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 is thought to strengthen the immune system, and may also help bring blood pressure, glucose, insulin and liver lipids back to normal levels. It 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. In this medical style, they are thought to act on the kidneys, lungs and liver. The fruits contain zeaxanthin as well as vitamin C. Studies from China indicate that it may help with vision-related diseases, as well as cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
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 may act as a restorative adaptogen with benefits to the liver. An adaptogen is an herb is believed to help the body fight stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.
4. Fo-ti Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-ti root is thought to aid the kidneys, add cool to the yin, improve weak bones and stop the graying of hair. If it is drunk as a tea, it can have a laxative effect.
5. Ginseng root and Powders – Ginseng may help boost energy, reduce stress and increase endurance. It 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. It may act as a stimulant, and even an aphrodisiac. It may help flatulence, and stomach sicknesses, even sea-sickness.
7. Ginkgo Leaf – Ginkgo leaf may help to improve blood flow to organs and tissues, it may protect cells from free radical damage, and it may help block blood clotting. Its effects on treating dementia are inconclusive, but it is reputed to help memory.
8. Peony Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Peony root is thought to help relieve cramps of all types. It may help to improve circulation of blood to the skin and extremities.
9. Astragalus Root – This root may help to boost the immune system, and thus may help to prevent infections and may help to heal allergies. It is typically used in conjunction with other dried herbs.
10. Licorice Root – Licorice root may help to relieve inflammation, improve digestion and even neutralize toxins. It may help to relieve sore throat as well as muscle cramps.

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.