✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Qi Tonics,Herbs for Replenishing Qi.
Introduction: Qi Tonics,Herbs for Replenishing Qi: also known as Qi-tonifying herbs, an agent or substance that tonifies Qi, used in treating Qi deficiency.
Tonic herbs have functions of strengthening or supplementing what is insufficient or weakened in the body, also known as tonifying and nourishing herbs, used in the treatment of various deficiency syndromes. According to the difference of its functions, tonic herbs are classified into several kinds:Qi tonic, blood tonic, Yang tonic, Yin tonic, etc.
Qi tonic is also known as Qi-tonifying herbs, an agent or substance that tonifies Qi, used in treating Qi deficiency. Qi-tonifying herbs mostly have functions tonifying lung Qi and replenish spleen Qi, are mainly used for syndromes of lung Qi deficiency, spleen Qi deficiency, and blood deficiency, etc. Representative herbs of this kind are Radix Ginseng (Rén Shēn), Radix Astragali (Huánɡ Qí), Radix Codonopsis (Dǎnɡ Shēn), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gān Cǎo), Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata(Zhì Gān Cǎo), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bái Shù), and other herbs including Radix Panacis Quinquefolii (Huā Qí Shēn), Radix Pseudostellariae (Tài Zǐ Shēn), Fructus Jujubae (Dà Zǎo), Radix Hedysari (Hónɡ Qí), Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Shān Yɑo), Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi (Cì Wǔ Jiā), Semen Lablab Album (Bái Biǎn Dòu), Extractum Malti (Yí Tánɡ), Mel (Fēnɡ Mì), Rhodiola Herb (Hóng Jǐng Tiān), etc. Among above herbs, Rhodiola Herb (Hóng Jǐng Tiān) is introduced in Popular Herbs.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [15] kinds of common TCM herbs, [23] kinds of related plant species, [2] kinds of related insect species, are recorded in this category. These Qi tonics, herbs for replenishing Qi are briefly introduced separately:
Radix Ginseng (Ginseng)
Brief Introduction:Radix Ginseng is the dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. It is used: (1) to powerfully replenish Qi and promote fluid production, for treating prostration, general debility, diabetes mellitus, impotence or frigidity, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock; (2) to tonify the Spleen and Lung, for treating anorexia, cough, and shortness of breath; and (3) as a tranquilizer, for treating cardiac palpitations and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Radix Ginseng, Ginseng, or Rén Shēn.
Radix Astragali (Milkvetch Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Astragali is the dried root of either Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. or Astragalus membranaceus Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge.) P. K. Hsiao. It is used: (1) to tonify Qi for treating general debility, anorexia, chronic diarrhea, uterine or rectal prolapse, spontaneous sweating, and chronic nephritis with edema and proteinuria; and (2) to promote abscess resolution and accelerate healing of chronic ulcers. The herb is commonly known as Astragalus Root, Milkvetch Root, or Huánɡ Qí.
Radix Codonopsis (Tangshen)
Brief Introduction:Radix Codonopsis is the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, or Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. It is used to replenish Qi, promote fluid production, and nourish blood. It is indicated for: (1) deficiency of the middle-Qi accompanied by general debility, anorexia, lassitude, and loose stools; and (2) combined deficiency of Qi and Yin, manifesting as shortness of breath, pallor, dizziness, and palpitations. The herb is commonly known as Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, or Dang Shen.
Radix Glycyrrhizae (Licorice Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Glycyrrhizae is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal., or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. It is used (1) to replenish Qi and tonify the heart—especially for treating arrhythmia in cases of heart Qi deficiency; (2) to tonify the spleen—especially for treating lassitude, anorexia, and loose stools in cases of spleen insufficiency; (3) to relieve epigastric colic and spastic pain of the limbs; (4) to dispel phlegm and stop coughing; (5) to clear heat and counteract toxins—particularly for sore throat, boils, sores, and herb-induced toxicity (toxicity due to herbal overdose); and (6) most frequently, to harmonize the ingredients in herbal prescriptions. The herb is commonly known as Radix Glycyrrhizae, Licorice Root, or Gān Cǎo.
Brief Introduction:Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata is processed Glycyrrhiza uralensis root (Licorice Root) stir-baked with honey. It is used to tonify the spleen and heart, and is particularly indicated for arrhythmia. Common names include Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, Prepared Licorice Root, and Zhì Gān Cǎo.
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. It is used to: (1) replenish Qi and strengthen the spleen—indicated for general weakness, anorexia, dyspepsia, and chronic diarrhea; (2) relieve spontaneous sweating; and (3) stabilize the fetus in cases of threatened abortion. Common names include Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, White Atractylodes Rhizome, and Bái Shù.
Radix Panacis Quinquefolii (American Ginseng)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Panacis Quinquefolii is the dried root of Panax quinquefolium L (family Araliaceae), used to replenish Qi, nourish Yin, reduce the internal heat and promote fluid production, for treating (1). Yin deficiency with exuberant fire with cough and blood-streaked sputum, and (2).impairment of both Qi and Yin in cases of febrile diseases with fidgetiness and thirst. The herb is commonly known as Radix Panacis Quinquefolii, American Ginseng, Xī Yánɡ Shēn.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Pseudostellariae is the dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm (family Caryophyllaceae), used in a similar way to Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, less active as a tonic, but more active in promoting the production of body fluids. The herb is commonly known as Radix Pseudostellariae, Hterophylly Flasestarwort Root, Tài Zǐ Shēn.
Fructus Jujubae (Jujube, Chinese Date)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Fructus Jujubae is the dried ripe fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.var.inermis (Bunge) Rehd., and one varietas Ziziphus jujuba var. inermis (Bunge) Rehder (family Rhamnaceae), used to replenish the middle Qi, nourish the blood and induce tranquilization, and also used to moderate herb medicine actions. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Jujubae, Jujube, Chinese Date, Dà Zǎo.
Radix Hedysari (Sweetvetch Root)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Hedysari is the dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz (family Leguminosae), used as a substitute for Radix Astragali, Milkvetch Root. The herb is commonly known as Radix Hedysari, Sweetvetch Root, Hónɡ Qí.
Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Common Yam Rhizome)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Rhizoma Dioscoreae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb (family Dioscoreaceae), used (1).to replenish Qi and Yin, tonify the spleen, lung, and kidney for the treatment of (1).weakness of the spleen and stomach with poor appetite and chronic diarrhea, (2).lung insufficiency with chronic cough, (3).insecurity of the kidney with nocturnal emission, polyuria and leukorrhagia, and (4).Yin deficiency in cases of diabetes. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Common Yam Rhizome, Shān Yɑo.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi is the dried root and rhizome of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.et Maxim.) Harms (family Aralicaceae), used to replenish Qi, strengthen the spleen, tonify the kidney, and induce tranquilization for the treatment of general weakness, anorexia, aching back and knees, and insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep. The herb is commonly known as Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi, Thorny Acanthopanax Root, Siberian Ginseng, Cì Wǔ Jiā.
Semen Lablab Album (White Hyacinth Bean)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Semen Lablab Album is the dried ripe seed of Dolichos lablab L (family Leguminosae), used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness for the treatment of (1).weakness of the spleen and stomach with anorexia, loose stools, and leukorrhagia, and (2).vomiting and diarrhea due to summer dampness. The herb is commonly known as Semen Lablab Album, White Hyacinth Bean, Bái Biǎn Dòu.
Extractum Malti (Malt Extract)
Brief Introduction: The Herb Extractum Malti is the amber or yellowish brown, viscous liquid, with an agreeable odor and a sweet taste, prepared from malted grains of barley, Hordeum vulgare L., or malted grains of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., used as a tonic to replenish the middle Qi for treating general debility, also used as an antitussive for treating chronic cough. The herb is commonly known as Saccharum Granorum, Saccharum Granorum, Glucidtemns, Malt Sugar, Yí Tánɡ.
Mel (Honey)
Brief Introduction: The herb Mel is a saccharine fluid made by the hive-bee, Apis cerana Fabr., or Apis mellifera L (family Apidae), used as an antitussive for dry cough, and as an aperient for constipation in the aged. The herb is commonly known as Mel, Honey, Fēnɡ Mì.
✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Qi Tonics,Herbs for Replenishing Qi: also known as Qi-tonifying herbs, an agent or substance that tonifies Qi, used in treating Qi deficiency.
Brief Introduction: Radix Ginseng is the dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. It is used: (1) to powerfully replenish Qi and promote fluid production, for treating prostration, general debility, diabetes mellitus, impotence or frigidity, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock; (2) to tonify the Spleen and Lung, for treating anorexia, cough, and shortness of breath; and (3) as a tranquilizer, for treating cardiac palpitations and insomnia. The herb is commonly known as Radix Ginseng, Ginseng, or Rén Shēn.
Brief Introduction: Radix Astragali is the dried root of either Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. or Astragalus membranaceus Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge.) P. K. Hsiao. It is used: (1) to tonify Qi for treating general debility, anorexia, chronic diarrhea, uterine or rectal prolapse, spontaneous sweating, and chronic nephritis with edema and proteinuria; and (2) to promote abscess resolution and accelerate healing of chronic ulcers. The herb is commonly known as Astragalus Root, Milkvetch Root, or Huánɡ Qí.
Brief Introduction: Radix Codonopsis is the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, or Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. It is used to replenish Qi, promote fluid production, and nourish blood. It is indicated for: (1) deficiency of the middle-Qi accompanied by general debility, anorexia, lassitude, and loose stools; and (2) combined deficiency of Qi and Yin, manifesting as shortness of breath, pallor, dizziness, and palpitations. The herb is commonly known as Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, or Dang Shen.
Brief Introduction: Radix Glycyrrhizae is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Batal., or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. It is used (1) to replenish Qi and tonify the heart—especially for treating arrhythmia in cases of heart Qi deficiency; (2) to tonify the spleen—especially for treating lassitude, anorexia, and loose stools in cases of spleen insufficiency; (3) to relieve epigastric colic and spastic pain of the limbs; (4) to dispel phlegm and stop coughing; (5) to clear heat and counteract toxins—particularly for sore throat, boils, sores, and herb-induced toxicity (toxicity due to herbal overdose); and (6) most frequently, to harmonize the ingredients in herbal prescriptions. The herb is commonly known as Radix Glycyrrhizae, Licorice Root, or Gān Cǎo.
Brief Introduction: Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata is processed Glycyrrhiza uralensis root (Licorice Root) stir-baked with honey. It is used to tonify the spleen and heart, and is particularly indicated for arrhythmia. Common names include Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, Prepared Licorice Root, and Zhì Gān Cǎo.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. It is used to: (1) replenish Qi and strengthen the spleen—indicated for general weakness, anorexia, dyspepsia, and chronic diarrhea; (2) relieve spontaneous sweating; and (3) stabilize the fetus in cases of threatened abortion. Common names include Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, White Atractylodes Rhizome, and Bái Shù.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Panacis Quinquefolii is the dried root of Panax quinquefolium L (family Araliaceae), used to replenish Qi, nourish Yin, reduce the internal heat and promote fluid production, for treating (1). Yin deficiency with exuberant fire with cough and blood-streaked sputum, and (2).impairment of both Qi and Yin in cases of febrile diseases with fidgetiness and thirst. The herb is commonly known as Radix Panacis Quinquefolii, American Ginseng, Xī Yánɡ Shēn.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Pseudostellariae is the dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm (family Caryophyllaceae), used in a similar way to Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, less active as a tonic, but more active in promoting the production of body fluids. The herb is commonly known as Radix Pseudostellariae, Hterophylly Flasestarwort Root, Tài Zǐ Shēn.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Fructus Jujubae is the dried ripe fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.var.inermis (Bunge) Rehd., and one varietas Ziziphus jujuba var. inermis (Bunge) Rehder (family Rhamnaceae), used to replenish the middle Qi, nourish the blood and induce tranquilization, and also used to moderate herb medicine actions. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Jujubae, Jujube, Chinese Date, Dà Zǎo.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Hedysari is the dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz (family Leguminosae), used as a substitute for Radix Astragali, Milkvetch Root. The herb is commonly known as Radix Hedysari, Sweetvetch Root, Hónɡ Qí.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Rhizoma Dioscoreae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb (family Dioscoreaceae), used (1).to replenish Qi and Yin, tonify the spleen, lung, and kidney for the treatment of (1).weakness of the spleen and stomach with poor appetite and chronic diarrhea, (2).lung insufficiency with chronic cough, (3).insecurity of the kidney with nocturnal emission, polyuria and leukorrhagia, and (4).Yin deficiency in cases of diabetes. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Common Yam Rhizome, Shān Yɑo.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi is the dried root and rhizome of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr.et Maxim.) Harms (family Aralicaceae), used to replenish Qi, strengthen the spleen, tonify the kidney, and induce tranquilization for the treatment of general weakness, anorexia, aching back and knees, and insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep. The herb is commonly known as Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi, Thorny Acanthopanax Root, Siberian Ginseng, Cì Wǔ Jiā.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Semen Lablab Album is the dried ripe seed of Dolichos lablab L (family Leguminosae), used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness for the treatment of (1).weakness of the spleen and stomach with anorexia, loose stools, and leukorrhagia, and (2).vomiting and diarrhea due to summer dampness. The herb is commonly known as Semen Lablab Album, White Hyacinth Bean, Bái Biǎn Dòu.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Extractum Malti is the amber or yellowish brown, viscous liquid, with an agreeable odor and a sweet taste, prepared from malted grains of barley, Hordeum vulgare L., or malted grains of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., used as a tonic to replenish the middle Qi for treating general debility, also used as an antitussive for treating chronic cough. The herb is commonly known as Saccharum Granorum, Saccharum Granorum, Glucidtemns, Malt Sugar, Yí Tánɡ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Mel is a saccharine fluid made by the hive-bee, Apis cerana Fabr., or Apis mellifera L (family Apidae), used as an antitussive for dry cough, and as an aperient for constipation in the aged. The herb is commonly known as Mel, Honey, Fēnɡ Mì.