Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues. Early literature, such as the “Recipes for 52 Ailments” found in the Mawangdui tombs from 168 BC, offers evidence of their long history. The first renowned herbalist, Shennong, is said to have lived around 2800 BC and documented the medicinal uses of various plants. His work, the Shénnóng Běn Cǎo Jīng (Shennong’s Materia Medica), is considered the oldest book on Chinese herbal medicine, categorizing 365 species of herbs and other natural substances. Today, Chinese herbal medicine is an integral part of TCM, used both internally and externally in forms such as decoctions, pills, tinctures, and patches. It is still a primary treatment in hospitals and clinics across China and other parts of Asia.

Raw herbs are a fundamental part of Chinese herbal medicine, with approximately 13,000 medicinal ingredients recorded in ancient literature. While plant extracts are most commonly used, some formulas also include minerals and animal products. Each prescription is tailored to the individual, and raw herbs are often decocted (boiled) to create potent treatments. Herbal formulas are designed with a primary ingredient to address the main health concern, followed by additional herbs to balance the overall formula.