TCM Herbarium — The Living Gallery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs
TCM Herbarium — The Living Gallery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs
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The TCM Herbarium is a curated gallery dedicated to the beauty and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It combines science, history, and aesthetics to make herbal culture accessible to modern readers. Each specimen in the herbarium comes with its name, flavor and nature, organ correspondence, physical characteristics, and its role in classical formulas. This space is both a digital library and a cultural art display, helping users appreciate the depth of herbal wisdom.
Here, you can:
Explore single herb specimens with detailed descriptions and images.
Learn how herbs are used in traditional formulas.
Connect herbs with modern herbal remedies such as teas, plasters, and customized blends.
Appreciate herbal art and specimen photography.
What Is a TCM Herbarium?
What Is a TCM Herbarium?
Traditionally, a herbarium is a botanical collection of preserved plants. In the TCM context, a herbarium is a knowledge hub and art gallery for medicinal plants, where dried specimens, illustrations, and written notes bring the world of herbs to life.
Each herb entry in our herbarium highlights:
Chinese/Latin names and aliases
Flavor & nature, meridian entry (TCM theory)
Part used & morphology (root, stem, flower, fruit)
Role in traditional formulas
High-quality specimen photography and illustrations
Featured Single Herbs
Featured Single Herbs
Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Flavor & Nature: Sweet, slightly warm; enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.
Characteristics: Thick, human-shaped root.
Traditional Use: Considered the “monarch herb” in many formulas for replenishing Qi and vitality.
Classic Formula Example: Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
Alt text for image: “Herbarium specimen of Ginseng (Ren Shen) root, traditional Chinese medicinal herb for vitality and Qi support.”
Ginseng (Ren Shen) HongSen
Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui)
Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui)
Flavor & Nature: Sweet, acrid, warm; enters Liver, Heart, and Spleen meridians.
Characteristics: Conical root with longitudinal wrinkles.
Traditional Use: Commonly used in formulas to nourish blood and harmonize.
Classic Formula Example: Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Alt text for image: “Dried root specimen of Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), classic TCM herb traditionally used for blood nourishment and balance.”
Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui)
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Flavor & Nature: Sweet, warm; enters Spleen and Lung meridians.
Characteristics: Cylindrical roots with longitudinal striations.
Traditional Use: Traditionally associated with supporting upright Qi and daily vitality.
Classic Formula Example: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Yu Ping Feng San
Alt text for image: “Herbarium display of Astragalus root (Huang Qi), traditional Chinese herb associated with energy and immune support.”
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Flavor & Nature: Sweet, neutral; enters Heart, Spleen, and Lung meridians.
Characteristics: Rhizome with fibrous yellow-white cross section.
Traditional Use: Famous as a harmonizer herb, moderating the intensity of formulas.
Classic Formula Example: Gan Cao Tang, Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Alt text for image: “Dried root slice of Licorice (Gan Cao) in TCM herbarium, harmonizing herb used to balance formulas.”
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
Flavor & Nature: Sour, sweet, warm; enters Lung, Kidney, and Heart meridians.
Characteristics: Dark red berries with wrinkled surface after drying.
Traditional Use: Known as the “five-flavor fruit,” traditionally valued for its balancing and harmonizing qualities, often used in formulas to consolidate and calm.
Classic Formula Example: Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder), often combined with Ginseng and Ophiopogon.
Alt text for image: “Specimen of Schisandra berries (Wu Wei Zi), known as the five-flavor fruit in Chinese herbal medicine, used for balance and vitality.”
Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
Herbarium Art & Visualization
Herbarium Art & Visualization
The Herbarium is not only a knowledge base but also an art gallery:
Specimen Photography: High-resolution images highlight textures and details.
Herbal Illustrations: Traditional and modern botanical drawings.
Microscopy Images: Revealing hidden structures of herbs.
Interactive Gallery: Click each herb to access its dedicated page.
Classic Formula Library
Classic Formula Library
Herbs in the herbarium are also presented in context with classical formulas, such as:
Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction): Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) as monarch herb for harmonizing Ying and Wei.
Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction): Ephedra as the leading herb for releasing surface energy.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang: Bupleurum as the guiding herb for harmonizing half-exterior, half-interior patterns.
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): Ginseng as the monarch herb for tonifying Qi.
This helps readers see how herbs combine in the larger framework of TCM.
Bu zhong Yi Qi Tang
Liu Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
From Display to Products
From Display to Products
The TCM Herbarium connects seamlessly with our Herbal Remedies section:
Ginseng → linked to Qi Vitality Teas.
Angelica → linked to Women’s Health or Blood Nourishing blends.
Astragalus → linked to Immune Support teas and patches.
Licorice → linked to Digestive blends.
Schisandra → linked to Custom Herbal Formulas for balance.
👉 Explore Herbal Remedies »
Conclusion
Conclusion
The TCM Herbarium is more than a collection of dried herbs — it is a cultural bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding. By showcasing specimens, contextualizing them in classical formulas, and connecting them to modern products, we aim to create a living gallery of herbal knowledge that inspires curiosity, respect, and mindful use of nature’s gifts.
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