep and Insomnia: the TCM points, where to find them, technique and what to expect.
- Eating for Constipation: A Chinese Dietetics Guide TCM diet rules for Constipation: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
- Ginger and Jujube: Why TCM Pairs Them Why Traditional Chinese Medicine pairs Ginger with Jujube: the formula logic, home preparation and cautions.
- The TCM Food Rules for Getting Sick Often TCM diet rules for Getting Sick Often: foods that help, foods to cut, and the daily rhythm that supports recovery.
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.