How Well Do You Know Your Chinese Herbs? Take the Quiz & Find Out!

Herbal Genius or Newbie?
Take the Fun Quiz & See

take a quiz on herbsWhy This Quiz Matters

Chinese herbal medicine is rich in history, wisdom, and science — but for many, it still feels like a mystery. This fun and interactive quiz is your chance to test your herbal IQ, pick up fascinating facts, and discover the real-life benefits of the formulas and herbs trusted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries.

Whether you’re curious about teapills, anxiety relief, immune boosters, or herbs used for Lyme disease support, you’ll walk away from this quiz with:

  • Practical tips you can use today

  • Science-backed insights from PubMed research

  • Direct links to shop the herbs you just learned about


Okay, let the quiz begin. 
Think you know your Chinese herbs? Test your knowledge with our quick 6-question quiz covering hair-nourishing He Shou Wu, calming Gou Teng, immune-boosting Astragalus, and even Lyme-related Hu Zhang. Each answer comes with a fascinating TCM fun fact plus direct links to explore the herbs in-depth. Learn, laugh, and discover your herbal IQ — all while finding the right remedies for your wellness journey.

Format: Multiple choice → Answer → Fun fact → Product/article link.

Q1. Which herb has a nickname that translates to “Bile of the Earth” because it’s so bitter?

A) Goji Berries
B) Andrographis
C) Licorice Root
D) Dang Gui

✅ Correct: B) Andrographis
Fun Fact: In Malaysia, Andrographis is called Hempedu Bumi—so bitter that even bitter melon says, “Whoa, calm down.”
Explore Andrographis benefits »

Q2. Which Chinese herb is traditionally used to support healthy hair, vitality, and kidney yin?

A) He Shou Wu
B) Huang Qin
C) Ginseng
D) Ginger

✅ Correct: A) He Shou Wu
Fun Fact: Known in TCM for nourishing blood and essence, He Shou Wu is famous for stories of restoring luster to hair.
Shop He Shou Wu here »

Q3. Which herbal formula is often used in TCM to support the body during seasonal challenges, especially in people concerned about Lyme disease?

A) Gan Mai Da Zao Wan
B) Qing Hao (Artemisia annua)
C) Yin Qiao San
D) Hu Zhang (Bushy Knotweed)

✅ Correct: D) Hu Zhang (Bushy Knotweed)
Fun Fact: Hu Zhang is valued in TCM for moving blood and clearing heat — often chosen in multi-herb protocols for joint comfort and seasonal balance.
See Hu Zhang products »

Q4. Which herb is often used in calming formulas to help promote relaxation without causing drowsiness?

A) Gou Teng
B) Bai Zhu
C) Dan Shen
D) Dang Gui

✅ Correct: A) Gou Teng
Fun Fact: In TCM, Gou Teng (Uncaria) is used to extinguish internal wind and calm the spirit — making it a top pick in some modern stress formulas.
Shop Gou Teng for calm support »

Q5. Why are teapills so tiny?

A) Easier to swallow
B) Flexible dosing
C) Authentic traditional form
D) All of the above

✅ Correct: D) All of the above
Fun Fact: Teapills are pea-sized on purpose — a tradition that makes them portable, easy to take, and adaptable for the individual.
Browse teapills »

Q6. Which herb is nicknamed the “Immune Commander” in TCM and is often used to support healthy defenses?

A) Astragalus Root
B) Licorice Root
C) Bai Zhu
D) Dan Shen

✅ Correct: A) Astragalus Root
Fun Fact: In TCM, Astragalus is used to strengthen qi and support the body’s surface defenses, especially before seasonal changes.
Shop Astragalus »

What Is Your Score?

What Are Teapills & Why Are They Special?

Teapills are a traditional TCM delivery method where formulas are rolled into small, pea-sized balls — easy to swallow, portable, and precise in dosage.
Benefits:

  • Gentler on the throat

  • Easier incremental dosing

  • Even digestion & absorption

  • Preserves traditional preparation

FAQ

Q: Are teapills safe to take every day?
A: Most teapills are designed for daily use over time, but always follow label instructions or consult a TCM practitioner.

Q: Can Chinese herbs help with Lyme disease?
A: Certain herbs, like Hu Zhang, are often included in multi-herb protocols for supporting joint comfort, immune balance, and circulation.

how to make astragalus tea

Writer’s Privilege Note:

As the author of this piece, I get to share one of my personal favorites—because sometimes research and tradition meet in the kitchen. Here’s my go-to Astragalus Root Tea recipe. It’s soothing, grounding, and a classic in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting overall vitality.

My Favorite Astragalus Root Tea Recipe

  • Ingredients:

    • 20–30 grams dried Astragalus root slices

    • 4 cups water

    • Optional: a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of goji berries for added flavor

  • Instructions:

    1. Rinse the Astragalus root slices under cool water.

    2. Add them to a pot with the water.

    3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20–30 minutes.

    4. Strain and serve warm.

Tip: You can reuse the same root slices for a second, milder brew—waste not, want not.

References

Astragalus (Huang Qi) — Immune Support & Immunomodulation

  • A comprehensive review of Astragalus polysaccharides shows significant immunomodulatory effects, including activation of key immune cell types such as macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes.
    PMC+15PMC+15PMC+15PubMed+8PubMed+8PubMed+8

  • A systematic study demonstrated that Astragalus membranaceus (AM) enhances immune function in animal models, notably increasing spleen and thymus activity and boosting NK cell proliferation.
    PubMed+2PubMed+2

  • Another review highlighted its dual immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory actions, explaining clinical relevance in immune-related conditions.
    PubMed+15PubMed+15PMC+15

2. Andrographis (King of Bitters) — Cold & Fever Relief

  • A clinical review found that Andrographis paniculata is traditionally used to reduce heat, fever, and toxins, commonly employed in cases of upper respiratory infections.
    PMC+9PMC+9PMC+9

  • A 2022 systematic review confirmed that herbal preparations of Andrographis are generally safe, with most reported side effects (e.g., mild gastrointestinal upset) resolving upon discontinuation.
    PubMed+2PMC+2

  • An in-depth 2022 review summarized its antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential, especially relevant for flu-like respiratory conditions.
    PMC

3. He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) — Hair Health & Anti-Aging

  • A scientific review detailed traditional uses of Polygonum multiflorum, commonly known as He Shou Wu, for hair-blackening, antiaging, and tonic functions, while noting safety considerations.
    PMC+8PMC+8PMC+8

  • A lab study found that topical application of He Shou Wu extract promoted hair growth in mice by inducing the anagen (growth) phase and activating key pathways (β‑catenin, Shh).
    PubMed

4. Gou Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) & Anxiety

  • Traditional formulas containing Gou Teng, like Lingyang Gouteng Decoction, have been shown in lab studies to modulate neurological conditions linked to anxiety and excitability, such as diminishing liver-yang hyperactivity in models of dementia.
    PMC+15PMC+15PubMed+15