Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Bái Zhú

Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) is one of the most important qi tonic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and promote water metabolism. Bai Zhu is often combined with other herbs in classic formulas for digestive weakness, fatigue, and fluid retention. It is considered a fundamental herb for building post-natal qi.

Pinyin: Dǎng Shēn

Codonopsis is a climbing vine with bell-shaped flowers and a thick, sweet root. It is often called "poor man's ginseng" because it has similar qi-tonifying effects but is much milder and more affordable. While not as potent as ginseng, codonopsis is gentler on the system and can be used long-term by most people. It is one of the most commonly used qi tonics in Chinese medicine.

Pinyin: Fú Líng

Poria is a fungus that grows underground on the roots of pine trees, forming a large, hard, woody sclerotium (fungal mass) that can weigh several kilograms. It is one of the most widely used fungi in Chinese medicine and appears in more formulas than almost any other herb. Poria is valued for its dual ability to both tonify the spleen and drain dampness - a unique combination. It is very mild and safe for long-term use.

Pinyin: Hóng Zǎo

Red jujube is the dried fruit of the Chinese date tree, a small tree native to China. It has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is one of the five major fruits of ancient China. Jujubes are both food and medicine in Chinese culture. There are hundreds of varieties, with the large, sweet dates from Xinjiang being particularly prized today. Dried jujubes are used in thousands of Chinese herbal formulas as a "harmonizing" herb.