Herbal Food Therapy Knowledge
Discover the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine food therapy — ingredients that nourish both body and spirit.
枸杞
Benefits
Nourishes liver and kidney, improves eyesight, boosts immunity, anti-aging properties
Suitable For
People with eye fatigue, weak immunity, liver/kidney deficiency, office workers
Common Pairings
Chrysanthemum + Goji (clear vision tea), Red Date + Goji (nourishing tea), Longan + Goji (energy boost)
红枣
Benefits
Tonifies blood and qi, calms the mind, strengthens spleen and stomach, improves complexion
Suitable For
Women with blood deficiency, anemia, poor sleep, weak digestion, pale complexion
Common Pairings
Red Date + Longan (blood nourishing), Red Date + Ginger (warming), Red Date + Lily Bulb (calming)
桂圆
Benefits
Tonifies heart and spleen, nourishes blood, calms spirit, improves memory and concentration
Suitable For
People with anemia, forgetfulness, insomnia, postpartum weakness, students and professionals
Common Pairings
Longan + Red Date (blood nourishing), Longan + Goji (energy), Longan + Lotus Seed (calming)
人参
Benefits
Greatly tonifies original qi, restores vitality, strengthens spleen and lung, calms the mind
Suitable For
People with severe fatigue, qi deficiency, weak constitution, convalescence (avoid with excess heat)
Common Pairings
Ginseng + Red Date (qi & blood), Ginseng + Goji (vitality), Ginseng + Astragalus (immunity)
西洋参
Benefits
Tonifies qi while nourishing yin, clears heat, generates fluids — cooling, non-heating tonic
Suitable For
People with qi-yin deficiency, dry mouth, overwork, heat-prone constitutions, summer fatigue
Common Pairings
American Ginseng + Goji (yin tonic), + Chrysanthemum (cooling), + Dendrobium (fluids)
党参
Benefits
Tonifies spleen and lung qi, nourishes blood, generates fluids — a gentle ginseng substitute
Suitable For
People with mild qi deficiency, fatigue, poor appetite, shortness of breath, weak digestion
Common Pairings
Codonopsis + Astragalus (qi boost), + Red Date (blood), + Poria (spleen)
黄芪
Benefits
Tonifies qi, raises yang, strengthens defensive qi, reduces edema, supports immunity
Suitable For
People with qi deficiency, spontaneous sweating, frequent colds, fatigue, mild edema
Common Pairings
Astragalus + Goji (immunity), + Red Date (qi & blood), + Codonopsis (energy)
山药
Benefits
Strengthens spleen and stomach, tonifies lung and kidney, nourishes yin, stabilizes essence
Suitable For
People with weak digestion, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, diabetes-prone, frequent urination
Common Pairings
Chinese Yam + Lotus Seed (spleen), + Goji (kidney), + Coix Seed (dampness)
黄精
Benefits
Tonifies qi and yin, strengthens spleen, moistens lung, benefits kidney essence
Suitable For
People with fatigue, dry cough, weak constitution, premature aging, low energy
Common Pairings
Polygonatum + Goji (essence), + Red Date (qi), + Dendrobium (yin)
玉竹
Benefits
Nourishes yin, moistens dryness, generates fluids, soothes the lung and stomach
Suitable For
People with dry mouth and throat, dry skin, dry cough, yin deficiency, autumn dryness
Common Pairings
Yu Zhu + Goji (yin), + Lily Bulb (moisten lung), + Chrysanthemum (cooling)
桑葚
Benefits
Nourishes blood and yin, moistens intestines, benefits liver and kidney, blackens hair
Suitable For
People with blood/yin deficiency, premature graying, constipation, dizziness, dry eyes
Common Pairings
Mulberry + Goji (liver-kidney), + Black Sesame (hair), + Red Date (blood)
黑芝麻
Benefits
Nourishes liver and kidney, enriches blood and essence, moistens intestines, blackens hair
Suitable For
People with premature graying, dry skin and hair, constipation, dizziness, weak essence
Common Pairings
Black Sesame + Mulberry (hair), + Walnut (kidney), + Honey (moisten)
阿胶
Benefits
Tonifies blood, stops bleeding, nourishes yin, moistens the lung — a classic blood tonic
Suitable For
Women with blood deficiency, anemia, irregular menstruation, pallor, dry cough (avoid with weak digestion)
Common Pairings
Donkey Gelatin + Red Date (blood), + Goji (yin-blood), + Longan (women’s tonic)
当归
Benefits
Tonifies and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, moistens intestines
Suitable For
Women with blood deficiency, menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, cold hands/feet, pallor
Common Pairings
Dang Gui + Red Date (blood), + Astragalus (qi & blood), + Rose (menstruation)
芡实
Benefits
Strengthens spleen, drains dampness, tonifies kidney, stabilizes essence, stops diarrhea
Suitable For
People with chronic diarrhea, leakage, dampness, weak kidney, frequent urination
Common Pairings
Euryale + Lotus Seed (spleen-kidney), + Coix Seed (dampness), + Chinese Yam (digestion)
覆盆子
Benefits
Tonifies kidney, stabilizes essence, secures urine, benefits liver and improves eyesight
Suitable For
People with frequent urination, kidney deficiency, blurry vision, low energy
Common Pairings
Raspberry + Goji (kidney-eyes), + Chinese Yam (essence), + Cornus (astringe)
益智仁
Benefits
Warms kidney, secures essence and urine, warms spleen, stops excessive salivation
Suitable For
People with frequent night urination, cold spleen, drooling, kidney-yang deficiency
Common Pairings
Yi Zhi Ren + Chinese Yam (kidney), + Raspberry (urine), + Red Date (warming)
刀豆
Benefits
Warms the middle, descends qi, tonifies kidney, relieves hiccups and belching
Suitable For
People with cold-deficient stomach, hiccups, belching, lower-back weakness
Common Pairings
Sword Bean + Ginger (warming), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Red Date (tonify)
肉苁蓉
Benefits
Tonifies kidney-yang, benefits essence and blood, moistens intestines, eases constipation
Suitable For
People with kidney-yang deficiency, cold limbs, sore lower back, chronic constipation, low libido
Common Pairings
Cistanche + Goji (kidney), + Cornus (essence), + Honey (moisten)
铁皮石斛
Benefits
Nourishes stomach yin, generates fluids, clears heat, benefits eyes and strengthens muscle
Suitable For
People with yin deficiency, dry mouth, low-grade heat, dry eyes, after illness, heavy drinkers
Common Pairings
Dendrobium + Goji (yin-eyes), + American Ginseng (qi-yin), + Chrysanthemum (cooling)
山茱萸
Benefits
Tonifies liver and kidney, stabilizes essence, secures and astringes, arrests sweating
Suitable For
People with liver-kidney deficiency, dizziness, sore back, frequent urination, excessive sweating
Common Pairings
Cornus + Goji (liver-kidney), + Chinese Yam (essence), + Raspberry (urine)
杜仲叶
Benefits
Tonifies liver and kidney, strengthens sinews and bones, supports healthy blood pressure
Suitable For
People with sore lower back and knees, kidney deficiency, weak bones, high blood pressure
Common Pairings
Eucommia Leaf + Goji (kidney), + Astragalus (qi), + Chrysanthemum (blood pressure)
甘草
Benefits
Tonifies spleen qi, clears heat and detoxifies, moistens lung, harmonizes other herbs
Suitable For
People with weak spleen, sore throat, cough, herb blends needing balance (use small amounts)
Common Pairings
Licorice + Honeysuckle (throat), + Red Date (spleen), + Mint (soothing)
蜂蜜
Benefits
Tonifies the middle, moistens dryness, relieves cough, eases the bowels, harmonizes
Suitable For
People with dry cough, constipation, dry throat, weak digestion (avoid for infants and diabetics)
Common Pairings
Honey + Chrysanthemum (cooling), + Ginger (cold relief), + Lemon (vitamin C)
灵芝
Benefits
Tonifies qi, calms the spirit, stops cough, supports immunity and overall vitality
Suitable For
People with insomnia, weak immunity, fatigue, chronic cough, convalescence
Common Pairings
Reishi + Goji (immunity), + Red Date (qi-blood), + Longan (calming)
松花粉
Benefits
Tonifies qi, relieves dampness, supports skin healing, rich in nutrients and antioxidants
Suitable For
People seeking general nourishment, fatigue, dull skin, low energy, sub-health states
Common Pairings
Pine Pollen + Honey (nourishing), + Goji (vitality), + Red Date (qi-blood)
百合
Benefits
Moistens lungs, calms the mind, nourishes yin, relieves cough, promotes restful sleep
Suitable For
People with insomnia, dry cough, anxiety, dry skin, menopausal symptoms
Common Pairings
Lily Bulb + Lotus Seed (sleep aid), Lily Bulb + Red Date (nourishing), Lily Bulb + Snow Fungus (beauty)
莲子
Benefits
Strengthens spleen, stops diarrhea, calms heart, nourishes kidney, improves sleep quality
Suitable For
People with poor sleep, heart palpitations, chronic diarrhea, weak spleen, restlessness
Common Pairings
Lotus Seed + Lily Bulb (calming), Lotus Seed + Longan (heart nourishing), Lotus Seed + Coix Seed (spleen)
酸枣仁
Benefits
Nourishes heart, calms the spirit, arrests sweating — a premier herb for insomnia
Suitable For
People with insomnia, vivid dreams, palpitations, night sweats, anxiety
Common Pairings
Sour Jujube Seed + Longan (sleep), + Lily Bulb (calming), + Lotus Seed (heart)
茯苓
Benefits
Drains dampness, strengthens spleen, calms the spirit, promotes urination
Suitable For
People with dampness, poor sleep, palpitations, weak digestion, mild edema
Common Pairings
Poria + Lotus Seed (calm-spleen), + Coix Seed (dampness), + Red Date (nourish)
天麻
Benefits
Calms liver wind, settles tremor, relieves headache and dizziness, unblocks channels
Suitable For
People with headaches, migraines, dizziness, high blood pressure, numbness
Common Pairings
Gastrodia + Chrysanthemum (headache), + Goji (liver), + Red Date (tonify)
菊花
Benefits
Clears heat and detoxifies, improves eyesight, lowers blood pressure, anti-inflammatory
Suitable For
People with eye strain, headaches, high blood pressure, those who use screens frequently
Common Pairings
Chrysanthemum + Goji (vision tea), Chrysanthemum + Honeysuckle (detox), Chrysanthemum + Mint (cooling)
金银花
Benefits
Clears heat, detoxifies, disperses wind-heat — a leading herb for sore throat and fever
Suitable For
People with sore throat, summer heat, skin inflammation, early colds, mouth ulcers
Common Pairings
Honeysuckle + Chrysanthemum (detox), + Licorice (throat), + Mint (cooling)
山银花
Benefits
Clears heat and detoxifies, disperses wind-heat — close relative of honeysuckle
Suitable For
People with sore throat, heat-toxin, summer heat, skin inflammation
Common Pairings
Mountain Honeysuckle + Chrysanthemum (detox), + Licorice (throat), + Mint (cooling)
蒲公英
Benefits
Clears heat, detoxifies, reduces swelling, drains dampness, benefits liver and breast health
Suitable For
People with inflammation, mastitis, acne, urinary heat, liver heat, sore throat
Common Pairings
Dandelion + Honeysuckle (detox), + Chrysanthemum (liver heat), + Rose (soothe liver)
鱼腥草
Benefits
Clears heat, detoxifies, drains pus, promotes urination — especially good for the lung
Suitable For
People with lung heat, cough with phlegm, urinary infection, inflammation, smokers
Common Pairings
Houttuynia + Honeysuckle (lung heat), + Reed Rhizome (cough), + Licorice (throat)
栀子
Benefits
Drains heat, relieves irritability, cools blood, detoxifies, resolves damp-heat jaundice
Suitable For
People with restlessness, internal heat, mouth sores, damp-heat, red eyes
Common Pairings
Gardenia + Honeysuckle (heat), + Chrysanthemum (eyes), + Licorice (harmonize)
决明子
Benefits
Clears liver heat, improves vision, moistens intestines, relieves constipation, lowers lipids
Suitable For
People with red dry eyes, constipation, high cholesterol, liver heat, screen users
Common Pairings
Cassia Seed + Chrysanthemum (eyes), + Goji (liver), + Hawthorn (lipids)
夏枯草
Benefits
Clears liver fire, brightens eyes, dissipates nodules, supports healthy blood pressure
Suitable For
People with liver fire, headaches, red eyes, neck nodules, high blood pressure
Common Pairings
Self-heal + Chrysanthemum (liver heat), + Cassia Seed (eyes), + Honeysuckle (detox)
淡竹叶
Benefits
Clears heat, relieves irritability, promotes urination, drains heart and small-intestine fire
Suitable For
People with mouth ulcers, irritability, scant dark urine, summer heat, restlessness
Common Pairings
Lophatherum + Reed Rhizome (heat), + Honeysuckle (summer), + Licorice (harmonize)
菊苣
Benefits
Clears damp-heat from liver and gallbladder, promotes urination, supports uric-acid balance
Suitable For
People with high uric acid, gout-prone, damp-heat, poor appetite, mild edema
Common Pairings
Chicory + Cassia Seed (lipids), + Poria (dampness), + Hawthorn (digestion)
马齿苋
Benefits
Clears heat, detoxifies, cools blood, stops dysentery-type diarrhea, reduces swelling
Suitable For
People with damp-heat diarrhea, skin sores, urinary heat, inflammation
Common Pairings
Purslane + Honeysuckle (detox), + Dandelion (inflammation), + Licorice (harmonize)
小蓟
Benefits
Cools blood, stops bleeding, detoxifies, reduces swelling — especially for urinary bleeding
Suitable For
People with blood-heat bleeding, bloody urine, nosebleed, skin sores
Common Pairings
Field Thistle + Imperata Root (cool blood), + Honeysuckle (detox), + Lotus Leaf (heat)
槐花
Benefits
Cools blood, stops bleeding, clears liver fire — classic for hemorrhoidal and intestinal bleeding
Suitable For
People with hemorrhoids, intestinal bleeding, blood-heat, high blood pressure
Common Pairings
Sophora Flower + Cassia Seed (heat), + Chrysanthemum (liver), + Field Thistle (bleeding)
槐米
Benefits
Cools blood and stops bleeding (richer in rutin than the open flower), clears liver heat
Suitable For
People with fragile capillaries, hemorrhoids, blood-heat, high blood pressure
Common Pairings
Sophora Bud + Cassia Seed (vessels), + Chrysanthemum (liver), + Hawthorn (circulation)
白茅根
Benefits
Cools blood, stops bleeding, clears heat, promotes urination, generates fluids
Suitable For
People with nosebleed, bloody urine, urinary heat, thirst, edema
Common Pairings
Imperata Root + Reed Rhizome (heat-fluids), + Field Thistle (bleeding), + Lophatherum (urine)
芦根
Benefits
Clears heat, generates fluids, relieves irritability and thirst, eases nausea, expels lung phlegm
Suitable For
People with fever-thirst, dry mouth, nausea, lung heat, hangover
Common Pairings
Reed Rhizome + Imperata Root (fluids), + Houttuynia (lung), + Chrysanthemum (cooling)
余甘子
Benefits
Clears heat, cools blood, aids digestion, generates fluids, soothes throat — rich in vitamin C
Suitable For
People with sore throat, dry cough, indigestion, heat, vitamin-C needs
Common Pairings
Emblic + Licorice (throat), + Honeysuckle (heat), + Honey (moisten)
青果
Benefits
Clears heat, detoxifies, soothes the throat, generates fluids, eases hangover
Suitable For
People with sore or hoarse throat, dry mouth, smokers, drinkers, teachers/singers
Common Pairings
Chinese Olive + Licorice (throat), + Sterculia (voice), + Honeysuckle (heat)
罗汉果
Benefits
Clears lung heat, soothes throat, relieves cough, moistens intestines — naturally sweet, sugar-free
Suitable For
People with dry cough, sore throat, hoarseness, constipation, diabetics seeking sweetness
Common Pairings
Monk Fruit + Chrysanthemum (throat), + Sterculia (voice), + Honeysuckle (heat)
胖大海
Benefits
Clears lung heat, opens the voice, soothes the throat, eases the bowels
Suitable For
People with hoarseness, dry sore throat, voice strain, dry cough, constipation
Common Pairings
Sterculia + Monk Fruit (voice), + Chinese Olive (throat), + Honey (moisten)
桑叶
Benefits
Disperses wind-heat, clears lung, calms liver, brightens eyes, supports blood-sugar balance
Suitable For
People with wind-heat colds, dry cough, red eyes, liver heat, high blood sugar
Common Pairings
Mulberry Leaf + Chrysanthemum (wind-heat), + Goji (eyes), + Cassia Seed (liver)
薄荷
Benefits
Disperses wind-heat, clears head and eyes, soothes throat, courses liver qi, relieves rashes
Suitable For
People with wind-heat colds, headache, sore throat, stuffy chest, irritability
Common Pairings
Mint + Chrysanthemum (head-eyes), + Honeysuckle (throat), + Licorice (harmonize)
葛根
Benefits
Releases muscles, generates fluids, relieves stiff neck, raises yang, eases hangover
Suitable For
People with stiff neck/shoulders, thirst, heat, diarrhea, hangover, high blood pressure
Common Pairings
Kudzu + Hawthorn (circulation), + Chrysanthemum (heat), + Hovenia (hangover)
淡豆豉
Benefits
Releases the exterior, vents heat, relieves irritability and chest stuffiness
Suitable For
People with early colds, fever with restlessness, chest oppression, insomnia from heat
Common Pairings
Fermented Soybean + Gardenia (irritability), + Mint (exterior), + Reed Rhizome (heat)
枳椇子
Benefits
Relieves alcohol toxicity, clears heat, generates fluids, promotes urination
Suitable For
People who drink alcohol, with hangover, thirst, heat, urinary difficulty
Common Pairings
Hovenia + Kudzu (hangover), + Reed Rhizome (fluids), + Hawthorn (digestion)
荷叶
Benefits
Clears summer heat, resolves dampness, raises clear yang, helps lower lipids and manage weight
Suitable For
People with summer heat, dampness, weight-management goals, high blood lipids, greasy diet
Common Pairings
Lotus Leaf + Hawthorn (lipids), + Coix Seed (dampness), + Cassia Seed (weight)
陈皮
Benefits
Regulates qi flow, strengthens spleen, dries dampness, resolves phlegm, aids digestion
Suitable For
People with bloating, poor appetite, excessive phlegm, nausea, indigestion
Common Pairings
Tangerine Peel + Pu-erh (digestive tea), Tangerine Peel + Hawthorn (appetite), Tangerine Peel + Ginger (warming)
山楂
Benefits
Promotes digestion, reduces blood lipids, improves circulation, dissolves food stagnation
Suitable For
People with high cholesterol, meat-heavy diet, poor circulation, food stagnation
Common Pairings
Hawthorn + Tangerine Peel (digestion), Hawthorn + Chrysanthemum (lipid-lowering), Hawthorn + Rose (circulation)
麦芽
Benefits
Promotes digestion of starches, strengthens the stomach, soothes liver qi, reduces lactation
Suitable For
People with starch/grain indigestion, poor appetite, bloating (avoid while breastfeeding)
Common Pairings
Malt + Hawthorn (food stagnation), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Chicken Gizzard (digestion)
鸡内金
Benefits
Strongly promotes digestion, relieves food stagnation, secures essence, dissolves stones
Suitable For
People with food stagnation, poor appetite, indigestion in children, stone-prone
Common Pairings
Chicken Gizzard + Hawthorn (stagnation), + Malt (digestion), + Tangerine Peel (qi)
莱菔子
Benefits
Promotes digestion, relieves bloating, descends qi, resolves phlegm
Suitable For
People with bloating, food stagnation, belching, cough with phlegm, constipation
Common Pairings
Radish Seed + Hawthorn (bloating), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Malt (digestion)
佛手
Benefits
Soothes liver, regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach, resolves phlegm — aromatic and gentle
Suitable For
People with liver-qi stagnation, chest/rib distension, bloating, stress, poor appetite
Common Pairings
Finger Citron + Rose (soothe liver), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Hawthorn (digestion)
香橼
Benefits
Regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves chest stuffiness, transforms phlegm
Suitable For
People with qi stagnation, bloating, belching, chest fullness, nausea
Common Pairings
Citron + Finger Citron (qi), + Tangerine Peel (stomach), + Rose (soothe)
代代花
Benefits
Regulates qi, soothes the liver, harmonizes the stomach, lifts mood — light and fragrant
Suitable For
People with stress, low mood, chest tightness, bloating, poor appetite
Common Pairings
Bitter Orange Flower + Rose (mood), + Finger Citron (qi), + Tangerine Peel (stomach)
砂仁
Benefits
Resolves dampness, warms the middle, moves qi, stops nausea, calms the fetus
Suitable For
People with dampness, bloating, poor appetite, nausea, cold-damp diarrhea
Common Pairings
Amomum + Tangerine Peel (dampness-qi), + Ginger (warming), + Agastache (aromatic)
白扁豆花
Benefits
Resolves summer dampness, harmonizes the stomach, relieves diarrhea and poor appetite in summer
Suitable For
People with summer damp-heat, poor appetite, loose stool, nausea, fatigue in humid weather
Common Pairings
Hyacinth Bean Flower + Agastache (summer damp), + Coix Seed (dampness), + Lotus Leaf (heat)
木瓜
Benefits
Relaxes sinews, unblocks channels, harmonizes stomach, resolves dampness, eases cramps
Suitable For
People with muscle cramps, joint stiffness, damp-heavy legs, indigestion
Common Pairings
Chinese Quince + Coix Seed (dampness), + Eucommia Leaf (sinews), + Ginger (warming)
乌梅
Benefits
Astringes, generates fluids, quells thirst, calms roundworms, eases chronic cough and diarrhea
Suitable For
People with thirst, dry mouth, chronic cough, chronic diarrhea, poor appetite
Common Pairings
Smoked Plum + Hawthorn (sour-sweet drink), + Licorice (fluids), + Tangerine Peel (appetite)
沙棘
Benefits
Aids digestion, dissolves stagnation, resolves phlegm, invigorates blood — rich in vitamins
Suitable For
People with food stagnation, cough with phlegm, poor circulation, vitamin needs
Common Pairings
Sea Buckthorn + Hawthorn (digestion), + Tangerine Peel (phlegm), + Honey (vitamins)
芫荽
Benefits
Promotes digestion, moves qi, releases the exterior, encourages measles rash, whets appetite
Suitable For
People with poor appetite, indigestion, early colds, incomplete measles rash
Common Pairings
Coriander + Ginger (warming), + Tangerine Peel (appetite), + Hawthorn (digestion)
布渣叶
Benefits
Clears heat, aids digestion, drains dampness — a southern China staple for greasy-food relief
Suitable For
People with food stagnation, greasy diet, damp-heat, bloating, sluggish digestion
Common Pairings
Microcos Leaf + Hawthorn (food stagnation), + Lotus Leaf (greasy), + Coix Seed (dampness)
橘红
Benefits
Regulates qi, dries dampness, resolves phlegm, stops cough — stronger on phlegm than tangerine peel
Suitable For
People with phlegm cough, chest stuffiness, bloating, damp constitution, smokers
Common Pairings
Red Tangerine Peel + Platycodon (phlegm), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Ginger (warming)
火麻仁
Benefits
Moistens intestines, unblocks the bowels, nourishes the body — a gentle laxative for dryness
Suitable For
People with dry constipation, the elderly, postpartum, blood/fluid deficiency
Common Pairings
Hemp Seed + Honey (moisten), + Bush Cherry Seed (bowels), + Black Sesame (nourish)
郁李仁
Benefits
Moistens intestines, frees the stool, promotes urination, reduces edema
Suitable For
People with dry constipation, abdominal bloating, edema, sluggish bowels
Common Pairings
Bush Cherry Seed + Hemp Seed (bowels), + Honey (moisten), + Tangerine Peel (qi)
榧子
Benefits
Expels intestinal parasites, moistens intestines, aids digestion, nourishes the lung
Suitable For
People with intestinal parasites, food stagnation, dry constipation, dry cough
Common Pairings
Torreya Seed + Hemp Seed (bowels), + Hawthorn (food), + Honey (moisten)
薏仁
Benefits
Removes dampness, whitens skin, reduces swelling, strengthens spleen, anti-inflammatory
Suitable For
People with edema, dull skin, dampness constitution, joint pain, acne-prone skin
Common Pairings
Coix Seed + Red Bean (dampness removal), Coix Seed + Lily Bulb (skin brightening), Coix Seed + Lotus Seed (spleen)
红小豆
Benefits
Drains dampness, promotes urination, reduces edema, detoxifies, supports the heart
Suitable For
People with edema, dampness, puffiness, urinary difficulty, damp-heat skin issues
Common Pairings
Adzuki Bean + Coix Seed (dampness), + Poria (urination), + Chinese Yam (spleen)
白扁豆
Benefits
Strengthens spleen, resolves dampness, clears summer heat, harmonizes the middle
Suitable For
People with weak spleen, dampness, loose stool, poor appetite, summer fatigue
Common Pairings
Hyacinth Bean + Coix Seed (dampness), + Chinese Yam (spleen), + Lotus Seed (digestion)
藿香
Benefits
Aromatically transforms dampness, harmonizes the middle, stops vomiting, releases summer dampness
Suitable For
People with summer damp colds, nausea, bloating, poor appetite, motion sickness
Common Pairings
Agastache + Amomum (dampness), + Tangerine Peel (stomach), + Hyacinth Bean Flower (summer)
香薷
Benefits
Releases the exterior, clears summer heat, transforms dampness, promotes urination — "summer’s ephedra"
Suitable For
People with summer colds (air-con chills), no sweat, nausea, bloating, edema
Common Pairings
Elsholtzia + Agastache (summer damp), + Hyacinth Bean (spleen), + Lotus Leaf (heat)
乌梢蛇
Benefits
Dispels wind, unblocks channels, relieves spasms — traditionally used for wind-damp joint pain
Suitable For
People with wind-damp joint pain, numbness, stiffness, chronic rheumatic conditions
Common Pairings
Typically simmered in medicinal soups/wines rather than tea; combine under practitioner guidance
蝮蛇
Benefits
Dispels wind, unblocks channels, relieves wind-damp pain and numbness (traditional medicinal use)
Suitable For
People with stubborn wind-damp joint pain, numbness, chronic rheumatic conditions
Common Pairings
Typically prepared in medicinal wines/soups rather than tea; use under practitioner guidance
生姜/干姜
Benefits
Warms the middle, dispels cold, stops vomiting, releases the exterior, resolves cold phlegm
Suitable For
People with cold stomach, nausea, wind-cold colds, cold hands/feet, period cramps
Common Pairings
Ginger + Red Date (warming), + Brown Sugar (period cramps), + Tangerine Peel (stomach)
肉桂
Benefits
Warms kidney-yang, dispels deep cold, warms channels, relieves cold pain, restores fire
Suitable For
People with yang deficiency, cold limbs, weak digestion, cold-type period pain, poor circulation
Common Pairings
Cinnamon + Ginger (warming), + Red Date (yang), + Brown Sugar (cold relief)
丁香
Benefits
Warms the middle, descends rebellious qi, warms kidney, stops hiccups and vomiting
Suitable For
People with cold-stomach hiccups, vomiting, poor appetite, cold abdominal pain
Common Pairings
Clove + Ginger (hiccups), + Tangerine Peel (stomach), + Sword Bean (descend qi)
花椒
Benefits
Warms the middle, dispels cold, relieves pain, kills parasites, stops itching
Suitable For
People with cold abdominal pain, cold-damp diarrhea, poor appetite, intestinal parasites
Common Pairings
Sichuan Pepper + Ginger (cold pain), + Tangerine Peel (stomach), + Fennel (warming)
八角
Benefits
Warms yang, dispels cold, regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves cold pain
Suitable For
People with cold stomach, cold hernia pain, bloating, poor appetite, cold limbs
Common Pairings
Star Anise + Fennel (warming), + Ginger (cold), + Tangerine Peel (qi)
小茴香
Benefits
Dispels cold, relieves pain, regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach, warms the lower abdomen
Suitable For
People with cold abdominal pain, hernia pain, cold-type period pain, bloating, poor appetite
Common Pairings
Fennel + Ginger (cold pain), + Star Anise (warming), + Tangerine Peel (stomach)
高良姜
Benefits
Warms the stomach, dispels cold, relieves pain, stops vomiting — strong for cold stomachache
Suitable For
People with cold stomach pain, vomiting clear fluid, poor appetite, belching
Common Pairings
Galangal + Ginger (stomach cold), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Clove (vomiting)
黑胡椒
Benefits
Warms the middle, dispels cold, descends qi, stops vomiting and cold diarrhea
Suitable For
People with cold stomach, vomiting, cold diarrhea, poor appetite, cold-food sensitivity
Common Pairings
Black Pepper + Ginger (warming), + Tangerine Peel (stomach), + Galangal (cold pain)
黄芥子
Benefits
Warms the lung, expels cold phlegm, unblocks channels, disperses nodules, relieves pain
Suitable For
People with cold phlegm cough, chest stuffiness, joint pain, cold-damp numbness
Common Pairings
Mustard Seed + Tangerine Peel (phlegm), + Ginger (warming), + Perilla Seed (cough)
荜茇
Benefits
Warms the middle, dispels cold, descends qi, relieves cold pain and cold-type headache
Suitable For
People with cold stomach pain, vomiting, cold diarrhea, cold-type toothache or headache
Common Pairings
Long Pepper + Ginger (cold pain), + Galangal (stomach), + Black Pepper (warming)
草果
Benefits
Dries dampness, warms the middle, dispels cold-damp stagnation, checks malarial-type chills
Suitable For
People with cold-damp in the stomach, bloating, poor appetite, greasy tongue coating
Common Pairings
Tsaoko + Amomum (dampness), + Ginger (warming), + Tangerine Peel (qi)
山奈
Benefits
Warms the middle, dispels cold, moves qi, relieves cold stomach pain and indigestion
Suitable For
People with cold stomach pain, bloating, poor appetite, indigestion, nausea
Common Pairings
Sand Ginger + Ginger (cold), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Hawthorn (digestion)
肉豆蔻
Benefits
Warms the middle, moves qi, binds the intestines, stops chronic diarrhea
Suitable For
People with chronic cold diarrhea, weak spleen, bloating, poor appetite, early-morning diarrhea
Common Pairings
Nutmeg + Chinese Yam (spleen), + Lotus Seed (diarrhea), + Ginger (warming)
薤白
Benefits
Unblocks yang, moves qi in the chest, dissipates clumping, relieves chest pain and stuffiness
Suitable For
People with chest tightness, chest pain, qi stagnation, cold-damp dysentery
Common Pairings
Chinese Chive Bulb + Tangerine Peel (chest qi), + Ginger (warming), + Citron (move qi)
紫苏
Benefits
Releases the exterior, dispels cold, moves qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves seafood toxin
Suitable For
People with wind-cold colds, nausea, bloating, seafood intolerance, morning sickness
Common Pairings
Perilla Leaf + Ginger (wind-cold), + Tangerine Peel (qi), + Agastache (dampness)
杏仁
Benefits
Stops cough, calms wheezing, moistens intestines — use bitter apricot kernel in small amounts
Suitable For
People with cough, wheezing, chest stuffiness, dry constipation (toxic in excess)
Common Pairings
Apricot Kernel + Lily Bulb (moisten lung), + Pear (cough), + Platycodon (phlegm)
桔梗
Benefits
Diffuses the lung, soothes the throat, expels phlegm, drains pus — guides herbs upward
Suitable For
People with cough, sore throat, hoarseness, chest congestion, phlegm
Common Pairings
Platycodon + Licorice (throat), + Apricot Kernel (cough), + Sterculia (voice)
紫苏籽
Benefits
Descends qi, resolves phlegm, calms wheezing, moistens intestines — rich in omega-3
Suitable For
People with phlegm cough, wheezing, chest fullness, constipation from qi stagnation
Common Pairings
Perilla Seed + Radish Seed (phlegm-qi), + Tangerine Peel (cough), + Apricot Kernel (wheeze)
白果
Benefits
Astringes the lung, calms wheezing, reduces phlegm, secures urine and discharge (toxic raw/in excess)
Suitable For
People with chronic wheezing, phlegm cough, frequent urination, leukorrhea (cooked, small amounts)
Common Pairings
Ginkgo Nut + Lily Bulb (lung), + Apricot Kernel (wheeze), + Chinese Yam (kidney)
昆布
Benefits
Softens hardness, dissipates nodules, resolves phlegm, promotes urination — iodine-rich
Suitable For
People with phlegm nodules, goiter-prone, edema, high blood lipids, constipation
Common Pairings
Kelp + Hawthorn (lipids), + Coix Seed (dampness), + Tangerine Peel (phlegm)
玫瑰花
Benefits
Regulates qi and blood, relieves stress, beautifies skin, regulates menstruation, soothes liver
Suitable For
Women with menstrual issues, stressed individuals, those seeking skin improvement, mood swings
Common Pairings
Rose + Red Date (beauty tea), Rose + Lemon (detox), Rose + Chrysanthemum (calming)
桃仁
Benefits
Invigorates blood, breaks stasis, moistens intestines — supports clear complexion and circulation
Suitable For
Women with blood stasis, menstrual clots, dull complexion, dry constipation (avoid in pregnancy)
Common Pairings
Peach Kernel + Rose (circulation), + Hawthorn (stasis), + Safflower (blood)
西红花
Benefits
Invigorates blood, dispels stasis, cools blood, detoxifies, calms and lifts mood
Suitable For
Women with blood stasis, dull complexion, menstrual irregularity, low mood (avoid in pregnancy)
Common Pairings
Saffron + Rose (complexion), + Goji (nourish), + Red Date (blood) — small amounts
姜黄
Benefits
Invigorates blood, moves qi, unblocks channels, relieves pain — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Suitable For
People with blood stasis, joint pain, shoulder/chest pain, dull skin, poor circulation
Common Pairings
Turmeric + Black Pepper (absorption), + Ginger (warming), + Hawthorn (circulation)
白芷
Benefits
Dispels wind, opens nasal passages, relieves headache, dries dampness — traditional skin-brightening herb
Suitable For
People with sinus congestion, frontal headache, wind-cold, skin blemishes
Common Pairings
Dahurian Angelica + Ginger (wind-cold), + Mint (head), + Rose (skin)