Yin-Tonifying Herbs

Zhi Ju Zi – Hovenia – Fructus Hoveniae

Zhi Ju Zi English Name: hovenia Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Hoveniae Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Zhi Ju Zi enters the Stomach channel; it is sweet in nature and neutral in temperature. What is Zhi Ju Zi?: The Chinese Herb Zhi Ju Zi is the dried fruit of the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis Thunb.). They…
Read More »
Yu Zhu – Polygonatum Rhizome – Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati

Yu Zhu English Name: polygonatum rhizome Literal Translation: “jade bamboo” Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Yu Zhu enters the Lung and Stomach channels; it is sweet in nature and neutral in temperature. What is Yu Zhu?: The Chinese Herb Yu Zhu is the dried rhizome of a plant commonly known…
Read More »
Tian Men Dong – Asparagus Tuber – Radix Asparagi

Tian Men Dong English Name: asparagus tuber Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Asparagi Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Tian Men Dong enters the Lung and Kidney channels; it is sweet and bitter in nature and very cold in temperature. What is Tian Men Dong?: The Chinese Herb Tian Men Dong is the tuber of a climbing plant…
Read More »
Shi Hu – Dendrobium – Herba Dendrobii

Shi Hu English Name: dendrobium stem Literal Translation: “bushel of stone” Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Dendrobii Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Shi Hu enters the Kidney and Stomach channels; it is sweet in nature and cool in temperature. What is Shi Hu?: The Chinese Herb Shi Hu is the dried stems of five different species of…
Read More »
Sang Shen Zi – Mulberry Fruit – Fructus Mori

Sang Shen Zi English Name: mulberry fruit Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Mori Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Sang Shen Zi enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney channels; it is sweet in nature and cold in temperature. What is Sang Shen Zi?: The Chinese Herb Sang Shen Zi is the ripe fruit of the white (Chinese) mulberry…
Read More »
Sha Shen – Adenophora – Glehnia – Radix Adenophorae seu Glehniae

Sha Shen English Name: adenophora, glehnia Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Adenophorae seu Glehniae Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Sha Shen enters the Lung and Stomach channels; it is sweet in nature and cool in temperature. What is Sha Shen?: What is Sha Shen?: The Chinese Herb Sha Shen is the dried root of one of two…
Read More »
Nu Zhen Zi – Ligustrum – Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Nu Zhen Zi English Name: ligustrum, glossy privet fruit Literal Translation: “female chastity seed” Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Nu Zhen Zi enters the Liver and Kidney channels; it is sweet and bitter in nature and cool in temperature. What is Nu Zhen Zi?: The Chinese Herb Nu Zhen Zi…
Read More »
Mai Men Dong – Ophiopogon – Radix Ophiopogonis

Mai Men Dong English Name: ophiopogon Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ophiopogonis Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Mai Men Dong enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Heart channels; it is sweet and slightly bitter in nature and cool in temperature. What is Mai Men Dong?: The Chinese Herb Mai Men Dong is dried ophiopogon root (Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl).…
Read More »
Hei Zhi Ma – (Black) Sesame Seed – Semen Sesami Nigrum

Hei Zhi Ma English Name: (black) sesame seed Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Sesami Nigrum Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs Properties: Hei Zhi Ma enters the Liver and Kidney channels; it is sweet in nature and neutral in temperature. What is Hei Zhi Ma?: The Chinese Herb Hei Zhi Ma is dried seeds from Sesamum indicum L., a…
Read More »

About the Author

John is well-versed in knowledge of holistic healing. His major interest is in the interaction between physical conditions and emotional and psychological healing.

Blog Categories

Articles Related To TCM Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs

How to Apply Hemorrhoid Cream: Step-by-Step Guide
May 22, 2026

Best Chinese Medicines informs how to apply hemorrhoid cream step by step for safe relief. Follow proper techniques, timing & tips for effective care.
What Does Hemorrhoid Cream Do? How It Works (And When to Use It)
May 15, 2026

Key Takeaways Hemorrhoids can cause persistent discomfort, especially when symptoms like itching, swelling, and irritation start to affect everyday activities. Many people rely on topical solutions for relief, and creams are often the first option they consider. Understanding what hemorrhoid cream does can make a difference in how it is used and how effective it…
Eating With the Seasons: TCM Tips for Summer
May 8, 2026

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) teaches that eating and living in harmony with the seasons can help prevent imbalance and support better health year-round. Summer is the most yang time of year; it’s active, outwardly expressive, and expansive. The days are long, the sun is high, and nature is in full bloom. While we want to…
Understanding Allergies, Sinusitis & Bronchitis – Through the Eyes of Chinese Medicine
May 1, 2026

As the world moves forward into the modern age of medicine, we can observe major strides being taken in surgical advancements and in the practice of trauma-based care. The field of Western medicine and healthcare is on the cutting edge of treating critical physical injuries and acute infectious diseases. However, when it comes to diagnosing…
Spring Weight Loss with Chinese Herbal Medicine
April 25, 2026

Swimsuit season is nearly here – are you ready? If you’ve put on a few extra pounds over winter, you’re not alone. But, spring is here, and this is the perfect time to get back on track with your weight loss or fitness goals! Chinese medicine is full of healthy weight-loss wisdom, including how to…