Herbs can be classified in many ways according to their sources and uses. Here are several common classification methods and the types of herbs they contain:
Classification by source:
Botanical medicine: Part or all of a plant is used as a medicinal material, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, etc. Common botanical medicines include wolfberry, angelica, astragalus, etc.
Animal medicine: Part or all of an animal is used as a medicinal material, such as snakes, insects, fish, beasts, birds, etc. Common animal medicines include deer antlers, bezoars, turtle shells, etc.
Mineral medicine: Minerals or minerals extracted from mineral deposits are used as raw materials, such as gypsum, sulfur, cinnabar, etc.
Insect medicine: Insects or their larvae are used as raw materials, such as silkworm pupae, beeswax, silkworm pupa, etc.
Classification by efficacy:
Tonic medicine: Herbs with tonic effects, such as ginseng, ganoderma, wolfberry, etc., are suitable for people with weak constitution and poor resistance.
Regulating drugs: Herbs that regulate human functions, such as bitter melon, lotus seeds, and Poria cocos, are suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases such as regulating blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs: Herbs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, such as Cassia seed and Scutellaria baicalensis, are suitable for the treatment of infectious diseases and inflammation.
Classification by chemical composition:
Proteins and amino acids: Such as the protein components in some botanicals.
Lipids: Such as the lipid components in some plant oils.
Lignans: Such as the lignan components of some plants.
Cardiac glycosides: Such as the cardiac glycoside components in some plants.
Saponins: Such as the saponin components of some plants.
Terpenoids: Such as the terpenoid components of some plants.
Bitters: Such as the bitter components of some plants.
Alkaloids: Such as the alkaloid components in some plants.
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