Known for boosting liver and adrenal function, but also helps with improving focus, concentration, memory and overall brain function and health; improves digestion, supports hormonal balance and healthy skin

Has been used alongside other ancient herbs, such as ginseng, goji berries and reishi mushrooms for thousands of years

In TCM, Shisandra’s properties include all five elements, meaning this fruit works on multiple meridians within the body to restore balance and health; it also impacts almost every organ system in the human body

AKA Golden root, Arctic root, Roseroot or King’s Crown

Balances cortisol levels, making it a uniquely powerful adaptogenic herb

Used in TCM to increase stamina and reduce stress

Vikings used rhodiola to enhance physical strength; the Sherpa people used it to climb the high altitudes of Mt. Everest

Rhodiola is commonly used to lower cortisol, relieve depression, improve brain function, support a healthy weight, increase stamina and reduce fatigue

Has been used for almost 3,000 years and has been extensively researched for its potential thyroid-modulating, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties

Also called Indian ginseng as it helps improve stamina and relieve stress

Powerful adaptogen, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory

Helps support those with anxiety, chronic stress and depression 

Research has shown that ashwagandha exhibits antidepressant effects similar to antidepressant medication and it actually protects the brain from cell degeneration

Naturally high in Vitamin C and vitamin A, rose hips have been used since ancient times as food and medicine

Highly regarded as a winter tonic to promote overall health and vitality 

Classified a “refrigerant” in TCM meaning rose hips offer cooling, soothing, drying and movement 

Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties

TCM applications

• Targets the kidney, bladder and liver meridians

• Moves qi

• Disperses stagnation, specifically in the liver

• Reduces inflammation

“Immune modulator” that can help restore hormonal balance, bring the body back to homeostasis and regulate activity of the immune system

Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties

Improve liver function

Strengthen cardiovascular system

Relieve allergies and asthma

Studies have repeatedly shown that reishi mushrooms help strengthen the body’s defenses against cancer, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, allergies, infections and more

Referred to as the “heart herb” due to its cardio-protective properties

Has been used for centuries to treat and prevent heart issues, such as high blood pressure, angina, irregular heartbeat, hardening of the arteries and congestive heart failure

Also used to support the circulatory system and lower high cholesterol 

Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antioxidant and diuretic properties

TCM applications

• Targets liver, stomach, heart and pericardium meridians

• Aids circulation and digestion

• Relieves food stagnation

• Restores the heart

• Calms Shen

• Clears heat

Improves energy, calm and focus 

Most commonly used for its benefits to sexual health and virility 

Studies show that American ginseng helps ease depression and anxiety, balance blood sugar, support digestion, improve mental focus and immune system function

TCM application

• Nourishes yin

• Tonifies qi

• Targets stomach, heart, kidney and lung meridians

• Calms restlessness

Used for thousands of years in both Ayurveda and TCM to manage and treat pain, swelling, digestion, cholesterol, blood sugar, to name a few

Studies have shown that turmeric may prevent blood clots, reduce depression symptoms and treat and prevent some cancers

Curcumin, the most healing compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory

A study in the journal Oncogene revealed that curcumin is the most effective anti-inflammatory in the world 

Antioxidant, analgesic (pain-relieving), antiseptic, antibacterial, digestive and antimutagenic properties 

TCM applications

• Targets heart, lung, stomach, spleen and liver meridians

• Alleviates pain

• Promotes movement of qi and blood

• Breaks up blood stasis

• Dissolves accumulations

Traditionally used in Tibetan medicine as a tonic to improve energy and endurance and a lung and kidney tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Strengthen, rebuild and energize the body and mind

Commonly used as a pre-workout supplement to improve stamina and performance, reduce fatigue and improve respiratory capacity

TCM applications

• Supports lungs and kidneys (great for addressing allergies and asthma!)

• Nourishes yin

• Boosts yang

Deemed a “superfood” due to its high level of healing compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids, more than many herbs, spices, fruits or vegetables

Antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer and immunostimulating properties

Studies show green tea benefits heart health by lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, protects brain cells from free radical damage and supports eye health by preventing eye disease and vision loss

TCM applications

• Targets spleen, liver, kidney and heart meridians

• Quenches thirst

• Clears heat (headaches, dizziness, heat stroke)

• Boosts mental clarity 

Most commonly used to prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms

Also a powerful source of antioxidants and vitamins that support the immune system

Considered a “cure-all” that helps treat a wide variety of conditions and ailments, such as allergies, sinus infections, skin issues, high blood pressure, constipation and heart health

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, diuretic, laxative, anti-cancer and immunostimulant properties 

TCM applications

• Targets lung, kidney and bladder meridians

• Clears heat

• Resolves dampness

• Tonifies the lungs

• Expels phlegm

• Reduces inflammation and pain

Commonly used in TCM for coughs and colds, gastrointestinal issues, and female reproductive issues

Known in TCM as a “guide herb”, 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 pain as well as 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 

Reservatrol, which is found in grape skin but also in the seeds, has been shown to increase the expression of 3 major longevity genes

Antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging and immune-boosting properties

Studies have shown that grape seed extract may prevent metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity and also improves gut health

Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and oxidative stress 

Supports the immune system (antioxidants in grape seed extract are 30x more powerful than vitamin C) and speeds the healing process