Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Kuǎn Dōng Huā

Coltsfoot is a perennial plant with yellow flowers that appear before the leaves. It has been used for centuries as a cough remedy across many traditions. The name Tussilago means "cough dispeller" in Latin.

Pinyin: Tǔ Mù Xiāng

Elecampane is a tall, sunflower-like plant with a thick, aromatic root that has been used since ancient times for respiratory and digestive conditions. It was valued by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Celts, and has a long history in European herbalism. Elecampane is especially known for its ability to clear thick, stubborn mucus from the respiratory system.

Pinyin: Má Huáng

Ephedra is a small, shrub-like plant with green, jointed stems that grows in arid regions. It is one of the most powerful herbs in Chinese medicine and also one of the most controversial. Ephedrine, the primary active compound, was the first plant alkaloid isolated as a pharmaceutical drug. It is strictly regulated in many countries.

Pinyin: Sāng Yè

Mulberry leaf is the leaf of the white mulberry tree, famous as food for silkworms. In Chinese medicine, it is a mild, cooling herb that dispels wind-heat, clears lung heat, and benefits the eyes.

Pinyin: Máo Ruǐ Huā

Mullein is a tall, fuzzy-leaved plant with a long history of use for respiratory conditions. The soft, velvety leaves have been made into teas, extracts, and smoked herbs to soothe coughs and congestion. Mullein is known as a gentle but effective lung tonic and demulcent.

Pinyin: Jié Gěng

Platycodon is a beautiful flowering plant with blue balloon-like buds. The root is an important respiratory herb in Chinese medicine, known for opening the lungs, transforming phlegm, and benefiting the throat.

Pinyin: Bǎi Lǐ Xiāng

Thyme is a fragrant culinary and medicinal herb native to the Mediterranean. It has been used since ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Thyme is best known for its powerful antimicrobial effects on the respiratory system, making it a go-to herb for coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats.