This chart brings together time-tested herbs from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern research, presenting them in a clear, alphabetical format. Each entry outlines:
Herbal Solutions Part #1 Herbal Solutions Part #2
What the herb does
Why it works (scientific insights and TCM perspective)
PubMed references you can explore for evidence-based confidence
Cautions to help ensure safe and wise use
Whether you’re seeking support for memory, skin clarity, hormonal balance, or seasonal comfort, this guide offers reliable, evidence-informed insights that connect traditional wisdom with modern science.
| Health Concern | Top Herbs | What It Does | Why It Works (Science + TCM) | PubMed References | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Clarity & Memory | Ginkgo biloba; Polygala (Yuan Zhi); Rosemary | Supports healthy memory and mental clarity | Terpenoids (Ginkgo) studied for microcirculation; saponins (Polygala) for neurotransmitter effects; rosmarinic acid (Rosemary) for neuroprotection | Ginkgo & cognition PMID: 15710840 · Polygala cognition Search · Rosemary memory Search | May thin blood; caution with anticoagulants |
| Eye Comfort & Vision | Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua); Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi); Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi) | Supports eye comfort, especially from visual strain | Carotenoids & polysaccharides studied for retinal and antioxidant support | Goji & eye health PMID: 20089784 · Chrysanthemum Search · Cassia seed Search | Safe in food-level use; consult for high-dose extracts |
| Healthy Aging & Antioxidant Support | Reishi (Ling Zhi); Ginseng; Turmeric (Curcuma) | Provides antioxidant support for healthy aging | Polysaccharides (Reishi), ginsenosides (Ginseng), and curcumin studied for oxidative stress reduction | Reishi & antioxidants PMID: 23796287 · Ginseng Search · Curcumin Search | Generally safe; monitor if on anticoagulants |
| Healthy Weight & Appetite Balance | Green Tea; Lotus Leaf; Bitter Orange | Supports metabolism and appetite balance | Catechins (Green tea), lotus alkaloids, and protoalkaloids (Bitter orange) studied for fat metabolism | Green tea & weight PMID: 19597519 · Lotus leaf Search · Bitter orange Search | Bitter orange may raise BP; use cautiously |
| Men’s Vitality & Performance | Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium); Ginseng; Tribulus | Supports stamina, circulation, and vitality | Icariin (Epimedium), ginsenosides (Ginseng), and saponins (Tribulus) studied for hormonal and circulatory pathways | Epimedium & sexual health PMID: 16822209 · Ginseng Search · Tribulus Search | Avoid overuse; may affect blood pressure or hormones |
| Mood Balance & Emotional Well-Being | Xiao Yao San formula; St. John’s Wort; Schisandra | Promotes calmness and emotional balance | Active flavonoids, hypericins (St. John’s Wort), lignans (Schisandra) studied for neurotransmitter effects; Xiao Yao San studied clinically | St. John’s Wort & depression PMID: 11939866 · Xiao Yao San Search | St. John’s Wort has strong drug interactions (SSRIs, OCPs, anticoagulants) |
| Seasonal Allergies & Sinus Comfort | Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower); Cang Er Zi (Xanthium Fruit); Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) | Supports sinus clarity and seasonal comfort | Volatile oils and flavonoids studied for allergic rhinitis and sinus health | Magnolia & rhinitis PMID: 20888752 · Xanthium Search · Angelica dahurica Search | Avoid unprocessed xanthium; professional guidance advised |
| Skin Clarity & Soothing Support | Huang Bai (Phellodendron); Scutellaria (Huang Qin); Chrysanthemum | Supports clear, comfortable-looking skin | Alkaloids, baicalin, and flavonoids studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects | Scutellaria & inflammation PMID: 27807459 · Phellodendron skin PMID: 31057654 · Chrysanthemum Search | Consult before use in pregnancy; external formulas vary |
| Urinary Tract Comfort | Fu Ling (Poria); Corn Silk; Cranberry | Supports urinary comfort and fluid balance | Polysaccharides (Poria) and proanthocyanidins (Cranberry) studied for urinary support | Cranberry & UTI prevention PMID: 23135760 · Poria diuretic Search · Corn silk Search | Cranberry may interact with warfarin |
| Women’s Cycle Comfort | Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis); Bai Shao (White Peony); Vitex | Supports menstrual comfort and balance | Compounds studied for hormone modulation and circulation; TCM: nourishes Blood, regulates cycle | Dang Gui & gynecology PMID: 16596757 · White Peony PMID: 18800864 · Vitex Search | Avoid during pregnancy unless guided |
| Workout Recovery & Endurance | Cordyceps; Ginseng; Ashwagandha | Supports energy, recovery, and endurance | Cordycepin, ginsenosides, and withanolides studied for oxygen utilization and adaptation | Cordyceps & exercise PMID: 16284652 · Ashwagandha exercise Search · Ginseng Search | Avoid overstimulation; consult if managing chronic illness |
Note:
Herbs are only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Lasting wellness also depends on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mental and emotional well-being, access to clean water, fresh air, and a supportive environment. Integrating these elements helps create the strongest foundation for overall health.
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This chart is provided for educational purposes only as an example of how herbs have traditionally been used and the areas of wellness they are believed to support. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal regimen, and review credible research sources to ensure safe and appropriate use for your individual needs.