• One of the oldest remedies in TCM, known for its ability to stabilize emotions and improve mental focus

• Helps calm, strengthen and improve mental and emotional clarity by strengthening liver function 

• Always used with other herbs to help balance and support their function 

• Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, immune-supporting properties 

• TCM applications

  • Targets liver and spleen meridians

  • Nourishes liver blood

  • Calms liver yang

  • Preserves and purifies yin

• AKA Angelica sinensis, or female ginseng, has been used for centuries in TCM to treat depression and, due to its hormone-balancing properties, has also been used to treat menstrual cramps, irregular menses, PMS and menopause symptoms

• Recent studies (in 2010 and 2016) have shown the efficacy of dong quai in decreasing depressive symptoms 

• TCM applications

  • Targets heart, liver, spleen and kidney meridians

  • Builds and nourishes the blood

  • Disperses cold

  • Reduces swelling

  • Alleviates pain

NOTE: Dong quai contains coumarin, which is a main ingredient in common blood-thinning medications. Taking dong quai may increase your risk of bleeding. Not advisable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• AKA China root, is a fungus in the polyporaceae family, has been used for more than 2000 years in TCM 

• An adaptogen, meaning it helps our body manage and adapt to stress (physical, biological or chemical)

• Considered one of the premier Yin tonic herbs and is one of the most widely used herbs in TCM, next to licorice root

• Offers natural sedative properties to support sound sleep and support urinary tract health

• Noted in ancient Chinese texts to “restore and refresh the body and mind, and if used regularly it will prolong life”

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, diuretic and sedative properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung, liver and heart meridians 

  • Clears dampness 

  • Tonifies the heart and spleen

  • Soothes the lungs 

• Considered one of the best tonic herbs in Chinese herbalism, next to ginseng, for treating qi deficiency and conditions caused by excess dampness  

• Used for bloating, nausea and diarrhea in Western medicine applications

• Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets spleen and stomach meridians

  • Dries and clears dampness, especially in the digestive system

  • Supports spleen qi and strengthens the spleen and stomach

• Licorice root is believed to help bring harmony to the body and regulate the flow of energy

• When licorice root is fried in honey, this strengthens its tonifying effects on the spleen and its benefits to promoting the flow of qi, or life force, in the body

• This preparation also helps soothe muscle spasms and pain 

• TCM applications

  • Targets all 12 meridians (one of the few herbs that does), especially lung, heart, spleen, stomach and kidney meridians

  • Tonifies spleen and qi

  • Clears toxins and heat

  • Moistens lungs

  • Used as a guide herb to support the flow of qi throughout the body

• Mint is known for its cooling benefits and has been widely used to treat nausea, indigestion, headaches, menstrual cramps and general aches and pains 

• Research shows mint supports digestion, increases brain function and balances hormones (all of which play a role in our mental well-being)

• When used with bupleurum root, as in this formula, mint helps ease depression

• Contains the highest level of antioxidants of all spices and herbs

• Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and decongestant properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung and liver meridians

  • Promotes flow of liver qi

  • Disperses wind heat

  • Soothes anxiety

  • Stabilizes emotions

• Ginger has been documented in ancient Chinese, Roman, Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit texts to help improve general health and well-being

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, antispasmodic, analgesic (pain-relieving), immune-supporting and cardiovascular protective properties

• Research has shown that ginger improves cognitive function and attention and there is promise that ginger extract could protect against aging of the brain

• TCM applications

  • Targets lung, spleen and stomach meridians

  • Disperses cold and warms the body

  • Used as a guide herb, enhancing the effects of any herbs it is used with and guides the other herbs to where they would be most beneficial

  • Lifts the spirit

  • Cleanses toxins

• AKA tree peony bark, is commonly used to relieve spasms and reduce inflammation and pain

• Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and sedative properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets heart, liver and kidney meridians

  • Clears heat due to deficiency or excess

  • Cools and invigorates blood

  • Clears liver heat

  • Reduces swelling

• Used in TCM to treat inflammatory conditions, such as headaches, fevers and high blood pressure as well as jaundice and other liver diseases

• Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal properties

• TCM applications

  • Targets heart, lung and San Jiao (Triple Warmer) meridians

  • Clears heat

  • Calms the spirit

  • Drains damp heat affecting the liver and gallbladder

  • Cools blood and reduces toxins