Common Chinese Herbs And Their Functions

Abutilon Seed (Dong Gui Zi)

Abutilon seed is sweet tasting and cold in energy. This herb helps to move the bowels by lubricating the intestines as well as nourish and moisten the conduits of blood and vital energy. It is also known to promote the secretion of bodily fluids to quench thirst. Abutilon seed also promotes the smooth flow of vital energy and blood, and is beneficial for breast feeding mums as it stimulates the flow of milk.

Amomum Fruit (Sha Ren)

Amomum fruit is pungent in taste and warm in energy. This herb alleviates pain and prevents miscarriage, as well as dispels dampness and strengthens the spleen. It is also known to relieve flatulence and neutralize the effects of alcohol. Amomum fruit warms and tonifies the spleen and stomach.

Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)

Cinnamon twig is both sweet tasting and pungent, and warm in energy. Use of this herb clears obstruction in the channels and collaterals. Cinnamon twig is also used to treat colds and headaches caused by influenza.

Dodder Seed (Tu Si Zi)

Dodder seed is both sweet tasting and pungent, and slightly warm in energy. This herb is used to treat weakness of muscles and bones, and headaches caused by deficiency in the liver and kidneys. Dodder seed is also known to tonify the liver and kidney's vital functions.

Ligustrum Seed (Nu Zhen Zi)

Ligustrum seed is both bitter and sweet tasting, and neutral in energy. This herb helps to brighten the eyes and slow down vision deterioration. Ligustrum seed is known to replenish the vital essence of the liver and kidneys. Consumed regularly, this herb helps to strengthen the body to promote longevity.

Longan Aril (Long Yan Rou)

Longan aril is sweet tasting and neutral in energy. This herb is used to treat poor appetite caused by deficiency in the spleen and stomach. Longan aril is also known to reinforce the blood building functions of the spleen and heart.

Ophiopogon Root (Mai Men Dong)

Ophiopogon root is both sweet and slightly bitter, and slightly cold in energy. This herb dispels heat from the heart to relieve irritability. It is also known to promote the production of bodily fluids to quench thirst. Ophiopogon root helps to replenish the vital essence and moisten the lungs, and is used to treat cough and laryngitis.

Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi)

Polygala root is both pungent and bitter in taste, and warm in energy. This herb improves hearing and vision in addition to strengthening the muscles and bones. Polygala root is also known to nourish the vital essence and reinforce Yang, and calm the heart to sooth the nerves.

Red Date (Hong Zao)

Red date is sweet tasting and neutral in energy. This herb is used to nourish the blood to soothe the nerves, as well as reinforce the middle burner. Red date is known to be beneficial for replenishing the vital energy and is also used for treating poor appetite and diarrhea.

Rice-Paper Pith (Tong Cao)

Rice-paper pith is bland in taste and cold in energy. The herbs is known to dispel dampness by promoting diuresis. Rice-paper pith also stimulates the flow of milk for breast feeding mums.

Rosehip (Jin Ying Zi)

Rosehip tastes both sour and astringent. This herb is used to treat excessive leucorrhea discharge and frequent urination, as well as replenishes the vital essence of the kidneys. Rosehip is known to stimulate ovulation.

Seahorse (Hai Ma)

Seahorse is both sweet and salty, and warm in energy. This herb is used to treat impotence, incontinence and asthma. The consumption of seahorse is known to warm and tonify the vital functions of both the liver and kidneys.

Spatholobus Stem (Ji Xue Teng)

Spatholobus stem is slightly bitter tasting and warm in energy. This herb nourishes the blood and improves its circulation. Spatholobus stem is known to clear obstruction in the channels and help relax your muscles.

Tangerine Peel (Guang Chen Pi)

Tangerine peel is both bitter and pungent tasting, and warm in energy. This herb is used to treat poor digestion as well as to dispel dampness to get rid of phlegm.

Tendrilled Fritillary Bulb (Chuan Zhu Bei)

Tendrilled fritillary bulb is both bitter and pungent tasting, and slightly cold in energy. This herb is used to treat cough and acute mastitis. Tendrilled fritillary bulb is also known to be beneficial in clearing heat from the lungs to get rid of phlegm.

Wolfberry Fruit (Gou Qi)

Wolfberry fruit is sweet tasting and neutral in energy. This herbs helps to delay ageing and boost brain power. It also nourishes the liver and aids in improving your vision. Wolfberry fruit is known to be beneficial in nourishing both the liver and kidneys.