The short version: this is an educational reference, not medical advice. The longer version is below.
Nothing on this site is medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The herb entries, name lookups, and any other tools here are provided for general educational and reference purposes only. They are not a substitute for consultation with a licensed physician, pharmacist, or qualified Chinese medicine practitioner.
Using this site does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and Chinese Medicine Help, its author, or any contributor. We cannot assess your individual health history, current medications, allergies, or circumstances — only a qualified professional working with you directly can do that.
Chinese medicine herb names, classifications, and traditional uses can vary between regions, schools of thought, and historical texts. We've tried to note this where it's especially relevant, but no reference list — including this one — should be treated as the single authoritative word on a herb's identity, safety, or appropriate use.
Several entries describe substances that are toxic, restricted, or associated with serious documented health risks (including certain minerals, animal products, and plants containing compounds like aristolochic acid). These are included for historical and educational completeness, not as a suggestion that they are safe to use, legal to obtain, or appropriate without professional supervision. Always confirm sourcing, safety, and legality with a licensed professional before using any herb or substance.
We aim for accuracy and try to check entries against published reference sources. Even so, errors are possible, and some entries are still being reviewed or expanded. If you notice something that looks incorrect or outdated, please let us know — corrections are genuinely welcome.
Some historical materia medica entries reference materials sourced from endangered species (such as pangolin, rhinoceros, tiger, or certain turtles) or substances that are now banned or tightly regulated in most countries. These are documented here for historical and reference purposes only. We do not encourage, endorse, or provide guidance on sourcing such materials, and modern practice has largely moved to plant-based or synthetic substitutes.
Where this site links to outside sources, those sites are not under our control, and we aren't responsible for their content or accuracy.
This disclaimer may be updated from time to time as the site grows. The version shown here is always the current one.
