Discover common herbs, their properties, and benefits
Chinese herbal medicine is a cornerstone of TCM treatment. Each herb is classified by its thermal nature (cold, hot, warm, cool), flavour profile (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty) and meridian affinity to address specific constitutions and conditions. Below is a guide to herbs commonly used at Aspiratcm Clinic.
For a personalised herbal treatment plan, learn more about our Herbal Medicine, orMeet our doctors →
For herbal medicine safety guidelines, refer to the Chinese Medicine Division of Hong Kong's Department of Health. cmro.gov.hk
From properties and meridians to effects, quickly understand the essentials of commonly used herbs.
Properties
Pungent, Warm
Meridians
Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium
Effects
Invigorates blood, promotes qi circulation, and expels wind to relieve pain. Commonly used for headaches, menstrual pain, and conditions arising from qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Properties
Sweet, Neutral
Meridians
Liver, Kidney, Lung
Effects
Nourishes the liver and kidney, replenishes essence, and improves vision. Commonly used for eye fatigue and dryness, aching knees and lower back, and general deficiency tonification.
Properties
Sweet, Neutral
Meridians
Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Effects
Tonifies the spleen and qi, clears heat and detoxifies, moderates urgency and relieves pain, and harmonises other herbs. Commonly used for sore throat and to balance herbal formulas.
Properties
Sweet, Pungent, Warm
Meridians
Liver, Heart, Spleen
Effects
Nourishes and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, and moistens the intestines. Commonly used for blood deficiency, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhoea.
Properties
Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Meridians
Spleen, Stomach
Effects
Strengthens the spleen and tonifies qi, dries dampness and promotes urination, stops sweating and stabilises the foetus. Commonly used for spleen deficiency with poor appetite and loose stools.
Properties
Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Meridians
Heart, Spleen, Kidney
Effects
Promotes urination to drain dampness, tonifies the spleen, and calms the mind. Commonly used for oedema, spleen deficiency with loose stools, and restlessness.
Properties
Pungent, Bitter, Warm
Meridians
Spleen, Lung
Effects
Regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, and resolves phlegm. Commonly used for abdominal distension, poor appetite, and cough with excessive phlegm.
Properties
Sweet, Slightly Warm
Meridians
Spleen, Lung
Effects
Tonifies qi, raises yang, consolidates the exterior to stop sweating, and promotes urination to reduce oedema. Commonly used for qi deficiency, spontaneous sweating, and convalescent recovery.
