Regions: East Asia

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  • Polygonum cuspidatum

    Botanical Overview Polygonum cuspidatum, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, Hu Zhang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mexican bamboo, Asian knotweed, or fleeceflower root, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Polygonaceae family. Native to East Asia, especially Japan, China, and Korea, it has been introduced to North America and Europe. The root and rhizome are the…


  • Uncaria rhynchophylla

    Botanical Overview Uncaria rhynchophylla, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a woody climber native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly China. Commonly known as Gou Teng or Cat’s Claw, the medicinal parts used primarily include the stem and hook. Energetics Traditionally, Uncaria rhynchophylla is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with bitter and sweet tastes.…


  • Ligusticum chuanxiong

    Botanical Overview Ligusticum chuanxiong (family Apiaceae) is a perennial herb native to China and East Asia. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, commonly called Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage root. It is highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and also recognized in Western herbal medicine. Energetics This herb is considered warming in temperature and…


  • Ganoderma lucidum

    Botanical Overview Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Lingzhi or Reishi, belongs to the Ganodermataceae family. The medicinal parts used primarily include the fruiting body and mycelium of this polypore mushroom native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. Energetics In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ganoderma lucidum is considered to have a cooling temperature…


  • Bupleurum chinense

    Botanical Overview Bupleurum chinense, commonly known as Chinese Thoroughwax or Chai Hu, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native to China and East Asia, the root of Bupleurum chinense is harvested for its medicinal properties. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as a key herb in formulas to treat various…


  • Coptis chinensis

    Botanical Overview Coptis chinensis, commonly known as Chinese goldthread or goldthread, is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. The medicinal part used primarily is the rhizome. It is native to China and East Asia and is traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. Energetics The herb is characterized as cooling in temperature and drying in moisture.…


  • Wolfiporia cocos

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Wolfiporia cocosFamily: PolyporaceaeParts used: SclerotiumCommon names: Poria, Fu Ling, Tuckahoe Energetics Temperature: neutralMoisture: dryingTastes: bland, sweetDirectionality: descendingTonicity: tonifyingQi/Blood/Fluid: qi, fluid Primary Actions Diuretic Sedative Spleen tonic Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulator Indications Western Edema Water retention Urinary difficulty Digestive weakness Anxiety Insomnia Syndromes Fluid accumulation Spleen qi deficiency Dampness TCM Spleen qi deficiency Dampness…


  • Atractylodes macrocephala

    Botanical Overview Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae. It is primarily native to China and East Asia. The part used medicinally is the dried rhizome, commonly known as Bai Zhu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Common English names include Bighead Atractylodes. Energetics This herb is characterized by a warming temperature…


  • Angelica dahurica

    Botanical Overview Angelica dahurica (family Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant native to East Asia, especially China, Korea, and Japan. Commonly known as Bai Zhi or Dahurian Angelica, the mature root is primarily used in traditional herbal medicine. Energetics The root has a warming and drying energetic profile with acrid and bitter tastes. Its actions are…


  • Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared root)

    Botanical Overview Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared root), commonly known as Chinese foxglove or Shu Di Huang, belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. The part used medicinally is the prepared root, traditionally processed by steaming and drying. It is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature,…