A native tree of the Amazon that has been used since the time of the Incas, who used the tree to make hunting bows as well as the bark to treat a wide range of health conditions

The inner bark is what is used medicinally to reduce pain and inflammation and fight candida

Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties 

Also has been used to treat ulcers, detoxify the body, fight cancer and increase immunity 

AKA Chinese goldthread or golden thread, is commonly used to treat digestive issues, diabetes, Lyme disease, insomnia, acne, psoriasis and respiratory issues

Also used to prevent parasitic infections and establish a healthy gut microbiome

Contains berberine, which is antimicrobial and helps boost immunity

In TCM, the root’s bright yellow color shows its affinity for the spleen and stomach

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic (pain-relieving), fever-reducing properties

TCM applications

• Targets spleen, stomach, heart, liver and large intestine meridians

• Clears heat and toxins

• Dries dampness 

• Harmonizes the stomach and drains liver heat

AKA usnea, is actually a lichen (a cross between fungus and algae) that resembles Spanish moss and hangs from trees, hence the common name ‘Old Man’s Beard’

Usnic acid, a chemical compound found in usnea, functions as an antibiotic and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) and potential cancer-fighting properties 

Also has been shown to have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties 

Commonly used to treat respiratory infections, UTIs, skin infections, HPV, kidney problems, fevers, swelling, inflammation, weight gain, indigestion, coughs and general pain 

TCM applications

• Cooling and drying

• Clears heat and toxins

• Dries dampness

• Cleanses the lungs and urinary system

• Supports the immune system

AKA lomatium, is widely used and regarded as a strong antimicrobial, expectorant and antiviral medicine 

Used so successfully by the Washoe Indians during the influenza epidemic in 1918 that it became noticed by the western medical community

Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and expectorant properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung and spleen meridians

• Clears heat and dampness

• Tonifies and soothes the lungs

• Treats cough

• Clears skin

Thyme has been widely used as a culinary herb and kitchen staple, but it has also been used medicinally to support the immune, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems 

In ancient Rome, thyme was consumed before a meal to prevent food poisoning 

A 2018 report discovered that thyme has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and anticancer properties

Contains antifungal, antiparasitic and antiseptic properties as well 

TCM applications

• Targets lung, spleen and stomach meridians

• Tonifies qi

• Tonifies and warms lungs

• Tonifies spleen