{"id":4762,"date":"2022-09-09T10:10:13","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T18:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.activeherb.com\/blog\/?p=4762"},"modified":"2025-02-25T16:29:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T00:29:03","slug":"why-is-honey-used-in-traditional-chinese-herbal-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.activeherb.com\/blog\/why-is-honey-used-in-traditional-chinese-herbal-medicine.html","title":{"rendered":"Why Is Honey Used in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever tried to purchase a Chinese herb only to be disappointed that it\u2019s sold out, the same herb may actually be available, albeit processed in a different form. And this alternative to what you intended to purchase just might be better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case in point: astragalus root (Huang Qi<\/a>Huang Qi<\/a>). One of the most famous TCM herbs for immune support, it can fly off the shelves during the cold-weather months when the respiratory system needs the most attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s a plan-B if Huang Qi is sold out: Huang Qi (Mi<\/a>Huang Qi (Mi<\/a>). What\u2019s the difference? \u201cMi\u201d means that the root is roasted in honey. But unlike a glucose-spiking-snack coated in honey, when herbs like astragalus are processed in honey, good things can happen\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is Honey Used In TCM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Advances in Botanical Research<\/a>, honey has played an important role in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is one of the most common adjuvants in the processing of traditional Chinese medicines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjuvants enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of crude drugs and herbal ingredients. When adjuvants like honey are used, the profile of the active ingredient or ingredients can vary from the herb that\u2019s not roasted in honey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

…When herbs like astragalus are processed in honey, good things can happen… <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Of course, honey on its own has been used medicinally in Chinese medicine. (And it goes without saying, in many other traditional societies). But for the purposes of this TCM concepts blog post, we\u2019ll focus on why honey is specifically used, and we\u2019ll put the spotlight on a few herbs that are honey-roasted such as astragalus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properties of Honey In TCM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honey is used in TCM herbal processing to achieve 4 primary functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n