Name
Characteristics/Taste/Meridian
Common Uses
Ren Shen, Ginseng
(Panax Ginseng)
Slightly warm/Sweet, slightly bitter/Spleen, lungs, heart
Boosts energy; enhances cerebral circulation; slows aging
Huang Chi, Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus)
Slightly warm/Sweet/Spleen, lungs
Stimulates the immune system and enhances healing
Ma Huang, Ephedra
(Ephedra sinensis)
Warm/Acrid, bitter/Lungs, bladder
Treats wheezing; induces sweating; source of drug ephedrine
Gan Cao, Licorice
(Glycyrrhizae uralensis)
Neutral/Sweet/All twelve meridians
Used as a tonic; treats spasms; moderates and harmonizes with other herbs
Ying Xing, Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)
Neutral/Sweet, bitter/Lungs, kidneys
Treats chronic coughs, asthma, bladder infection and frequent urination
Tang-Qui, Angelica
(Angelica sinensis)
Warm/Sweet, acrid, bitter/Spleen, kidneys
Regulates femal reproductive organs
Fu Hua, Chrysanthemum
(Chrysanthemum morifolii)
Slightly cold/Sweet, slightly bitter/Lung, liver
Used in formulas to treat headaches and fever.
Rou Gui, Cinnamon Bark
(Cinnamomum cassia)
Hot/Acrid, sweet/Kidneys, spleen, liver, bladder
Used in formulas to treat headaches and fever
Source: The American Association of Oriental Medicine's Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine (Berkeley Publishing Group) by David Molony, PhD.