Chinese herbal medicine has been used for more than 2,000 years. Many of its herbs were never meant only for illness. They were used every day, in soups, teas and tonics, to help people stay well.
Here are ten of the most useful Chinese herbs to know, what each is traditionally used for, and easy ways to add them to your routine.
Why tonic herbs?
In Chinese medicine, tonic herbs are gentle herbs taken over time to build qi, blood, yin or yang. They are the foundation of everyday herbalism. Read more in What Are Herbal Tonics.
The top 10 Chinese herbs
1. Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Traditionally used for building qi, supporting immunity and stamina.
One of the most widely used tonic herbs in China. It is a classic addition to winter soups. Read our astragalus guide. Shop Astragalus Root Tincture or raw astragalus.
2. Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Traditionally used for energy, focus and recovery.
The most famous herb in Chinese medicine. Asian ginseng is warming, while American ginseng is cooler and gentler. Shop Asian Ginseng Tincture or American Ginseng Tincture.
3. Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
Traditionally used for gentle, everyday qi support.
Often called "poor man's ginseng," it is milder and well suited to daily use. Shop Codonopsis Tincture.
4. Goji berry (Gou Qi Zi)
Traditionally used for nourishing blood and supporting the eyes.
Sweet and easy to eat by the handful, in tea or in congee. Shop Premium Goji Berries.
5. Reishi (Ling Zhi)
Traditionally used for calming the spirit and supporting resilience.
Called the "mushroom of immortality" in Chinese folklore. Read our reishi guide. Shop Organic Reishi Mushroom Capsules.
6. Licorice root (Gan Cao)
Traditionally used for harmonizing formulas and soothing the throat.
Licorice appears in more classic formulas than almost any other herb. It is not for everyone, since large amounts can raise blood pressure. Read our licorice root guide.
7. Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua)
Traditionally used for cooling, clearing the head and supporting the eyes.
A favorite summer tea. Read our chrysanthemum guide. Shop Baby Chrysanthemum.
8. Poria (Fu Ling)
Traditionally used for supporting digestion and calming the mind.
A mild mushroom that appears in many digestive and sleep formulas. Read our poria guide.
9. Chinese yam (Shan Yao)
Traditionally used for gently strengthening digestion.
A food as much as an herb, often added to soups and congee. Read our Chinese yam guide.
10. Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo)
Traditionally used for soothing the throat and lungs.
Naturally sweet, it is now popular as a sugar substitute. Read our monk fruit guide.
3 easy ways to use Chinese herbs daily
- Cook with them. Add astragalus, goji and red dates to soups. Our Herbal Broth Bundle makes it easy.
- Swap one coffee for herbal tea. Try chrysanthemum and goji, or our Goji Berries and Red Dates Tea Mix.
- Take a daily tincture. Tinctures are the easiest way to use herbs consistently. Browse Single Chinese Herbs.
A few safety notes
Herbs are powerful. Talk to your doctor or a licensed herbalist before using them if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or managing a health condition. Buy from sellers who can tell you where their herbs come from.
For more on energy herbs, read Chinese Herbs for Energy.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Astragalus. nccih.nih.gov
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Asian Ginseng. nccih.nih.gov
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Reishi Mushroom. mskcc.org
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Astragalus. mskcc.org
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Licorice Root. nccih.nih.gov
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.