Understanding Herbs Made Easy

The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Bulk Herbs

For over 5,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has relied on bulk herbs to restore balance, strengthen energy, and promote resilience. Today, bulk herbs remain the most cost-effective and customizable way to bring TCM into your daily life. Whether you’re sipping decoctions, adding powders to smoothies, or stocking your clinic shelves, buying bulk—especially 5-kilo bags—can save up to 35% compared with smaller packs.


What Are Chinese Bulk Herbs? 

Chinese bulk herbs are roots, berries, seeds, and fungi sold in their whole, sliced, or powdered form. They’re brewed into teas, simmered as decoctions, or ground into powders. Bulk form lets you:

  • Adjust strength and combinations

  • Save money by purchasing larger sizes

  • Stay closer to traditional TCM preparation methods


Quick Comparison Grid (Top Herbs at a Glance)

Herb (Pinyin) Best For Why It Works (1 line) Prep Style
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Energy & focus Adaptogenic ginsenosides support ATP Tea, powder, soup
Astragalus (Huang Qi) Immunity & stamina Tonifies Qi, supports immune defense Decoction, broth
Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) Eyes, skin, longevity Rich in zeaxanthin + carotenoids Snack, tea, congee
Licorice Root (Gan Cao) Digestive & cough relief Soothes stomach, harmonizes formulas Tea, syrup, decoction
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Women’s health, blood Nourishes blood & eases cycles Decoction, soup
Dan Shen Heart & circulation Moves stagnant blood, protects heart Decoction, capsule
Huang Qin Liver & inflammation Baicalin reduces heat & damp Decoction, capsule
Yi Yi Ren Digestion, skin Clears damp, soothes gut & joints Congee, decoction
Yu Xing Cao Lungs & detox Heat-clearing antimicrobial Decoction, tea
Fu Ling Fluid balance, calm spirit Supports Spleen Qi, reduces damp Decoction, capsule

How to Use Bulk Herbs 

1. Decoctions (Classic Method)

  • Simmer 10–15 g of herbs in water for 30–60 minutes

  • Strain and sip warm

  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 48 hours

2. Powders & Capsules (Convenience)

  • Stir 1–3 g powder into warm water or smoothies

  • Encapsulate for travel and easy dosing

3. Culinary Uses (Everyday Nourishment)

  • Add herbs to broths, stews, and congee

  • Combine goji berries, ginseng, or licorice for tonic soups


Smart Buying Tips

  • Look for GMP certification, lab testing, and geo-authentic sourcing

  • Store herbs in airtight containers, cool & dark, 12–24 months shelf life

  • For long-term users, 5-kilo bags save up to 35% vs 500 g packs


FAQs 

Q: Why choose bulk herbs over teapills?
A: Bulk herbs give you full control over strength and combinations, while teapills are better for convenience and travel.

Q: How long before I notice results?
A: Some herbs (like licorice for digestion) act quickly, while tonics (like astragalus or ginseng) may take weeks of consistent use.

Q: Can I combine multiple herbs safely?
A: Yes—most TCM formulas are blends. Start with 2–4 herbs and consult a practitioner for complex conditions.

Q: Do herbs expire?
A: Stored properly, most dried herbs remain effective for 12–24 months. Always check aroma and color for freshness.

Q: How do I save on bulk herbs?
A: Buy larger formats like 5-kilo bags, which can reduce cost by up to 35%.


Shop Bulk Herbs Now

 Explore our full range of Chinese bulk herbs at 1stChineseHerbs.com
 Save big with 5-kilo bags—perfect for clinics, herbalists, and regular users.
 Always lab-tested, GMP-certified, and non-irradiated since 1994.

Referenes

Goji berry (Gou Qi Zi, Lycium barbarum)

  • Randomized trial (90 days): Goji increased macular pigment optical density and serum zeaxanthin in healthy adults. PMC

  • Older RCT (14 days): Standardized goji juice improved several self-reported well-being measures. PubMed

  • Prospective RCT: Goji supplementation raised serum zeaxanthin and skin carotenoids; MPOD trend protective for AMD. PubMed

  • Mechanism reviews: Antioxidant/immune effects and molecular pathways summarized. PMC

Licorice root (Gan Cao, Glycyrrhiza spp.)

  • Comprehensive review: Pharmacology, traditional uses, safety (glycyrrhizin-related hypertension risk noted). PMC

  • Antiviral review (modern): Broad antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin and metabolites (hepatitis, herpes, SARS-related). PMC

  • Classic antiviral review: Evidence across viruses; some clinical signals. PubMed

Dong Quai (Dang Gui, Angelica sinensis)

  • Placebo-controlled trial (menopausal symptoms): Dong quai alone showed no estrogen-like clinical effect vs placebo. PubMed

  • In-vitro estrogenicity signal: Water extract stimulated ER-positive cell growth (context for safety discussions). PubMed

  • Scholarly review: Traditional uses, chemistry, and cross-cultural translation; calls for careful, evidence-based application. PubMed

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

  • Cardiovascular review: Mechanisms (tanshinones/salvianolic acids) and clinical use in CVD. PMC

  • Network meta-analysis (2024): Danshen class injections compared for coronary heart disease outcomes (China clinical practice). PubMed

  • Meta-analysis (HF with Danshen decoction): Synthesizes trials; notes uncertainty/heterogeneity—use cautiously. PubMed

SHuang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis)

  • Pharmacology review: Baicalin/baicalein chemistry and broad actions. PMC

  • Focused review: Baicalin in inflammatory diseases (mechanisms + models). PMC

  • Landmark review (“golden herb”): Clinical applications + biosynthetic pathways. PMC

Yi Yi Ren (Coix seed / Job’s tears, Coix lacryma-jobi)

  • Narrative review (2022): Summarizes antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signals. PMC

  • Cancer-focused review (2023): Anti-tumor effects and preparations of Coix seed. PMC

  • Chemoprevention review (2012): Adlay components and anti-cancer potential. PMC

Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia cordata)

  • Current review: Antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, organ-protective effects. PMC

  • Target-organ/upper respiratory study: Anti-inflammatory effects relevant to airway tissues. PubMed

  • Nutraceutical prospects (antiviral focus): Overview of candidate phytochemicals. PubMed