✵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.
Yang Tonics: Herbs for Reinforcing Yang
Introduction: Yang Tonics—Herbs for Reinforcing Yang, also known as yang-tonifying herbs or yang-reinforcing herbs, are agents or substances that tonify Yang-qi and are used to treat yang deficiency.
A yang tonic is also known as a yang-tonifying herb—an agent or substance that tonifies yang-qi and is used to treat yang deficiency. Yang-tonifying herbs function to tonify yang-qi and are indicated for yang deficiency syndrome, which manifests as aversion to cold and preference for warmth, coldness in the hands and feet, bland taste and absence of thirst (hydroadipsia), and preference for hot food and drinks.
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category includes a total of [14] commonly used TCM herbs, [23] related plant species, and [1] related fungal species. These yang tonics—herbs for tonifying yang-qi—are briefly introduced below:
Radix Morindae Officinalis (Morinda Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Morindae Officinalis is the dried root of Morinda officinalis How., used to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and premature ejaculation in men and frigidity in women. It is commonly known as Radix Morindae Officinalis, Morinda Root, or Bā Jǐ Tiān.
Radix Dipsaci (Himalayan Teasel Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Dipsaci is the dried root of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai. It is used (1) to tonify the liver and kidneys and strengthen tendons and bones—indicated for soreness and pain in the lower back and joints, and rheumatic lumbar pain; (2) to promote fracture healing; and (3) to arrest bleeding and stabilize pregnancy—used for functional uterine bleeding and threatened abortion. The herb is commonly known as Radix Dipsaci, Himalayan Teasel Root, or Xù Duàn.
Cortex Eucommiae (Eucommia Bark)
Brief Introduction:Cortex Eucommiae is the dried stem bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. It is used to tonify the liver and kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones, and stabilize pregnancy—indicated for soreness and pain in the lumbar region and knees, impotence, frequent urination, threatened abortion, and, in modern practice, hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Eucommiae, Eucommia Bark, or Dù Zhòng.
Herba Cistanchis (Desert-living Cistanche)
Brief Introduction:Herba Cistanchis is the dried succulent stem with scale leaves of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma, used (1) to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and premature ejaculation, and (2) as a mild laxative for chronic constipation in the elderly. The herb is commonly known as Herba Cistanchis, Desert-living Cistanche, or Ròu Cōng Róng.
Rhizoma Curculiginis (Common Curculigo Rhizome)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Curculiginis is the dried rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. It is used to warm the kidney, reinforce Yang, strengthen tendons and bones, and dispel cold-dampness for the treatment of soreness and pain in the lower back and knees with cold intolerance, impotence, enuresis, stubborn arthralgia, and chronic diarrhea. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Curculiginis, Common Curculigo Rhizome, or Xiān Máo.
Herba Epimedii (Epimedium Herb)
Brief Introduction:Herba Epimedii consists of the dried aerial parts of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Epimedium koreanum Nakai, Epimedium pubescens Maxim., or Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying. It is used (1) to tonify kidney Yang for treating impotence, infertility, and frequent urination, and (2) to strengthen tendons and bones and dispel wind-dampness for rheumatoid arthralgia, contracture, and numbness. Common names include Herba Epimedii, Epimedium Herb, Herb of Shorthorned Epimedium, Herb of Sagittate Epimedium, Herb of Pubescent epimedium, and Yín Yáng Huò.
Semen Trigonellae (Common Fenugreek Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Trigonellae is the dried, ripe seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L., used to warm the kidneys, dispel cold, and relieve pain—particularly for cold-induced testicular pain, hernial pain, weakness, and leg edema due to cold-dampness. It is commonly known as Semen Trigonellae, Common Fenugreek Seed, or Hú Lú Bā.
Fructus Psoraleae (Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Psoraleae is the dried, ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., used to warm the kidneys and spleen and reinforce yang. It is indicated for impotence, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, chronic asthma due to kidney yang deficiency, and diarrhea occurring daily just before dawn (so-called "five-o’clock diarrhea") resulting from combined spleen- and kidney-yang deficiency. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Psoraleae, Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit, or Bǔ Gǔ Zhī.
Brief Introduction:Semen Alpiniae Oxyphyllae is the dried, ripe seed of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq., used to warm the spleen and kidney for the treatment of (1) chronic diarrhea accompanied by cold and abdominal pain, and (2) enuresis, frequent urination, and seminal emission. The herb is commonly known as Semen Alpiniae Oxyphyllae, Sharpleaf Galangal Seed, or Yì Zhì Rén.
Cordyceps (Chinese Caterpillar Fungus)
Brief Introduction:Cordyceps is the dried stroma of the fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (family Hypocreaceae), which parasitizes the larvae of certain moths in the family Hepialidae. The resulting complex—comprising the sclerotized larval body and the emerging stroma—is used in traditional medicine to reinforce kidney Yang and tonify the lungs. It is indicated for impotence, nocturnal emission, night sweats, and chronic cough with hemoptysis in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (phthisis). The herb is commonly known as Cordyceps, Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, or Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo.
Semen Jugalandis (Walnut Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Juglandis is the dried ripe seed of Juglans regia L., used to tonify the kidney and lung, alleviate soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, relieve cough and dyspnea of deficiency-cold type, arrest seminal emission, and treat impotence. It is commonly known as Semen Juglandis, Walnut Seed, or Hé Táo Rén.
Semen Cuscutae (Dodder Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Cuscutae is the dried ripe seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. It is used to tonify the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and prevent miscarriage. It is indicated for nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, diabetes, diminished vision, and threatened abortion. Commonly known as Semen Cuscutae, Dodder Seed, or Tú Sī Zǐ.
Brief Introduction:Semen Astragali Complanati is the dried, ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus R. Br. It is used to tonify the Liver and Kidney Yin, and is indicated for dizziness, blurred vision, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, impotence, frequent urination, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Astragali Complanati, Flatstem Milkvetch Seed, or Shā Yuàn Zǐ.
Herba Cynomorii (Songaria Cynomorium Herb)
Brief Introduction:Herba Cynomorii is the dried succulent stem of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. It is used (1) to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and seminal emission, and (2) as a mild laxative for chronic constipation in the elderly. Common names include Herba Cynomorii, Songaria Cynomorium Herb, and Suǒ Yánɡ.
✵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: Yang Tonics—Herbs for Reinforcing Yang, also known as yang-tonifying herbs or yang-reinforcing herbs, are agents or substances that tonify Yang-qi and are used to treat yang deficiency.
Brief Introduction: Radix Morindae Officinalis is the dried root of Morinda officinalis How., used to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and premature ejaculation in men and frigidity in women. It is commonly known as Radix Morindae Officinalis, Morinda Root, or Bā Jǐ Tiān.
Brief Introduction: Radix Dipsaci is the dried root of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai. It is used (1) to tonify the liver and kidneys and strengthen tendons and bones—indicated for soreness and pain in the lower back and joints, and rheumatic lumbar pain; (2) to promote fracture healing; and (3) to arrest bleeding and stabilize pregnancy—used for functional uterine bleeding and threatened abortion. The herb is commonly known as Radix Dipsaci, Himalayan Teasel Root, or Xù Duàn.
Brief Introduction: Cortex Eucommiae is the dried stem bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. It is used to tonify the liver and kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones, and stabilize pregnancy—indicated for soreness and pain in the lumbar region and knees, impotence, frequent urination, threatened abortion, and, in modern practice, hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Eucommiae, Eucommia Bark, or Dù Zhòng.
Brief Introduction: Herba Cistanchis is the dried succulent stem with scale leaves of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma, used (1) to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and premature ejaculation, and (2) as a mild laxative for chronic constipation in the elderly. The herb is commonly known as Herba Cistanchis, Desert-living Cistanche, or Ròu Cōng Róng.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Curculiginis is the dried rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. It is used to warm the kidney, reinforce Yang, strengthen tendons and bones, and dispel cold-dampness for the treatment of soreness and pain in the lower back and knees with cold intolerance, impotence, enuresis, stubborn arthralgia, and chronic diarrhea. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Curculiginis, Common Curculigo Rhizome, or Xiān Máo.
Brief Introduction: Herba Epimedii consists of the dried aerial parts of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Epimedium koreanum Nakai, Epimedium pubescens Maxim., or Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying. It is used (1) to tonify kidney Yang for treating impotence, infertility, and frequent urination, and (2) to strengthen tendons and bones and dispel wind-dampness for rheumatoid arthralgia, contracture, and numbness. Common names include Herba Epimedii, Epimedium Herb, Herb of Shorthorned Epimedium, Herb of Sagittate Epimedium, Herb of Pubescent epimedium, and Yín Yáng Huò.
Brief Introduction: Semen Trigonellae is the dried, ripe seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L., used to warm the kidneys, dispel cold, and relieve pain—particularly for cold-induced testicular pain, hernial pain, weakness, and leg edema due to cold-dampness. It is commonly known as Semen Trigonellae, Common Fenugreek Seed, or Hú Lú Bā.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Psoraleae is the dried, ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., used to warm the kidneys and spleen and reinforce yang. It is indicated for impotence, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, chronic asthma due to kidney yang deficiency, and diarrhea occurring daily just before dawn (so-called "five-o’clock diarrhea") resulting from combined spleen- and kidney-yang deficiency. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Psoraleae, Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit, or Bǔ Gǔ Zhī.
Brief Introduction: Semen Alpiniae Oxyphyllae is the dried, ripe seed of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq., used to warm the spleen and kidney for the treatment of (1) chronic diarrhea accompanied by cold and abdominal pain, and (2) enuresis, frequent urination, and seminal emission. The herb is commonly known as Semen Alpiniae Oxyphyllae, Sharpleaf Galangal Seed, or Yì Zhì Rén.
Brief Introduction: Cordyceps is the dried stroma of the fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (family Hypocreaceae), which parasitizes the larvae of certain moths in the family Hepialidae. The resulting complex—comprising the sclerotized larval body and the emerging stroma—is used in traditional medicine to reinforce kidney Yang and tonify the lungs. It is indicated for impotence, nocturnal emission, night sweats, and chronic cough with hemoptysis in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (phthisis). The herb is commonly known as Cordyceps, Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, or Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo.
Brief Introduction: Semen Juglandis is the dried ripe seed of Juglans regia L., used to tonify the kidney and lung, alleviate soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, relieve cough and dyspnea of deficiency-cold type, arrest seminal emission, and treat impotence. It is commonly known as Semen Juglandis, Walnut Seed, or Hé Táo Rén.
Brief Introduction: Semen Cuscutae is the dried ripe seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. It is used to tonify the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and prevent miscarriage. It is indicated for nocturnal emission, impotence, enuresis, diabetes, diminished vision, and threatened abortion. Commonly known as Semen Cuscutae, Dodder Seed, or Tú Sī Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Semen Astragali Complanati is the dried, ripe seed of Astragalus complanatus R. Br. It is used to tonify the Liver and Kidney Yin, and is indicated for dizziness, blurred vision, seminal emission, premature ejaculation, impotence, frequent urination, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Semen Astragali Complanati, Flatstem Milkvetch Seed, or Shā Yuàn Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Herba Cynomorii is the dried succulent stem of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. It is used (1) to reinforce kidney Yang for treating impotence and seminal emission, and (2) as a mild laxative for chronic constipation in the elderly. Common names include Herba Cynomorii, Songaria Cynomorium Herb, and Suǒ Yánɡ.