In TCM, magnolia bark is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression and digestive disorders

Some studies have shown magnolia bark has a promising effect on reducing hot flashes associated with menopause

TCM applications

• Relieves cold-damp stagnation (loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting)

• Warming qualities 

• Clears heat, dries dampness, promotes elimination

• Targets spleen, lung and stomach meridians

Protects against oxidative stress and inflammation

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

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Commonly known as Korean or Indian mint, is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese medicine 

Used to treat anxiety, infections and gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and indigestion

Also helps improve appetite and strengthens digestion 

Antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, carminative (gas-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung, spleen and stomach meridians

• Expels dampness in stomach and spleen

• Harmonizes the middle jiao to relieve nause and vomiting

• Clears summer-heat

AKA malt, has been shown to support the growth of probiotic cultures which support digestive health by increasing the amount of good bacteria in the gut

Studies have also noted benefits to mental health and mood due to the compound hordenine that has been well-studied for its mood-boosting properties

 TCM applications

• Targets spleen, stomach and liver meridians

• Relieves food stagnation

• Strengthens spleen

• Smooths flow of liver qi

AKA Kudzu root, contains quercetin and other powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, blood pressure, symptoms of menopause and much more

Has been used to ease digestion and bowel movements

Kudzu root’s consistency is similar to gastric mucus and coats the stomach offering protection from excessive hydrochloric acid

Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic (fever-reducing), diuretic and nervine properties

TCM applications

• Targets stomach and spleen meridians

• Clears heat

• Relieves muscle tension

• Nourishes fluids and eases thirst

• Relieves diarrhea and hypertension

Its Chinese name, Dang Gui, means “State of Return” and has been used as a cure-all, blood purifier and digestive for centuries

Also considered one of the best female tonic herbs and one of the best blood tonics as it nourishes and builds blood

Emmanogogue (stimulates blood flow to the pelvis and uterus), analgesic (pain-relieving), nervine, relaxant, carmenative (gas-relieving) and expectorant properties

TCM applications

• Targets spleen, kidney, liver and heart meridians

• Tonifies and harmonizes the blood

• Alleviates pain

• Moistens intestines

• Unblocks bowels

AKA Aucklandia root, is most commonly used to treat gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, abdominal pain, ulcers and vomiting

Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, analgesic, hepatoprotective properties

TCM applications

• Targets the liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, large intestine and San Jaio meridians

• Classified as a Qi regulator

• Relieves spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder and intestine stagnation 

• Strengthens the spleen

• Clears heat and dries dampness

• Promotes elimination

Its Chinese name, Dang Gui, means “State of Return” and is traditionally used to treat digestive issues, such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea and chronic gastritis

It is believed that the great physician Liu Yi of the Han dynasty came up with the idea of fermented leaven to treat indigestion after observing animals heal their stomach pains naturally

A blend of wheat flour, bran, flowering plants, artemisia and apricot covered in hemp paper or mulberry leaves and fermented

Today, it has been shown in numerous studies to be helpful for Alzheimer’s disease, bone marrow dificiencies, even HIV 

TCM applications

• Targets heart, lung, spleen and stomach meridians 

• Lowers cholesterol

• Improves appetite and supports digestion

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 

Most commonly used to treat headaches, dizziness, spasms, epilepsy, stroke and amnesia

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic (pain-relieving), sedative and neuroprotective properties

TCM applications

• Targets the liver meridians

• Calms and nourishes the liver

• Extinguishes liver wind (headaches, dizziness, spasms etc.)

• Relieves pain, specifically in the low back and extremities

Used for centuries in TCM to treat respiratory problems, lower blood pressure and calm nerves

Helps ease digestion, relieves nausea and stimulates the stomach to digest fats more easily

Has been used in folk medicine to treat headaches, insomnia and bone disorders, such as osteoporosis

Anti-Inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, astringent, antimicrobial, sedative, detoxifying and diuretic properties

TCM applications

• Targets spleen, kidney, lung and liver meridians

• Clears heat

• Calms the liver

• Purifies the blood and mind

• Calms Shen

• Supports kidneys and liver

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

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

Similar to the use of licorice root, citrus peel is usually used to improve taste and strengthen any formula it is added to

Orange peels contain more nutrients and healing compounds than the fruit

Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic (pain-relieving), antibacterial, expectorant, relaxant and diuretic properties 

TCM applications

• Targets the lung, spleen and stomach meridians 

• Builds and moves qi

• Supports spleen qi and the middle jiao

• Dries dampness and transforms phlegm

• Prevents stagnation