Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Hēi Shēng Má

Black cohosh is a tall perennial plant with white, feathery flower spikes native to the rich woodlands of eastern North America. It was used by Native American tribes for women's health issues and as a general tonic. Today it is one of the most popular herbal supplements for menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. It is important to distinguish black cohosh from blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), which is a different plant.

Pinyin: Shèng Jié Méi

Chaste tree is a large shrub with purple flower spikes and small dark berries. It has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for women's health issues. The name "chaste tree" comes from its historical reputation for reducing sexual desire (used by monks as an anaphrodisiac). Modern herbalism uses it primarily for PMS, menstrual irregularities, and fertility support.

Pinyin: Ōu Zhōu Jiá Mí

Cramp bark is a large shrub known for its distinctive bark that has powerful antispasmodic properties. It gets its common name from its traditional use for relieving muscle cramps of all types, especially menstrual cramps. The bark contains compounds that relax smooth muscle, making it valuable for uterine, intestinal, and respiratory spasms.

Pinyin: Dāng Guī

Dong Quai is the most important women's herb in Chinese medicine, used for regulating menstruation, nourishing blood, and relieving pain.

Pinyin: Dāng Guī

Dong Quai, or Angelica sinensis, is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for women's health. It has been used for over 2,000 years to nourish the blood, regulate menstruation, and invigorate blood circulation. Dong Quai is often called "female ginseng" for its harmonizing effect on the female reproductive system, though it is also used for men and for general blood-building purposes.

Pinyin: Hóng Sān Yè Cǎo

Red clover is a common legume with pink-purple flower heads, found in meadows and fields worldwide. It is both an important forage crop and a medicinal herb. Red clover is one of the richest sources of isoflavones (phytoestrogens), which is why it has been studied extensively for menopausal symptoms and bone health. It has also been used historically as a blood purifier and respiratory remedy.

Pinyin: Hóng Shù Méi Yè

Red raspberry leaf is the leaf of the common raspberry plant. It has been used for centuries as a women's health tonic, particularly during pregnancy and for menstrual health. It is considered safe and gentle enough for long-term use. The active compound fragarine is believed to be responsible for its effects on the uterus.

Pinyin: Shèng Yuē Hàn Cǎo

St. John's wort is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that bloom around St. John's Day (June 24), hence the name. The leaves have tiny transparent dots (oil glands) that look like holes when held up to light - hence "perforatum." It is one of the most widely studied and best-selling herbal supplements, primarily used for mild to moderate depression. Its effectiveness is well-supported by research.

Pinyin: Bái Sháo

White peony root is one of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese medicine for women. It is widely used to nourish the blood, regulate menstruation, and calm the liver. White peony has a mild, harmonizing effect and is often combined with other herbs in classic formulas.