Astragalus — Huang Qi A premier Qi tonic; supports immune function and Spleen/Lung Qi. "Astragalus is a foundational Qi tonic traditionally used to support energy, stamina and immune resilience.” [Front. Pharmacol.15 May 2025].
Gynostemma — Jiaogulan Known as the "immortality herb" in adaptogens, revered for centuries for stamina and vitality by sages. "Gynostemma, traditionally called the 'immortality herb,' is used to support stamina and everyday vitality." [Chin Med. 2016 Sep 27].
Chinese Ginseng — Panax ginseng Classic Qi tonic; "Chinese Ginseng is traditionally used to support stamina, mental clarity, focus, and sustained energy." A clinical systemic review of 13 medical databases gathered evidence from a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginseng for managing menopausal women’s health revealing positive effects on menopausal and postmenopausal discomforts, symptoms, health and well-being. [NIH Meta Analysis. Medicine 2016 Sep 5].
Eleuthero — Ci Wu Jia (Siberian Ginseng) An Adaptogen; boosts resilience to combat stress, physical and mental fatigue. "Eleuthero is a time-tested adaptogen traditionally used to support the body's resilience to coping with daily fatigue." [Front Pharmacol. 2025 Oct 29].
Codonopsis — Dang Shen Gentler Qi tonic; supports Pancreas and Lung Qi; mild adaptogen. "Codonopsis is traditionally used as a gentle Qi tonic to support steady, sustainable energy." Clinical research reveals it is used to strengthen the digestive tract, increase Qi, nourish Blood, reduce fatigue, diminished appetite, breathlessness, and its polysaccharides are studied as natural immunomodulators. [Front Pharmacol. 2024 May 13].
Tibetan Rhodiola — Rhodiola crenulate High-altitude adaptogen; supports mental clarity and endurance under stress. "Tibetan Rhodiola is traditionally used to support mental clarity and endurance during periods of stress." [Br J Nutr. 2023 Aug 29]. Clinical Trials for prolonged Chronic Fatigue of 100 individuals revealed that 400mg per day (2 x200mg) shown improvement within one week of the trial study. [Complement Med Res (2017) 24].
Chinese Yam — Shan Yao Strengthens Pancreas Adrenals and Lung Qi; supports digestion. "Chinese Yam is traditionally used to support digestive strength and overall Qi vitality." Rich in mucilage and allantoin, acts as a demulcent and an emollient - soothing and nourishing tissues. Bolsters the body’s defensive mechanisms as it contains vitamins B, C, and E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. The Chinese yam holds a significant place among various Asian communities as a superfood, revered not only for its medicinal properties but also for its cultural symbolism. The Daoists, who pursue harmony with nature, consider Chinese yam essential for balancing yin and yang in the body, supporting longevity. In the historical text, "The Classic of Herbal Medicine" by Shennong, a legendary founder in Chinese medicine, cited Chinese yam as a top-grade medicinal herb that promotes vitality and prevents fatigue.
White Atractylodes — Bai Zhu Strengthens Pancreatic Qi; supports digestion; reduces fatigue, heaviness and dampness. "White Atractylodes is traditionally used to support digestive strength and ease occasional sluggishness." Documented in multiple network-pharmacology and formula studies as a core Pancreatic-Qi-supporting herb; research on its polysaccharide component shows it supports healthy gut flora balance promoting beneficial Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria populations. [USPTO patent filing citing pharmacological research].
Polygonatum Sibericum — Huang Jing Nourishes Qi and Yin; supports Pancreas, Lung, and Adrenals; sustained vitality. "Huang Jing is traditionally used to nourish Qi and Yin together, supporting sustained, well-rounded vitality and longevity." [Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2018 Feb].
Chinese Licorice — Gan Cao Harmonizes the herbal formulation; supports Pancreatic Qi; moderates other herbs. "Chinese Licorice Root harmonizes the formula and supports overall balance." NIH, PubMed, 2023, Mar 2]. Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is highly valued for its natural healing and modern research shows anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties due to the glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids compounds responsible for its medicinal effects to detoxify pathogens, clear heat, tonify the pancreas, replenish Qi and harmonize the other herbs in a formula. [Int J Reprod Biomed. 2026 Mar 30].
Tangerine Rind — Chen Pi Regulates Qi movement; supports digestion; eases bloating. "Tangerine Rind is traditionally used to keep Qi moving smoothly and support healthy digestion." In TCM, Chen Pi is highly valued for digestive health; regulate the smooth flow of digestive Qi in the stomach and pancreas, eliminate abdominal cold-damp pathogens, alleviate bloating, indigestion, and food stagnation. Nutritional clinical research indicates the peels contain hesperidin which stimulate beneficial gut bacteria and promote healthy cholesterol levels; contains nobiletin an anti-inflammatory property that reduces oxidative stress; and pectin that help reduce the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels. It is often shared, among sages, “An ounce of Chen Pi is worth an ounce of gold!” [Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025 Mar 28].
