✵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—are agents or substances that tonify qi and are used to treat qi deficiency.
Tonic herbs strengthen or supplement what is deficient or weakened in the body; they are also called tonifying and nourishing herbs and are employed in the treatment of various deficiency syndromes. According to their primary therapeutic functions, tonic herbs are classified into several categories: qi tonics, blood tonics, yang tonics, and yin tonics.
Qi tonics—also known as qi-tonifying herbs—are agents or substances that tonify qi and are used to treat qi deficiency. These herbs primarily tonify lung qi and spleen qi, and are mainly indicated for syndromes of lung qi deficiency, spleen qi deficiency, and qi deficiency leading to blood deficiency. Representative herbs include 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 Zhú), 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 Yào), Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi (Cì Wǔ Jiā), Semen Lablab Album (Bái Biǎn Dòu), Extractum Malti (Yí Tánɡ), Mel (Fēnɡ Mì), and Rhodiola herb (Hóng Jǐng Tiān). Among these, Rhodiola herb (Hóng Jǐng Tiān) is introduced in the "Popular Herbs" section.
✵As of January 1, 2024, this category includes [15] commonly used TCM herbs, [23] related plant species, and [2] related insect species. Each of these Qi tonics—herbs for replenishing Qi—is 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 (Astragalus 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 (Pilose Asiabell root)
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 Zhú.
Radix Panacis Quinquefolii (American ginseng)
Brief Introduction:Radix Panacis Quinquefolii is the dried root of Panax quinquefolius L., used to replenish Qi, nourish Yin, clear internal heat, and promote fluid production. It is indicated for: (1) Yin deficiency with exuberant fire, manifesting as cough with blood-streaked sputum; and (2) simultaneous impairment of Qi and Yin in febrile diseases, presenting with restlessness and thirst. The herb is commonly known as Radix Panacis Quinquefolii, American Ginseng, or Huā Qí Shēn.
Brief Introduction:Radix Pseudostellariae is the dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm., used similarly to Radix Codonopsis (Dǎngshēn), but less potent as a tonic while more effective in promoting the production of body fluids. It is commonly known as Radix Pseudostellariae, Heterophylly Falsestarwort Root, or Tài Zǐ Shēn.
Fructus Jujubae (Jujube fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Jujubae is the dried, ripe fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. It is used to replenish the middle Qi, nourish the blood, calm the mind (induce tranquilization), and moderate the effects of other herbs. It is commonly known as Fructus Jujubae, jujube, Chinese date, or Dà Zǎo.
Radix Hedysari (Sweetvetch root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Hedysari is the dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz., used as a substitute for Radix Astragali (Astragalus Root). It is commonly known as Radix Hedysari, Sweetvetch Root, or Hóng Qí.
Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Common yam rhizome)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Dioscoreae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. It replenishes Qi and Yin, tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney, and is used to treat: (1) spleen- and stomach-Qi deficiency manifesting as poor appetite and chronic diarrhea; (2) lung-Qi or lung-Yin deficiency causing chronic cough; (3) kidney-Qi instability leading to nocturnal emission, polyuria, and leukorrhea; and (4) Yin deficiency in diabetes mellitus. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Common Yam Rhizome, or Shān Yào.
Brief Introduction:Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi is the dried root and rhizome of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms. It replenishes Qi, strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidney, and calms the spirit. It is used to treat general debility, anorexia, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, insomnia, and dream-disturbed sleep. Common names include Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi, Thorny Acanthopanax Root, Siberian Ginseng, and 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. It is used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, primarily for the treatment of (1) spleen- and stomach-qi deficiency manifesting as anorexia, loose stools, and leukorrhea, and (2) vomiting and diarrhea due to summer-dampness. The herb is commonly known as White Hyacinth Bean or Bái Biǎn Dòu.
Extractum Malti (Malt extract)
Brief Introduction: Extractum Malti is an amber- or yellowish-brown, viscous liquid with a pleasant odor and sweet taste, prepared by fermentation and saccharification of malted grains of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It functions as a spleen-qi tonic for general debility and as an antitussive for chronic cough. Commonly known names include Saccharum Granorum, Glucidtemns, Malt Sugar, and Yí Tánɡ.
Mel (Honey)
Brief Introduction: Mel is a saccharine fluid produced by honeybees—primarily Apis cerana Fabricius and Apis mellifera Linnaeus—used clinically as an antitussive for dry cough and as a mild laxative for constipation in the elderly. Commonly known names include Mel, Honey, and 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—are agents or substances that tonify qi and are used to treat 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 Zhú.
Brief Introduction: Radix Panacis Quinquefolii is the dried root of Panax quinquefolius L., used to replenish Qi, nourish Yin, clear internal heat, and promote fluid production. It is indicated for: (1) Yin deficiency with exuberant fire, manifesting as cough with blood-streaked sputum; and (2) simultaneous impairment of Qi and Yin in febrile diseases, presenting with restlessness and thirst. The herb is commonly known as Radix Panacis Quinquefolii, American Ginseng, or Huā Qí Shēn.
Brief Introduction: Radix Pseudostellariae is the dried tuberous root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm., used similarly to Radix Codonopsis (Dǎngshēn), but less potent as a tonic while more effective in promoting the production of body fluids. It is commonly known as Radix Pseudostellariae, Heterophylly Falsestarwort Root, or Tài Zǐ Shēn.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Jujubae is the dried, ripe fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. It is used to replenish the middle Qi, nourish the blood, calm the mind (induce tranquilization), and moderate the effects of other herbs. It is commonly known as Fructus Jujubae, jujube, Chinese date, or Dà Zǎo.
Brief Introduction: Radix Hedysari is the dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz., used as a substitute for Radix Astragali (Astragalus Root). It is commonly known as Radix Hedysari, Sweetvetch Root, or Hóng Qí.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Dioscoreae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. It replenishes Qi and Yin, tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney, and is used to treat: (1) spleen- and stomach-Qi deficiency manifesting as poor appetite and chronic diarrhea; (2) lung-Qi or lung-Yin deficiency causing chronic cough; (3) kidney-Qi instability leading to nocturnal emission, polyuria, and leukorrhea; and (4) Yin deficiency in diabetes mellitus. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Common Yam Rhizome, or Shān Yào.
Brief Introduction: Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi is the dried root and rhizome of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms. It replenishes Qi, strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidney, and calms the spirit. It is used to treat general debility, anorexia, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, insomnia, and dream-disturbed sleep. Common names include Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi, Thorny Acanthopanax Root, Siberian Ginseng, and Cì Wǔ Jiā.
Brief Introduction: The herb Semen Lablab Album is the dried ripe seed of Dolichos lablab L. It is used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, primarily for the treatment of (1) spleen- and stomach-qi deficiency manifesting as anorexia, loose stools, and leukorrhea, and (2) vomiting and diarrhea due to summer-dampness. The herb is commonly known as White Hyacinth Bean or Bái Biǎn Dòu.
Brief Introduction: Extractum Malti is an amber- or yellowish-brown, viscous liquid with a pleasant odor and sweet taste, prepared by fermentation and saccharification of malted grains of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It functions as a spleen-qi tonic for general debility and as an antitussive for chronic cough. Commonly known names include Saccharum Granorum, Glucidtemns, Malt Sugar, and Yí Tánɡ.
Brief Introduction: Mel is a saccharine fluid produced by honeybees—primarily Apis cerana Fabricius and Apis mellifera Linnaeus—used clinically as an antitussive for dry cough and as a mild laxative for constipation in the elderly. Commonly known names include Mel, Honey, and Fēnɡ Mì.