Western Herb Names for TCM Practitioners

Note the following list is representative only. In most cases where there are related species is given, the medicines may be used synonymously. However, in some cases a related medicine may have different functions. Even in the cases of some medicines such as Myrrh, different species and origins may have supplied the East and West. The list is primary given to help TCM practitioners with identification of western herb names.

Agrimony–Xian He Cao (related)
Aloe–Lu Hui
Aloeswood–Chen Xiang
Almond–Tao Ren
Alum–Bai Fan, Ming Fan
Amber–Ho Po
Armenian Earth–Chi Shi Zhi (similar)
Asarabacca–Xi Xin
Asarum–Xi Xin
Benzoin–An Xi Xiang
Bezoar–Niu Huang
Borax–Peng Sha
Borneol Camphor–Bing Pian
Burdock seed–Niu Bang Zi
Calamine–Lu Gan Shi
Calomel–Qing Fen
Camphor–Zhang Nao
Cannabis seed–Huo Ma Ren
Cantharide–Ban Mao
Cassia Wood–Gui Pi, Rou Gui
Chebulic Myrobalan–He Zi
Chicken Gizzard–Ji Nei Jin
China root–Tu Fu Ling
Cinnabar–Zhu Sha
Cinnamon–Gui Pi, Rou Gui (variety of)
Clove–Ding Xiang
Clubmoss–Shen Jin Cao
Coltsfoot–Kuan Dong Hua (flower)
Coral–Shan Hu
Cornsilk–Yi Mu Xu
Costus–Mu Xiang
Croton–Ba Dou
Cubeb–Bi Cheng Qie
Cuttlefish bone–Hai Piao Xiao
Cyperus–Xiang Fu
Dandelion–Pu Gong Ying
Deer horn–Lu Rong (velvet); Lu Jiao (horn)
Dittany root–Bai Xian Pi
Dodder–Tu Si Zi (herb used in west)
Earthworm–Di Long
Fennel seed–Xiao Hui Xiang
Fenugreek–Hu Lu Ba
Figwort–Xuan Shen
Frankincense–Ru Xiang
Galangal–Gao Liang Jiang
Gall–Wu Bei Zi (similar)
Garlic–Da Suan
Gentian–Long Dan Cao (related)
Ginger–Gan Jiang
Glaubers Salt–Mang Xio
Grain of Paradise–Sha Ren (related)
Gypsum–Shi Gao
Hawthorn fruit–Shan Zha
Hematite–Dai Zhe Shi
Kelp–Kun Bu
Knotgrass–Bian Xu
Leech–Shui Zhi
Licorice–Gan Cao
Litharge–Mi Tuo Seng
Long Pepper–Bi Ba
Mallow–Dong Kui Zi
Madder–Qian Cao
Magnetite–Ci Shi
Minium–Qian Dan
Mint (Wild)–Bo He
Mistletoe–Ji Sheng
Mother of Pearl–Zhen Zhu Mu
Motherwort–Yi Mu Cao
Mugwort–Ai Ye (related)
Mulberry bark–Sang Bai Pi
Mulberry fruit–Sang Shen
Mulberry leaf–Sang Ye
Musk–She Xiang
Mustard seed–Bai Jie Zi
Myrrh–Mo Yao
Nightshade, Black–Long Kui
Nutmeg–Rou Dou Kou
Nux Vomica–Ma Qian Zi
Orange peel–Ju Pi (similar to Chen Pi)
Peach kernel–Tao Ren
Pearl–Zhen Zhu
Peony–Bai Shao (closely related)
Placenta–Tai Pan, Zi He Che
Plantain herb–Che Qian Cao
Plantain seed–Che Qian Zi
Pomegranate peel–Shi Liu Pi
Poppy husk–Ying Su Ke
Radish seed–Lai Fu Zi
Realgar–Xiong Huang
Red Coral–Shan Hu
Red Earth–Chi Shi Zhi
Rose–Mei Gua (Yue Ji Hua)
Rosehip–Jin Ying Zi
Rhubarb–Da Huang
Safflower–Hong Hua
Saffron–Xi Hong Hua, Zang Hong Hua
Sandalwood–Tan Xiang
Scorpion–Quan Xie
Self Heal–Xia Ku Cao
Senna–Fan Xie Ye
Sesame seed–Hei Zhi Ma
Solomans Seal–Yu Zhu
Storax–Su He Xiang
Sulphur–Liu Huang
Tabasheer–Tian Zhu Huang
Turmeric–Huang Jiang
Water Plantain–Ze Xie