30 Common Chinese Herbs
The thirty most commonly used herbs in classical and modern TCM practice, organized by classical functional category. Each herb mapped to its flavors, nature, channel tropism, actions, primary uses, preparation, and cautions.
How to Read These Pages
Chinese herbs are classified by classical functional category (qi tonifying, blood tonifying, heat clearing, exterior releasing, blood moving, dampness resolving, phlegm resolving, spirit calming, astringent, and so on). Each herb has a specific flavor profile, thermal nature (cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot), and channel tropism (which organs and meridians it enters).
Most TCM treatment uses formulas rather than single herbs: a typical classical formula combines four to twelve herbs that work together, with one chief herb supported by deputies, assistants, and harmonizers. Single herb monographs (like the ones below) describe what each herb does on its own; the art of clinical practice is in the combinations. Always consult a licensed practitioner for personalized formulas, especially if you take medications or have chronic conditions.
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Search by what you need (plain English) or by the classical TCM category. Both work.
Will the 30 Common Chinese Herbs actually work for you?
the 30 Common Chinese Herbs works for some constitutions and not others. The same TCM intervention that energizes one person can deplete another, depending on which Five Elements run strong, weak, or out of balance in their chart. Your free Energy Chart is the diagnostic blueprint that reveals whether the 30 Common Chinese Herbs is calibrated to your specific Yin Yang Five Element pattern, or whether a different approach would actually serve you.