Herbal medicine offers powerful, natural remedies for a variety of ailments. You don’t have to look far to find some of these incredible herbs—they’re right here in our backyards, grocery stores, and even kitchens! Here’s a look at five commonly available herbs, their benefits, and how they’re used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

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1. Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang)

Ginger root is a staple in many kitchens and one of the most versatile herbs in TCM. It’s acrid and slightly warm, making it excellent for:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Cough and common colds
• Digestive issues like upset stomach and diarrhea

To use:
Peel a thumb-sized piece of ginger and boil it in water for 5–10 minutes. Add raw honey for extra cold-fighting power or a squeeze of lemon juice to calm an upset stomach. This simple tea is a household favorite during cold and flu season.

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2. Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)

Cinnamon twig is slightly different from ground cinnamon bark and carries a warm, releasing quality. It’s commonly used for:

• Common cold symptoms like cough, sneezing, and headache
• Poor circulation

To use:
Brew 3–4 cinnamon twigs in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Combine with ginger root for a stronger tea to warm the body and support recovery from colds.

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3. Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua)

This delicate, heat-clearing flower is ideal for:

• Sore throats
• Swollen gums or mouth sores
• Fever from wind-heat invasions (think colds with more heat symptoms)

To use:
Brew 6–20 grams of honeysuckle flowers in boiling water to make a tea. Add honey and ginger to soothe a sore throat or mix in mint for stronger heat-clearing properties.

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4. Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)

Kudzu root, harvested from the invasive kudzu plant, has significant medicinal value in TCM for:

• Relieving stiff neck and joint pain
• Helping with rashes and diarrhea

To use:
Cut a thumb-sized piece of kudzu root and brew it into tea with fresh ginger for an effective remedy for colds, stiff neck, or digestive upset.

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5. Dried or Fried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)

Tangerine peel is more than a flavor enhancer—it’s a trusted remedy in TCM for:

• Stomach bloating and digestive discomfort
• Loose stools and sluggish digestion

To use:
Dry the peel in the sun or lightly fry it until yellow, then brew it with ginger root for a tea that supports digestion. One tangerine’s worth of peel is enough for a cup of tea and can be reused a couple of times before discarding.

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Why Choose Herbal Medicine?

Herbal remedies like these have been used for centuries in TCM to treat a wide range of conditions. From supporting digestion to managing cold symptoms, herbs work holistically with your body to restore balance.

That said, herbal medicine is most effective when tailored to the individual. At Kingsport Acupuncture, we use our expertise in Chinese herbal medicine to create customized herbal formulas to meet each patient’s unique needs.

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Ready to Explore Herbal Medicine?

If you’re curious about how herbs can support your health, we’re here to help! Our trained herbalist, Dr. Brian Duncan, has over a decade of experience helping patients heal naturally with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

📞 Call us at 423-393-7797 or schedule an appointment online to learn how TCM can be part of your health journey!