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.
Pomegranate FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about pomegranate: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Ginger vs Cinnamon: Same Goal, Different Temperaments
Comparing ginger and cinnamon for warming: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
How Much Milk thistle Should You Take? A Sensible Range
How much Milk thistle to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
Pulse Reading in TCM: Three Fingers, Twenty-Something Qualities
Pulse Reading in TCM: Three Fingers, Twenty-Something Qualities: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
Valerian vs Chamomile: Which One Fits You?
Comparing valerian and chamomile for relaxation: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
Astragalus FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask
Quick answers about astragalus: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
Aloe vera (芦荟): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It
The origins and history of Aloe vera in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Early Colds and Immunity: The Hour, Step by Step
What happens at a first TCM appointment for Early Colds and Immunity: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
Latest entries
- Pomegranate FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about pomegranate: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Ginger vs Cinnamon: Same Goal, Different Temperaments Comparing ginger and cinnamon for warming: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- How Much Milk thistle Should You Take? A Sensible Range How much Milk thistle to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
- Pulse Reading in TCM: Three Fingers, Twenty-Something Qualities Pulse Reading in TCM: Three Fingers, Twenty-Something Qualities: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Valerian vs Chamomile: Which One Fits You? Comparing valerian and chamomile for relaxation: nature, traditional uses, how to tell which fits your pattern, and whether to combine them.
- Astragalus FAQ: The Questions People Actually Ask Quick answers about astragalus: traditional uses, the evidence, home preparation, contraindications and long-term safety.
- Aloe vera (芦荟): Where It Comes From and How TCM Reads It The origins and history of Aloe vera in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the plant, its classification and where modern research stands.
- Seeing a TCM Practitioner About Early Colds and Immunity: The Hour, Step by Step What happens at a first TCM appointment for Early Colds and Immunity: the interview, tongue and pulse exam, pattern diagnosis and follow-up rhythm.
- Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs Pattern Diagnosis: Why Two People with the Same Complaint Get Different Herbs: a plain-language explanation of the concept and why it matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.
- Rhodiola: Dosing, Food Levels and When to Stop How much rhodiola to take: food-level ranges, what research studies used, overdose signs and practical notes.
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.