Guide To Chinese Herbs

Non-sprayed, non-sulfured Chinese Herbs can be purchased in one pound units from Asia Natural Products of San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Each herb listed below includes its common name, scientific name, Chinese name, and Asia Natural Products catalog code.

Herb Names & Code Energetics & Healing Properties
Angelica
(Angelica sinensis) Dang Quai
ANP code: D16A
Aids blood formation, regulates menstruation, hormones, menopause. Tonifies sex organs, uterus. Relieves congestion in tissues of pelvic girdle. Cleans blood, contains vitamin B-12. Nourishes blood and yin, sedative. Relaxes heart muscle. Stimulates immune system and appetite. Moistens the Large Intestines. Controls fungal infections.
Astragalus
(Astragalus spp.) Huang Qi
ANP code: H42A
Invigorates and builds vital energy; tonifies all three burners and protective energy just under the skin. Beneficial to the Lungs and Spleen. Strengthens arms and legs. Blood tonic: increases the number of white blood cells. Regulates blood pressure and sugar metabolism. Immune system booster.
Apricot Kernel
(Prunus armeniaca.)
Bitter Apricot: Xing Ren X11
Sweet Apricot: Nan Xing Ren N03
Contains laetrile, an anti-carcinogenic compound. Moisturizes the Lungs and Large Intestines. Relieves spasmodic coughing.
China Root
(Poria cocos) Fu Ling
ANP code: F10
Improves the Spleen function, regulates the Stomach, facilitates the movement of fluids: blood, lymph, etc. Aids the Kidneys and Bladder, diuretic. Calms the nerves and Heart. Yin, blood and Lung tonic. Circulates the qi of the Triple Heater. Relieves anxiety and ‘heart pangs.’ Regulates blood sugar.
Chinese Dates (Red)
(Zizyphus jujuba) Hong Zao
ANP code: H23
Tonifies the yang of the circulatory system: nutrient and cleanser of the blood. Purifies the 12 organs especially the Stomach, benefits this organ as well as the Heart and Lungs. Clears the 9 orifices of the body. Dries up excess mucus, yet moistens tissues. Allows qi to flow, dispersing agent. Assails fatigue, insomnia; sedative. Yin quality, balances yang quality of ginseng when used in same recipe.
Chinese Dates (Black)
(Zizyphus jujuba) Nan Zao
ANP code: H19
Tonifies the yang of the Stomach and Spleen (use 3 – 5 per recipe)
Chinese Foxglove
(Rehmannia glutinosa) Di Huang
ANP code: S40
Cooked form: tonifies the blood, nourishes the yin. Aids the Heart, Kidney, Liver. Quiets the soul, supports the spirit. Diuretic. Strengthens: bones and tendons, female reproductive organs. Nourishes bone marrow, eyes and ears. Aids blood circulation in the legs.
Chinese Yam
(Dioscorea opposita) Shan Yao
ANP code: S14A
Invigorates yang of the Kidneys. Tonic to the Spleen and Stomach, nourishes the Lungs. Increases production of semen. Can lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Yin tonic. Benefits the spirit.
Cinnamon Inner Bark
(Cinnamomum cassia cortex) Rou Gui
ANP code: R09B
Yang tonic especially for Kidneys, sexual tonic. Promotes qi and blood circulation, improves vision, warms organs, calms nerves, aids complexion. Good for loss of appetite; relieves stomach pain. Relieves tension of neck and shoulders.
Codonopsis
(Codonopsis spp.) Dang Shen
ANP code: D22A
Tonifies vital energy, especially tonic to the middle burner and Heart. Protects against heart disease. Tonic to the Lungs. Acts on the Stomach and Spleen, regulates metabolism. Strengthens bones and muscles. Good for Lungs, lubricating them. Stimulates the production of health blood and detoxifies the blood allowing skin to become radiant. Increases milk production. Use for stressful times and rapid weather change. Aids mind-body adaptation. Boosts immunes system. Lowers blood pressure.
Fox Nut
(Euryale ferox) Qian Shi
ANP code: Q06
Invigorates the vital energy of the Kidneys.
Ginger Root (dry)
(Zingiber officinale) Gan Jiang
ANP code: G03
Promotes circulation, tonic to the Heart. Warms the Lungs, reduces phlegm. Pushes wind down and out of digestive system; aids digestion and assimilation. Tonic to the Stomach and Spleen. Tonifies yang of body. Assails nausea. (can use fresh root)
Ginko Nut
(Ginkgo bilobae) Bai Guo
ANP code: B07
Clears Lung heat. Reduces secretion of the fluids in the renal and reproductive systems. Tonic to the Heart. Sedative. Aids digestion.
Ginseng Root
(steamed, soaked in wine)
(Panax ginseng) Ren Shen
ANP code: R02
Strengthens qi and Heart. Balances (boosts or sedates as needed) metabolism and blood: sugar, pressure, red and white cells; and endocrine system, hormones. Tonic to the reproductive system. Aids the spirit and clarity of the mind. Assails stress: aids nervous system and adrenal glands. Stimulates Liver function: synthesis of vital proteins and DNA and RNA. Heals deformities of the cornea, clouding in particular. Protects body against toxins.
Hawthorn Berries
(Crataegus pinnatifida) Shan Zha
ANP code: S15
Improves appetite and digestion by moving stagnant excess food. Lowers blood cholesterol and blood pressure—especially beneficial in cases of coronary artery blockages. (remove seeds before eating)
Hyacinth Beans
(Dolichoris lablab) Bian Dou
ANP code: B34
Strengthens the vital energy of the Spleen and thus the flow of body fluids.
Licorice Root (Chinese)
(Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Gan Cao
ANP code: G01
Benefits all internal organs as enters all meridians. Aids: Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys and Lungs in particular, as well as concentration. Detoxifies. Energy tonic, regulates blood sugar. Keeps Lungs and throat lubricated, reduces heat in body. Provides relieve from abdominal pain and congestion. Fortifies joints, bones and muscles. Regulates bowels. Improves hormonal function. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-stress. Warnings against using if you have high blood pressure. (Use one or two slices only – 1/8 of an ounce.)
Lily Bulb
(Lilium lancifolium) Bai He
ANP code: B08
Nourishes yin. Clears Lung fire.
Longan Fruit (Dragon Eye)
(Euphoria longan) Long Yun Rou
ANP code: L21
Nourishes and increases the production of blood. Invigorates qi.
Lotus Seeds
(Nelumbo nucifera) Lian Zi
ANP code: L09
Invigorates the vital energy of the Kidneys, balances Heart-fire and Kidney-water.
Mandarin Tangerine Peel
(Citrus reticulata) Chen Pi
ANP code: C14A
Invigorates the qi of the Spleen. Eliminates excess dampness and phlegm.
Peach Kernel
(Prunus persica) Tao Ren
ANP code: T03
Invigorates the yang of the Kidneys and clears blockages in the energy channels, restores energy and fluid movement throughout the body, mild laxative and diuretic.
Peony Root (White)
(Paeoniae lactiflorae radix) Bai Shao
ANP code: B18A
Balances female hormones and improves blood quality and yin energy. Blood tonic restoring vigor, promoting long life. Enters the Liver and Spleen energy systems as well as the Stomach and Small Intestines, promoting peristalsis and digestion. Relaxes muscles relieving menstrual cramps and pain. Diuretic. Reduces excess heat and sweating.
Prince Ginseng
(ophiopogonis japonicum tuber)
Mai Men Dong
ANP code: M09
Energy tonic beneficial to the Lung and Spleen functions. Enhances vitality, promotes a happy spirit and long life.
Shitake Mushroom
(tricholomopsis edodes / lentinus edodes)
ANP does not supply
Strengthens the immune and endocrine functions. Protects from the effects of overwork and exhaustion. Improves Liver function. It is also useful in cases of Candida infections. Paul Ptichford states that shitake decreases fat and cholesterol in the blood and helps discharge excess residues of accumulated animal protein.
Solomon’s Seal
(polygonatum odoratum rhizoma) Yu Zhu
ANP code: Y16
Nourishes the yin of the Stomach and Lungs. Increases appetite, aids digestion when is overworked. Promotes Heart function and lowers excess blood pressure. Restores sexual potency.
Tree Peony Root Bark
(moutan cortex radix) Mu Dan Pi
ANP code: M23
Clears blood heat and restores proper circulation. Lowers blood pressure. Broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Tonic to the Liver and aids women’s cycles.
White Wood Ear Fungus
(tremela fuciformis fructificatio)
Bai Mu Er
ANP code: B16
Treats debility and exhaustion. It harmonizes blood, promotes blood circulation and benefits white blood cell count, easing abnormal menstruation. It is a Liver protector. Strengthens the immune function, nourishing yin and Kidney, counteracts yin deficiency and invigorates the brain. Supplements the vital energy of the Spleen and nourishes Stomach.
White Asparagus Root
(asparagus cochinchinensis tuber) Tien Men Dong
ANP code: T08A
White Asparagus Root s a Kidney yin tonic that prevents stress from taking its toll. Develops peace of mind as well as a strong mind and improves memory. Calms the Heart and balances the seven emotions so that love can rule one’s nature. The Lung’s ability to extract qi is enhanced. Skin becomes supple, soft and smooth. Removes heat and pains in feet, chest and neck and balances the internal functions of the body. Shen or spirit energy is generated when one eats this herb.
Wolfberry
(Lycium chinense) Gou Ji Zi
ANP code: G11
Nourishes the Liver yin, is good for the eyes, especially for night blindness. Improves function of the Spleen (blood formation) and Kidneys (bones and virility). Brightens the spirit and cheerfulness. Invigorates the legs. Calms the Heart and nervous system. Benefits complexion, antifungal effects.