We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Chinese Herbs?

Karyn Maier
By
Updated: Feb 28, 2024
Views: 12,821
Share

Mankind has been using herbs as medicine since the earliest days of human evolution. Eventually, the knowledge and experience obtained was recorded and preserved for future generations. We acknowledge this transition from being gatherers in the wilderness to students of pharmacology as the dawn of medical herbalism. However, different cultures recognize an expanded view of herbal medicine beyond a simple observance of cause and effect from chewing a leaf or sipping an herbal tea. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the oldest systems of medicine, embraces the use of traditional Chinese herbs as a complementary component of a holistic mind-body approach to wellness.

One of the earliest medical texts to describe the doctrines of TCM was the Huang Dei Nei Jing, which dates to approximately 475 B.C. From this document emerged the basics of various diagnostic methods central to TCM, such as the five element theory, and the duality concept of masculine and feminine aspects (i.e., yin and yang). Later, various Chinese materia medica provided an understanding of how Chinese herbs correspond to these theories and herbology was introduced, which is the science of designing herbal formulas according to the patient’s yin/yang status.

One of the oldest known texts specific to Chinese herbs was the Shennong Bencao Jing, which dates to the Han dynasty. The author by the same name is also credited as being the first herbalist in Chinese medicine. Legend has it that Shennong sampled hundreds of Chinese herbs to learn their properties, many of which were highly toxic. This particular work is reputed to describe at least 365 medicinal formulations, with more than 250 being detailed as Chinese herbs.

In contrast to Western botanical medicine, all the parts of Chinese herbs are typically used rather than just the leaf or root. Another distinction is that Chinese herbal medicine often incorporates non-botanical components into its formulas, such as animal fur, organs, and bones. However, since obtaining some of these ingredients poses a threat to various endangered species, this practice has largely been discontinued.

Chinese herbs are traditionally classified according to three criteria: The four natures, the five tastes, and the meridians. The four natures relates to the degree and orientation of yin/yang aspects, ranging from very cold (extreme yin) to very hot (excessive yang). The five tastes, sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent, indicate medicinal merit of the plant based on which taste it yields. Finally, how the herb corresponds to the meridians (energy channels) of the body is determined by the biological activity the herb exerts on the body systems and organs.

While some Chinese herbs may be unfamiliar to Westerners, others are commonly known but by different names. For example, garlic is well known as a medicinal herb in Western medicine, but in Chinese medicine it’s referred to as dasuan. Aloe, a popular house and garden plant that produces a burn-soothing gel, is called luhui in China.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Karyn Maier
By Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to WiseGeek is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill Mountain region, Karyn is also a magazine writer, columnist, and author of four books. She specializes in topics related to green living and botanical medicine, drawing from her extensive knowledge to create informative and engaging content for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Viranty — On May 03, 2014

In some ways, I feel that (Chinese) herbs are even better than some of the medicines that we (Westerners) use in this day and age. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with what we use, but on the other hand, most (if not all) Chinese herbs are completely natural. On the other hand, some (American) doctors are so fixed on trying to create the perfect vaccination, that in the end, it ends up becoming way too processed. Does anyone else feel this way?

By Euroxati — On May 03, 2014

Not only is this article a great read, but I also learned something very interesting. Being an American, I'm obviously familiar with garlic, but I didn't know that the Chinese use it as well, and under a completely different name. It really makes me wonder what else we use that the Chinese are also familiar with.

By RoyalSpyder — On May 02, 2014

Some Chinese herbs may be very strong and bitter, but they sure are helpful. For example, herbal medicine and herbal tea aren't exactly a favorite of Westerner's, but it helps them to feel a whole lot better in the end. In fact, in comparison to Americans, I wonder how much more accustomed the Chinese are to their salty and pungent herbs?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to WiseGeek is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-chinese-herbs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.