This list is compiled from NuHerbs, supplying organic, lab-tested herbs from China. They are very knowledgeable and are very conscientious about the quality of their herbs. The Wild & Weedy Apothecary carries tincture of all these herbs except for the Asian Ginseng.
Reishi
- Chinese name: Ling Zhi, Hong Ling Zhi
- Western name: Reishi, Red Reishi, Black Reishi
- Botanical name: Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma sinensis
Ling Zhi is a member of the plant family Ganodermatacaea. The fruiting bodies of the reishi mushroom can be red in color with a cream colored edge (Red Reishi) or jet black (Black Reishi). Used for centuries in TCM, the mushroom can be used in various forms and is considered a tonic for Qi. Reishi is also a well-known adaptogenic herb, said to have important immunity boosting properties and to promote stress relief. Both red and black reishi are used for immune system support, their uses vary depending on what that they’re formulated for. In traditional Chinese medicine, its properties are cold, acrid, bitter.
Reishi mushroom
Schisandra
- Chinese name: Wu Wei Zi
- Western name: Schisandra
- Botanical name: Schisandra chinensis
Wu Wei Zi, otherwise known as the schisandra plant, is best known for its fruit. The schisandra berries are a staple in TCM and said to hold five flavors, which in TCM translates to properties that promote the body’s overall health and vitality. A popular adaptogenic herb, schisandra is said to support healthy liver and kidney function in particular. In traditional Chinese medicine, its properties are sour, bitter, sweet, acrid, and salty.
Schisandra berries up close
Astragalus
- Chinese name: Huang Qi
- Western name: Astragalus root
- Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus
Huang Qi is a fundamental herb in TCM. As a member of the plant family Fabaceae, the dried root of the plant is regularly used in various forms. Astragalus is said to have many beneficial immunity-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. In traditional Chinese medicine, its properties are sweet and warm.
Astragalus with flowers
Asian Ginseng
- Chinese name: Ren Shen
- Western name: Asian Ginseng
- Botanical name: Panax ginseng CA Meyer
Ren Shen is a member of the plant family Araliaceae and is said to tonify Qi, as well as the lungs and spleen. It is a popular tonic in TCM due to properties from its sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm taste. Asian Ginseng is said to promote a calm mind and act as an immunity booster. Both white and red ginseng come from the same plant, but the processes in which they are preserved are different: white ginseng is usually peeled and dried to prevent decay, whereas red ginseng uses the whole root (including the skin), as well as a process of steaming and drying to prevent decay. In traditional Chinese medicine, its properties are warm, bitter and sweet. [We do not carry Panax ginseng at this time.]
Panax Ginseng
Ashwagandha
- Chinese name: Shui Qie
- Western name: Ashwagandha
- Botanical name: Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is found in both TCM, referred to as Shiu Qie, and in Indian Ayurveda, classified as a rasayana herb, but the closely related Asian Ginseng is more regularly used in TCM. Ashwagandha is highly regarded as a powerful adaptogenic herb, which supports stress relief and promotes the overall immune system function. It doesn’t hold any properties in traditional Chinese medicine. https://wildnweedy.com/product/ashwaganda-root-withania-somnifera/
Ashwagandha plant