Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Dān Shēn

Dan Shen is a perennial sage with purple flowers and a distinctive bright red root. It is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for blood stasis and cardiovascular conditions. Dan Shen is the subject of extensive modern research for its cardioprotective effects. It is widely used in China for heart disease and is available in both oral and injectable forms.

Pinyin: Dà Suàn

Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with a history of both culinary and medicinal use dating back 5,000 years. It is mentioned in the Bible, the Talmud, and Chinese medical texts. Garlic has been studied extensively for its cardiovascular, immune, and antimicrobial properties. Allicin, the primary active compound, is formed when garlic is crushed or chewed (combining the enzyme alliinase with the precursor alliin).

Pinyin: Yín Xìng Yè

Ginkgo biloba is often called a "living fossil" because the species has survived virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. Ginkgo leaf extract is one of the most widely used herbal supplements in the world, particularly for cognitive function and circulation. The seeds (Bai Guo) are also used in Chinese medicine for respiratory conditions.

Pinyin: Shān Zhā

Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub in the rose family with white flowers, red berries, and thorny branches. It has been used in both Western herbalism and Chinese medicine for heart and digestive conditions. In TCM, hawthorn berry (Shan Zha) is a digestive aid and blood-stasis herb; in Western herbalism, it is primarily a cardiac tonic. Both the berries and the leaves/flowers are used medicinally.

Pinyin: Shān Zhā

Hawthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree in the rose family that produces small red berries. It has a long history of use in both traditional Chinese medicine (as Shan Zha) and Western herbalism for cardiovascular health and digestion. Hawthorn is one of the most well-researched herbs for heart failure and cardiovascular support, with many clinical trials supporting its use.

Pinyin: Yì Mǔ Cǎo

Motherwort is a member of the mint family with a long history of use for both heart conditions and women's health issues. Its botanical name, Leonurus cardiaca, means "lion-hearted" and refers to its traditional use for heart palpitations and anxiety. Motherwort is also a primary herb for menstrual regulation and postpartum recovery in both Western and Chinese herbalism.