Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) (中藥學) is an ancient practice that has been used in China for thousands of years. It focuses on preserving the balance of the Qi in your body, holistically looking at the entire well-being.
Acupuncture, cupping, massage, tai chi, and herbal remedies form the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If you are interested in learning more about TCM, please consult a qualified TCM practitioner. Additionally, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner about concerns related to serious healthcare issues.
Illustrations by Tiffany Huang
Popular Herbs
Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
Licorice is a flowering plant native to parts of Asia and Europe. Its roots provide a sweet compound that is believed to have several health benefits regarding:
Ulcers
Sore throats and canker sores
Upper respiratory issues
Hot flashes
Indigestion
Jujube (Hong Zao)
Jujube, also known as the red date, is a fruit native to Southern Asia. It has a sweet taste and chewy texture and contains potassium, vitamin C, phenols, and antioxidants, which are believed to have benefits regarding:
Sleep
Digestion and constipation
Immune system
Cognitive function
Anxiety
Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Ginseng is a brown root with tendrils that look like arms and legs. There are two main types of ginseng – American and Asian/Korean – that are believed to have several health benefits regarding:
The immune system
Mental performance
Energy levels
Inflammation
Blood sugar
Dong Quai
Dong quai – also called the female ginseng – is a plant with purple stems and white flowers. It is native to the mountains of China, Korea, and Japan. Its thick roots are believed to have several health benefits regarding:
Menstrual cramps
Hot flashes from menopause
Premenstrual symptoms including bloating, mood swings, and more
Astralagus Root (Huang Qi)
Astralagus is a green plant with hairy stems and leaves and is native to China, Mongolia, and Korea. Its roots are typically taken with other herbs, and are believed to have several health benefits regarding:
Colds and flus
The immune system
Nausea and vomiting caused by chemo
Cancer-related fatigue
Stress and disease
Where to Purchase in Chinatown
If you’re interested in learning about Chinese herbs, please consult a qualified practitioner or expert”
Ewa Trading
80 Mulberry St
Tea and Chinese medicine and herbs shop run by Mr. Zhou and his family for over 20 years
Try Out: Ginseng Soup, Herbal Mix Soup, Herbal Supplements
Po Wing Hong
49 Elizabeth St
Food market run by the Tsao family selling Chinese herbs, delicacies, and foods since 1980
Try Out: Ginseng, Dried Sea Cucumber, Bird‘s Nest
Ton Ren Herbs Supply
84 Elizabeth St
Herbal shop providing acupuncture services, herbal consultations, and herbal medicines
Try Out: Acupuncture, Herbal Consultation
