Chinese herbs have been used for hundreds of years as a part of the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners of this style of medicine will combine herbs so that they are custom blended for each individual patient. They use both bulk herbs and dried herbs in preparing the decoctions. Chinese herbs, in this traditional medical style, can be classified by the four natures, the four tastes and the meridians. The natures refer to yin and yang, with yin being cold and yang being hot. The tastes are salty, sweet, pungent, bitter and sour. The organs in the body that Chinese herbs claim to work upon are called the meridians.

The following are ten herbs popular in Chinese traditional medicine:

1. Maitake Mushroom – This is an edible mushroom with the Latin name of Grifola frondosa, which refers to the fronds that the mushroom forms when it attaches itself to the foot of trees. It is considered in traditional Chinese medicine to be an adaptogen, which may help in bringing bodily systems back to normal levels. Maitake contains potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamins B2, D2 and niacin.
2. Lycii Berries, Lycium Fruit – The common name is Wolfberry, but it also is known as Goji berry. They taste sweet and in traditional Chinese medicine are considered to be neutral in nature and thought to act on the kidneys, lungs and liver. The fruits contain zeaxanthin as well as vitamin C.
3. Schisandra Berries, Schizandra – This is considered to be one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The berries are used as dried herbs in teas, and are thought act as a restorative adaptogen with benefits to the liver. An adaptogen is an herb is believed to help the body fight stress.
4. Fo-ti Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-ti root is thought to aid the kidneys and add cool to the yin. If it is drunk as a tea.
5. Ginseng root and Powders – Ginseng comes in different colors, red and white. White is unprocessed, while red is processed with steam.
6. Galangal Root – This plant is a member of the ginger family, but it does not taste the same as ginger and in TCM is thought to have stimulant and aphrodisiac properties.
7. Ginkgo Leaf
8. Peony Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Peony root is thought to help relieve cramps with its antispasmodic properties.
9. Astragalus Root – typically used in conjunction with other dried herbs.
10. Licorice Root

It is always wise to first consult with your health care provider, who can offer the best medical advice for you concerning these and other herbs.