• 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. 

• 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

• Menthol, a compound found in mint, stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls focus and mental clarity

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

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

• High in antioxidants; mint also has 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

• 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

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

• 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 

• Known in TCM as a “guide drug”, it enhances the effects of any herbs it is used with and guides the other herbs to where they would be most beneficial

• Improves fatigue by regulating cortisol and supporting the adrenals 

• Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating properties

• Also works as an antispasmodic, helping reduce muscle and joint pain

• 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