Quick Herbal Guides Part 3

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:

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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Disclaimer

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.

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