Herbs have been a cornerstone of healing, food, and ritual for thousands of years. From the mountains of China to the deserts of Peru, cultures across the world discovered plants that supported health, vitality, and balance. Today, herbal knowledge is more accessible than ever—but with hundreds of options, where should beginners start?
This guide highlights ten essential herbs that form the foundation of herbal practice. These plants are prized not only for their healing effects but also for their versatility in teas, tinctures, powders, and even culinary use.
1. Ginseng – The Root of Energy
Ginseng is one of the most famous tonic herbs in the world. Revered in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern herbalism, it is known for restoring energy, improving stamina, and supporting mental clarity.
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Benefits: boosts vitality, supports immune health, may enhance focus.
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Traditional use: considered a Qi tonic in TCM, balancing Yin and Yang.
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How to use: sliced root in tea, powdered in smoothies, or in tincture form.
2. Licorice Root – The Great Harmonizer
In herbal formulas, licorice is often called the “great harmonizer” because it balances and enhances the effects of other herbs.
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Benefits: soothes digestion, eases sore throats, reduces inflammation.
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Traditional use: used in both Eastern and Western medicine as a sweet, harmonizing herb.
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How to use: commonly found in teas and decoctions; sweet flavor makes it versatile.
3. Coptis – Cooling and Cleansing
Coptis root (Coptis chinensis), known as Huang Lian in TCM, is a bitter herb with powerful cooling properties.
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Benefits: supports digestive balance, clears internal heat, may help with microbial balance.
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Traditional use: used to “clear damp heat” in Chinese medicine, often paired with other herbs.
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How to use: taken in carefully measured decoctions due to its intensity.
4. Astragalus – The Protector
Astragalus root (Huang Qi) is a staple in Chinese wellness traditions. It is considered a premier immune tonic and energy booster.
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Benefits: strengthens immune defense, supports stamina, promotes healthy aging.
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Traditional use: tonifies Qi and is often included in soups for daily wellness.
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How to use: simmered in broths, decoctions, or extracted in tinctures.
5. Goji Berry – The Nourishing Fruit
Goji berries, or Gou Qi Zi, are both a food and a medicine in TCM. They are praised for nourishing the liver and kidneys while also being delicious.
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Benefits: antioxidant-rich, supports eye health, boosts energy.
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Traditional use: longevity food and tonic for vitality.
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How to use: eaten raw, steeped in tea, or added to soups and smoothies.
6. Schisandra – The Five-Flavor Fruit
Schisandra berries (Wu Wei Zi) are unique because they contain all five flavors recognized in Chinese herbalism: sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, and salty.
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Benefits: adaptogen for stress, supports liver function, promotes clarity and focus.
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Traditional use: harmonizes body systems and “calms the spirit.”
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How to use: brewed as tea, taken in tincture, or powdered.
7. Ginger – The Warming Root
Ginger has been used worldwide for thousands of years as both a food and medicine.
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Benefits: improves digestion, reduces nausea, boosts circulation, soothes inflammation.
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Traditional use: considered warming, often used to balance cold conditions.
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How to use: fresh slices in tea, dried powder in cooking, or infused into syrups.
8. Turmeric – The Golden Healer
Turmeric root is best known for its bright yellow color and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Benefits: supports joint health, digestion, liver detox, and overall vitality.
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Traditional use: revered in Ayurveda as a blood purifier and spiritual cleanser.
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How to use: powdered spice, capsules, or golden milk blends.
9. Lavender – The Calming Herb
Lavender is as much an aromatic herb as it is a medicinal one.
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Benefits: reduces stress, supports restful sleep, eases tension.
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Traditional use: used in aromatherapy and as a gentle remedy for nerves.
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How to use: dried flowers in tea, essential oil in aromatherapy, or infused honey.
10. Peppermint – The Cooling Refreshment
Peppermint is one of the most common herbs, but its benefits extend far beyond flavor.
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Benefits: soothes digestion, relieves headaches, opens sinuses.
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Traditional use: refreshing herb for cooling and easing discomfort.
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How to use: brewed as tea, used fresh in recipes, or inhaled as essential oil.
Final Thoughts
These ten herbs are just the beginning of the herbal journey. They represent the wide spectrum of plant medicine—tonics, adaptogens, culinary spices, and calming aromatics. By exploring them, you’ll gain a solid foundation for understanding the broader world of herbal wellness.
Whether you’re sipping a cup of ginger tea, adding turmeric to dinner, or exploring rare botanicals like schisandra, every herb has a story to tell and a role to play in supporting health.
Looking for high-quality dried herbs? Browse our collection at LAHerb.com to explore these plants and more.
