When people think of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the first image that often comes to mind is a bowl of dark brown, bitter herbal soup. This Soup is made by simmering a mixture of medicinal herbs for 30–40 minutes.
In China, TCM is officially recognized as medicine, just like Western pharmaceuticals. Patients typically visit a doctor, receive a prescription, and then obtain the herbs from a pharmacy. As with Western medicine, different conditions require different dosages and frequencies, and prescriptions are often adjusted throughout the course of treatment.
There’s no single answer to how many medicinal materials exist in TCM—it depends on the criteria used. Some records list a few thousand, while others go up to tens of thousands. For instance, The Chinese Materia Medica includes about 8,980 varieties, though in practice, around 1,000–1,200 are commonly used in decoctions and prepared formulas.
So where did this bowl of “herbal soup” come from? Behind it lies thousands of years of natural wisdom and lived human experience.
1. The Origins of Chinese Medicine
In ancient times, people had no microscopes or laboratories. The earliest “doctors” were those who lived in close connection with nature. Through centuries of trial and observation—literally “tasting hundreds of herbs”—they discovered that some plants could heal, some could detoxify, and others could uplift the spirit.
For example:
- Ginger helps drive away cold.
- Mint cools and clears heat.
- Angelica (Dang Gui) nourishes the blood.
- Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) supports digestion and relieves bloating.
TCM is both medicine and the crystallization of empirical wisdom—refined, recorded, and passed down through countless generations, eventually forming the systematic discipline we know today.
2. How Is Chinese Medicine Made?
Most Chinese medicines come from plants (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, or seeds), though some are derived from minerals or animals.
Traditional preparation methods are meticulous:
- Harvesting: Gathered when the herb’s potency is at its peak—such as when flowers bloom, fruits ripen, or roots are full.
- Drying: Sun-dried or air-dried to preserve active compounds.
- Processing: Sliced, roasted, or treated in various ways—like stir-frying with ginger, wine, or honey—to enhance or moderate their effects.
- Decoction: The classic method. Herbs are simmered in a ceramic pot; long-cooking herbs go first, followed by more delicate ones later. The resulting liquid is strained to produce the herbal soup.
Modern technology has made TCM much more accessible. Today, you can find it in the form of granules, capsules, oral liquids, and pastes—easier to carry and much more palatable. Our ViaBen Natural Bowel Support is inspired by this modern approach, transforming traditional Chinese herbal wisdom into a convenient, effective daily supplement for gut health.
3. What Kind of “Herbs” Are These?
You may be surprised to find that many Chinese medicinal herbs are quite familiar—they’re often right in your kitchen, garden, or local park:
- Chrysanthemum: Great for tea, clears heat, and soothes the eyes.
- Hawthorn: Aids digestion, especially after oily meals.
- Poria Mushroom (Fu Ling): A fungus that grows on pine roots, supports digestion, and reduces dampness.
- Licorice Root: Balances other herbs—so respected it’s called “the minister of herbs.”
- Mint, Osmanthus, Goji Berries, Tangerine Peel—all are part of the TCM world.
TCM follows the philosophy of the unity of humans and nature, seeing no absolute boundary between food and medicine. Many medicinal herbs are, at heart, edible plants—the difference lies in dosage and combination.
4. What Is TCM Especially Good At Treating?
In TCM philosophy, illness isn’t just about a single organ “breaking down.” It’s about imbalance—between qi and blood, yin and yang, or among the body’s internal systems. Thus, TCM focuses on restoring balance, helping the body heal itself.
It’s particularly effective for:
- Digestive issues: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
- Sleep and mood support: insomnia, anxiety, menopausal symptoms.
- Women’s health: menstrual irregularities, cramps, hormonal balance.
- Immune support and chronic fatigue: strengthening the body’s core energy.
- Skin health: eczema, acne, and sensitivities.
- Early-stage colds: promoting gentle sweating and recovery before illness worsens.
5. The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine
The essence of TCM is more than medicine—it’s a philosophy: “Humans and nature are one.” It teaches that preventing illness is even more important than treating it.
True health isn’t about fighting disease, but about helping the body find its way back to balance. And that seemingly bitter bowl of herbal soup? It’s nature’s gentle gift to humanity.