A voice for
herbal medicine

We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

Chinese herbal medicine

There is a famous saying in Chinese Herbal Medicine:

同病異治，異病同治 Tong Bing Yi Zhi, Yi Bing Tong Zhi

‘Same illness: Different Treatment, Different Illness, Same Treatment.’

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. It encompasses a person-specific approach coupled with mastery of magisterial prescriptions. Find out more in our Insights articles about Chinese Herbal Medicines.

An introduction to herbal energetics

An introduction to herbal energetics

Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants based on the direct...

Wild and cultivated tian ma

Chinese herb sustainability: Who is responsible?

Sustainability of herbal medicines and supply chains are very complex topics and issues vary...

Mushrooms for cancer care

Mushrooms for cancer care

There has been much scientific interest in fungi for cancer care in recent years....

The sustainability of liquorice

The sustainability of liquorice

Liquorice is one of the most valued herbal medicines globally, yet its population sizes...

The Register of Chinese herbal medicine’s response to media backlash against herbs

The Register of Chinese herbal medicine’s response to media backlash against herbs

Herbal medicine often faces negative press, from ill-informed sources. The Register of Chinese Herbal...

Ethnopharmacology: Where science and traditional wisdom meet

We share how ethnopharmacology has been used to give a deeper understanding to traditional...

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): A mushroom with many medicinal properties

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): A mushroom with many medicinal properties

Medicinal fungi like chaga have boomed in popularity in recent years. Matthew Clark shares...

How to become a Herbalist

How to become a Herbalist

There are many things to think about when training in herbalism.

Sweet ‘n’ Sour: The importance of taste and food energetics in Traditional Chinese medicine

Sweet ‘n’ Sour: The importance of taste and food energetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Charles Buck explains the philosophy how tastes are used to enhance our wellbeing.

Traditional Chinese medicine herbal classifications glossary

Traditional Chinese medicine herbal classifications glossary

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Traditional Chinese Medicine terms used.

Keeping your lungs healthy

Keeping your lungs healthy

Shaylee Grant explores what we need to keep our lungs healthy.

The history of ephedra: A powerful lung medicine from China

The history of ephedra: A powerful lung medicine from China

Ethnobotanist Jason Irving explores ephedra's use as a treatment for asthma.

Toward a sustainable future for frankincense An ancient medicine in a modern world

Toward a sustainable future for frankincense: An ancient medicine in a modern world

Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo and Stephen Johnson explore the many changes the sustainable trade in...

Turmeric latte (Curcuma longa)

The Chinese herbal medicine approach to inflammation: Solving the “Turmeric Paradox”

Inflammation is the healing response of the body to tissue damage, and Chinese Herbal...

The art and science of herbal formulation: Traditional Chinese medicine

The art and science of herbal formulation: Traditional Chinese medicine

Herbalist Sebastian Pole explores what's in a traditional Chinese herbal formulation.

Medicinal mushrooms An introduction

Medicinal mushrooms: An introduction

Neither plants nor animals but sharing characteristics of both, mushrooms have much to offer...

Ephedra: ma huang or ephedrine?: A lesson for herbal practitioners

Ephedra: ma huang or ephedrine? A lesson for herbal practitioners

Ephedra is a valuable herb. It is however banned in the USA. We take...

The Jade Screen Project

The Jade Screen Project

The Jade Screen Project (JSP) offers immune-enhancing and anti-viral herbal formulae for front line...