Traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient system of health and wellness which has been used for thousands of years and has changed very little over the centuries.
While Western medicine is focused on treating disease and reacting to its symptoms, TCM tries to prevent those symptoms occurring in the first place by keeping our bodies balanced and in harmony.
It focuses on ‘qi’, which is our life energy, and how to promote and maintain its flow. And central to that is yin and yang, the opposing forces that should be balanced to lead healthy and happy lives. Followers of the practice believe the temperature of the body is crucial, with yin representing cold and yang heat.
Natural plant medicine is crucial to this process, and here are 17 of the most important healing ingredients used by The Hao Life, a new herbal supplement blend based on the philosophies of TCM, and how co-founders William Li and Danielle Chang describe each of their benefits. And William, who co-hosts PBS Asian food and culture show Lucky Chow alongside Danielle, also describes his journey to launching the brand here.
The Hao Life
Asian Ginseng Root (Ren Shen)
A highly prized antioxidant force, ginseng is thought to bolster the immune system, and its energizing abilities may help combat fatigue. Ginseng has a variety of uses in Traditional Chinese medicine— an adaptogen, aka superior herb, it’s especially adept at strengthening qi, or energy, to counter weariness and shortness of breath while fueling the body.
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)
A powerful herb, astragalus root exhibits antioxidant activity, helps to support the immune system, and is thought to benefit the respiratory system. A popular adaptogen in TCM (known as a superior herb), it’s frequently utilized to strengthen the qi, or energy, of the lungs.
Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu)
The roots of this buttery yellow herb have been shown to have many beneficial effects. Research indicates it may boost mood and even assist in autophagy — the body’s natural process of clearing out old cells. In TCM, it is thought to spread liver qi, or energy, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Cassia/Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
Cinnamon bark supports overall heart health, including cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In TCM, it is used to return yang, or heat, to the lower body to help ease minor lower back aches and improve overall circulation.
Chinese Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha)
Research shows hawthorn berry may help to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels already in normal ranges, and support digestion with prebiotic and enzyme-rich components. It’s used to relieve food stagnation in TCM, reducing symptoms like bloating after large meals.
Chinese Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
Licorice root is rich in hundreds of plant compounds, but glycyrrhizin is its primary active, shown to relieve various symptoms of occasional indigestion, including occasional heartburn and general stomach upset. In TCM, it’s a digestive essential used to protect, strengthen, and ease discomfort by boosting the qi, or energy, in the spleen
Chinese Peony Root (Bai Shao)
This root is rich in paeoniflorin, a plant compound shown to boost probiotic levels, potentially improving the bacteria balance of the gut—critical for healthy digestion. It’s thought to nourish liver yin, or fluids, in TCM, promoting the body’s natural detoxification process.
Coral Lily Bulb (Bai He)
Lily bulb is a staple in the Asian diet. In TCM, it’s thought to nourish yin, or provide cooling, to clear heat from the chest and support calm and sleep.
Cordyceps Mycelium (Dong Chong Xia Cao)
A powerful fatigue fighter, this adaptogenic mushroom is thought to pump up energy levels. Additionally, some studies indicate it can help support cognitive and sexual health. Considered a superior herb in TCM, it’s used to support jing, our essence, and the lungs, promoting overall vitality and longevity.
Dandelion Leaves (Pu Gong Ying)
Dandelion’s benefits are wide-ranging, but it’s particularly well-known for its ability to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and its diuretic properties, which can help reduce water retention. In TCM, it helps to brighten the eyes and clear heat from the liver and overall body.
Dong Quai/Angelica Root (Dang Gui)
This root is a master stabilizer — data shows it may help to improve mood and mitigate the intensity of hot flashes. In TCM, it’s often used to maintain supple, soft skin and address normal conditions associated with women’s menstrual cycles.
Epimedium Leaves/Horny Goat Weed (Yin Yang Huao)
Horny goat weed is thought to ease typical PMS symptoms, improve energy, sharpen the memory, and stimulate blood flow to enhance arousal. In TCM, it promotes balance to support the reproductive system and reduce menopause-related symptoms.
Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong)
An agent with broad applications, eucommia bark has been shown to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, increase libido, and support the health of bones, ligaments, and tendons. In TCM, it’s used to improve the circulation of Qi, or energy, and blood downward – strengthening lower limbs and boosting sexual performance.
Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang)
A popular stomach aid, ginger’s high concentration of the phytochemical gingerol accounts for its effects. Research demonstrates it reduces occasional indigestion and nausea, and helps empty the stomach more quickly after eating. It’s considered one of the most important herbs in TCM for the digestive system, adding yang, or warmth, to help break down food.
Lycium/Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)
Goji berries are considered one of the richest plant sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals like iron—that’s why it’s considered a superfood. Studies suggest it may help support healthy blood sugar levels, increase energy, and promote longevity. In TCM, it’s thought to nourish your jing, or essence, to promote vitality. It also supports kidney yin and yang to strengthen the lower body and improve libido.
Reishi Fruiting Body (Ling Zhi)
Reishi can help with restlessness and improve sleep. Additionally, it helps to support the immune system. A powerful adaptogen, known as a superior herb in TCM, it’s used to nourish heart qi, or energy, to support sleep and strengthen lung qi, aiding the respiratory system and overall longevity.
Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren)
Jujube seeds are thought to support sleep and increase feelings of calm. In TCM, it’s considered an essential herb for supporting relaxation, nourishing Heart Yin to soothe occasional stress and irritability that inhibits rest.
