Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Chuān Xīn Lián

Andrographis is an annual herb with small white flowers and extremely bitter leaves. It is used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a powerful cooling, detoxifying herb. In recent years, it has gained attention in the West for its immune-supporting and antiviral properties, particularly for upper respiratory infections.

Pinyin: Huáng Qí

Astragalus is one of the most important immune tonics in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for over 2,000 years to strengthen the body's defensive energy (wei qi) and enhance overall vitality. Astragalus is widely researched for its immune-modulating and adaptogenic effects.

Pinyin: Zǐ Zhuī Jú

Echinacea is a group of flowering plants in the daisy family native to North America. It is one of the most popular herbal supplements for immune support, used by Native Americans for centuries before being adopted by modern herbalism.

Pinyin: Jiē Gǔ Mù Guǒ

Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European elder tree. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine for colds, flu, and as a winter tonic. Modern research supports its antiviral properties, particularly against influenza viruses. IMPORTANT: Raw elderberries are toxic - must be cooked before consumption.

Pinyin: Běi Měi Huáng Lián

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to the rich forests of eastern North America, with distinctive yellow roots and a single pair of lobed leaves. It is one of the most important herbs in North American herbalism and also one of the most endangered due to overharvesting. Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea for immune support.

Pinyin: Gǎn Lǎn Yè

Olive leaf is the leaf of the olive tree, best known for its fruit (olives) and oil. The leaves contain powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds that have been used in traditional Mediterranean medicine for thousands of years. Olive leaf extract gained modern attention after research on its antiviral and cardiovascular benefits.

Pinyin: Xiāng Gū

Shiitake is the second most commonly cultivated edible mushroom in the world. It has been used as both food and medicine in East Asia for over 1,000 years. The Japanese have extensively studied shiitake for its health benefits. Lentinan, a beta-glucan from shiitake, is used as an intravenous cancer drug in Japan and China.