Common Plants in TCM and How They’re Used to Make Herbal Remedies

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, offering a holistic approach to health through natural methods. At the heart of TCM are medicinal plants—carefully selected and combined based on their energetic properties, therapeutic functions, and synergistic effects.

In today’s modern world, TCM continues to thrive, supported by companies like Qianbu, which specializes in the development, distribution, and retail of herbal remedies and health products. In this article, we explore some of the most common and powerful plants used in TCM, how they’re processed, and how they are formulated into remedies that support well-being and balance.

Why Plants Play a Central Role in TCM

In TCM theory, plants are valued not only for their chemical components, but also for their energetic nature—such as warming or cooling, yin or yang tonification, and their ability to act on specific meridians (energy channels).

Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, TCM herbal remedies aim to:

Restore harmony within the body

Balance qi (vital energy), blood, yin, and yang

Strengthen organ function

Prevent disease by improving overall vitality

Common TCM Plants and Their Uses

Below are some of the most widely used herbal plants in TCM and how they’re incorporated into remedies:

1. Ginseng (Rénshēn)

Functions: Tonifies qi, boosts energy, strengthens immunity

Use: Often found in tonics, teas, and capsules for fatigue, weak constitution, and recovery after illness.

2. Astragalus Root (Huángqí)

Functions: Strengthens the immune system, supports lung and spleen qi

Use: Used in decoctions or powders to build resilience, often combined with other herbs in immune-boosting formulas.

3. Licorice Root (Gāncǎo)

Functions: Harmonizes formulas, tonifies the spleen, soothes throat

Use: A common supporting herb in hundreds of formulas; also used to reduce toxicity and enhance absorption of other herbs.

4. Goji Berries (Gǒuqǐzǐ)

Functions: Nourishes liver and kidney yin, improves vision, boosts vitality

Use: Consumed raw, in soups, teas, or granules for anti-aging, eye health, and general nourishment.

5. Rehmannia Root (Dìhuáng)

Functions: Nourishes blood and yin, cools heat

Use: Used in both raw (Shēng Dì) and processed (Shǔ Dì) forms to treat anemia, dizziness, night sweats, and menopausal symptoms.

6. Angelica Sinensis (Dāngguī)

Functions: Tonifies and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation

Use: Popular in formulas for women’s health, menstrual irregularities, and postpartum recovery.

7. Chrysanthemum Flower (Júhuā)

Functions: Clears heat, calms the liver, improves vision

Use: Brewed as a tea for headaches, eye fatigue, and mild fevers.

From Plant to Remedy: The Process

At companies like Qianbu, these herbal plants are sourced from trusted growers, subjected to strict quality control, and then processed into a variety of traditional and modern formulations, including:

 Decoctions

Traditional boiling of herbs to make medicinal soups. Still widely used in TCM clinics.

Powders and Granules

Convenient, fast-dissolving forms that retain traditional properties while improving usability.

Capsules and Tablets

Modern formats for targeted use (e.g., liver support, digestion, immunity), suitable for both local and international consumers.

Functional Foods and Teas

Combining TCM wisdom with food science to create health drinks, herbal snacks, and therapeutic teas.

Topical Applications

Ointments, oils, and plasters made with herbs like borneol, mugwort, and safflower for pain relief and inflammation.

Qianbu: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in TCM

Qianbu is a dedicated force in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine and wellness. With a commitment to heritage, science, and innovation, Qianbu offers a wide range of herbal health products, covering:

Research and development of new TCM-based health solutions

Wholesale and retail of raw herbs, extracts, supplements, and functional foods

Customized product formulas for partners in healthcare and wellness

Export services for global clients seeking high-quality Chinese herbal remedies

By combining ancient knowledge with modern manufacturing and quality assurance, Qianbu makes TCM accessible, reliable, and effective for today’s consumers.

Conclusion

TCM herbal remedies are deeply rooted in natural wisdom, with plant-based therapies offering safe and time-tested solutions for energy balance, disease prevention, and long-term vitality. From ginseng for energy to goji berries for eye health, the pharmacopoeia of Chinese medicine continues to provide relevant answers to modern health concerns.

As a leader in the field, Qianbu plays a pivotal role in delivering authentic, high-quality TCM products that are grounded in tradition and enhanced by innovation.

TCM Plants and Their Functional Benefits for Digestion, Sleep, and Immunity