Tangerine peel

陳皮

Citrus Reticulate Blanco

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

Modern Use A flavonoid in the herb, which is called hesperidin, possesses antiallergic, antioxidative and antistomatitic properties. It has been used to treat mastitis, bronchitis and burns with good results.

Traditional Use Chenpi, made from the rind of tangerine fruits, can regulate the flow of chi, invigorate the functions of the spleen, eliminate damp and help to relieve phlegm and coughs. Bitter and warm in nature, it affects the lung and spleen channels. Its use is indicated where the patient suffers from distention and fullness in the chest and upper abdomen with anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, and a cough with copious phlegm. Because it aids digestion and absorption, it can be used in multiherb remedies where the other ingredients may overburden the digestive system.

Origin and Sources The pericarp of Citrus reticulatta Blanco, family Rutaceae

Taoren or peach kernel

桃仁

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

Modern Use More recently peach kernels have been used in skin care to moisturise and rehydrate skin. Peach kernel oil is light and nourishing, containing a blend of useful vitamins including A and E. It easily penetrates the epidermis without leaving a greasy feeling. Medicinally, peach kernels contain phytochemicals that show haematological, anti-inflammatory and laxative effects.

Traditional Use Semen Persicae, a Chinese remedy derived from the kernels of ripe peaches, has been traditionally used to resolve problems associated with blood stasis including menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, flank pain and intestinal abscesses. It also moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels, making it useful for constipation due to dry intestines. Bitter and neutral in character, it affects the heart, large intestine, liver and lung meridians.

Origin and Sources The seed of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch or P davidiana (Carr.) Franch.

Tea Tree oil

茶樹油

Melaleuca alternifolia

History of Use Tea Tree oil was originally used by indigenous eastern Australians, who inhaled the vapour from crushed Melaleuca leaves to treat coughs and colds, as well applying them topically to wounds. The oil was not extracted for commercial use until the 1920s.

Modern Use It is strongly germicidal and therefore frequently used in dentistry, deodorants, soaps, mouthwashes etc.

Traditional Use Tea Tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a species native to the northeast coast of New South Wales in Australia. It is considered one of the most important natural antiseptics, and can be used to treat stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kinds. Tea Tree oil is strongly antiseptic, diaphoretic and expectorant. It can stimulate the immune system, reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation and is effective against a broad range of bacterial and fungal infections. It is used externally in the treatment of thrush, acne, athlete's foot, verrucae, warts, insect bites, cold sores and nits.

Origin and Sources Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia.

Thyme oil

百里香油

History of Use Thyme oil has a long history of use and was valued for its medicinal properties by the Greeks, Egyptians and Romans. Its name comes from the Greek word "thymos", meaning perfume, since thyme oil was used as incense in temples. It was also one of the substances used by Egyptians in the embalming process.

Traditional Use An amber coloured liquid with a strong herbal smell, the volatile oil of Thymus has long been used to treat respiratory problems including coughs and chest congestion. It also exerts a calming influence on smooth muscle and has been found to contain flavonoids that give the herb antioxidant properties.

Origin and Sources Extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops and leaves of the plant Thymus Vulgaris.

Tianma

天麻

Gastrodia elatae

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

Modern Use Tianma has clinically proven sedative, anti-convulsant and cardiovascular properties. It has been used with good results to treat patients with headaches and nerve pain.

Traditional Use Tianma is made from Gastrodia elatae, an unusual type of orchid that grows on a fungus. It is a sweet tasting, neutral herb that enters the liver meridian. It is used to expel wind, to stop spasms and tremors, pacify the liver, anchor the yang and relieve pain. It can be used to treat symptoms of rising liver yang such as headache, vertigo, dizziness and hypertension.

Origin and Sources The tuber of Gastrodia elata Bl. (Orchidaceae) symbiosis with Armillaria mellea (Vahl ex. Fr.) Quel. (Fungi).

Tree Peony

牡丹皮

Paeonia Suffruticosa

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, classified as middle class.

Traditional Use Mudanpi has cooling, bitter properties that enter the heart, liver and kidney meridians. It is used to cool blood heat, invigorate circulation and disperse blood stasis. Its indications include menopausal symptoms; red blotchy skin; menstrual disorders; night fevers; irritability; amenorrhea and bruises caused by trauma.

Origin and Sources Cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., family Rranunculaceae.

Tusizi

菟絲子

Cuscuta chinensis Lam

History of Use First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, classified as upper class.

Traditional Use Tusizi is a sweet herb that is neutral in nature, entering the kidney and liver meridians. It is used to tonify kidney yin and yang, consolidate kidney essence (jing) and reserve urine and stop diarrhea. It can also nourish the liver, the organ responsible for eye health, and thus improves blurred vision and dry eyes. Since tusizi improves kidney health, it can be taken to improve conditions stemming from poorly nourished kidneys, such as weak or greying hair and premature ageing.

Origin and Sources The seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam., family conyolvulaceae.