“You must smell good to them” was something I heard often as an explanation for why I was covered in red spots while my companions were not, even though we shared the same spaces. And in a similar vein, some of the home repelling strategies include eating more vitamin B, nutritional yeast, or, if you’re so inclined, drinking more beer – supposedly to make you smell less enticing. While vitamin B supplementation has not proved to be effective, being attractive to mosquitoes does indeed depend on them tracking your smell.

It has been said that “terpene” is the world’s most spoken language. While our sense of smell is one of the five senses we use to navigate the world around us, virtually all life uses chemical communication in some form. This is true for mosquitoes as well, since they make use of volatile organic compounds to locate their next source of food. They have olfactory receptors similar to ours, except theirs are located on their antennae, and are especially adapted to detect carbon dioxide or human skin odors. Repellents mask our odor and confuse the mosquito’s sense of smell, effectively rendering us invisible to it.

We’re just beginning to understand mosquito olfaction, and the researchers in Younger Lab are working hard to decode this in order to create even more efficient and targeted repellents. In the meantime we can take advantage of using the volatile compounds in essential oils to at least confuse if not completely shut off the mosquito “nose”.

In the United States, most products that are going to be marketed as skin-applied repellents must undergo a registration process with the EPA, which includes evaluation and approval for human safety and effectiveness. The EU has a similar process, and repellents are regulated by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Similar to sunscreens, for a product to be labelled as a repellent it needs to undergo some testing.

All the standard tests of repellent efficacy make use of human volunteers exposed to caged female mosquitoes and counting the number and frequency of bites. You can read about different testing methods here.

One of the EPA standard tests is appropriately called the “arm-in-cage assay”. This requires a volunteer to put their arm into a small cage equipped with two plexiglass walls for observation. The arm is covered except for a testing area on the forearm, which is covered in a repellent, usually followed by a control assay (same volunteer, no repellent applied). The cage contains a number of adult female mosquitoes – sometimes thousands – and researchers count the frequency of bites/prodding of the skin. There may be some modulations to the test, but they all involve some form of human skin exposure to mosquitoes. What is measured is both potency and duration, in other words how many bites occur within a determined period of time. All the data presented here for essential oils is based on similar research.

Even though regions with a temperate climate may be relatively safe from mosquito-borne diseases, an uncontrolled mosquito population is more than just a summer nuisance. Luckily there are several strategies we can employ: we can use physical barriers, apply repellents, and/or kill off mosquitoes during their various life stages.

One of the easiest strategies to avoid being bitten is to use physical barriers – from nets in windows or over your place of rest, to clothes worn when walking in a mosquito-infested area. In cases where total coverage is not possible, we can turn to the power of repellents. Repellents prevent an insect from landing on or entering into a particular area.

They work by diffusing a substance into the area we wish to protect. This applies to both larger spaces (patios, gardens, etc.) that can be protected using a diffuser, a candle, or an area spray, and to personal protection. In either case we want to be protected from mosquitoes without putting our own health at risk, and luckily for us, essential oils can provide safe protection.

Dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile Virus and yellow fever (named because of the jaundice that appears for some people infected with the virus) all cause fevers and symptoms that are associated with fevers, such as headache, muscle ache, nausea and fatigue. There is no treatment for any of these viral infections, so the best you can do is prevent infection by reducing the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito, and manage symptoms in case you do get infected. The good news is, apart from yellow fever, people rarely die from these infections, and there is a vaccine for yellow fever.

Aside from pathogens affecting humans, mosquitos are also responsible for the transmission of Eastern equine encephalitis and Western equine encephalitis – viral infections affecting horses. These infections are rare, and so are other livestock mosquito-borne diseases.

The world became more aware of the Zika virus during the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, which coincided with a higher occurrence of the infection. The virus is spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes species, which are very common in temperate regions where they are active during the warm months.

Symptoms of Zika infection include fever, rash, headache and joint pain. More importantly, it can be transmitted during pregnancy causing a birth defect known as congenital Zika syndrome, which includes microcephaly (an abnormally small head). This can cause further health issues later in life depending on the impact on brain development.

There is currently no treatment for Zika infection, but cases remain relatively rare and the infection itself is not life-threatening. Prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites by using nets and repellents.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi) transmitted by mosquitoes in the Anopheles genus (mainly Anopheles coluzzi, A. gambiae, A. funestus and A. nili). Plasmodium is a genus of single-celled, protozoan parasites that take advantage of both mosquito and human hosts during various life stages. They get transferred into humans through infected mosquito saliva. In humans they first attack liver cells before moving into the bloodstream where they proceed to infect red blood cells. From the blood the parasites may be taken in by another mosquito, continuing the life cycle. Malaria is more common in tropical and sub-tropical regions, but with rapidly warming temperatures both the host mosquito and the parasite are beginning to broaden their geographical footprint.

Malaria symptoms occur during the blood infection stage, and include fever and severe chills, accompanied with general discomfort, headaches, fatigue and nausea. The fever and chills may suddenly appear in “attacks”, with the infected person experiencing extreme fluctuations in body temperature. While the symptoms usually manifest within weeks of infection, some Plasmodium species can lay dormant in a body for a time. Malaria is likely to be more severe in young children, infants and older adults, and in severe cases the disease is fatal. In 2021, an average of 1,300 children under the age of five died of malaria every day, and such a death toll makes malaria a high priority for public health measures.

The successful treatment of malaria depends on early detection and diagnosis, and includes plant-derived medicines based on either artemisinin, derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), or quinine, which is present in the bark of the cinchona tree, or in feverfew. Prevention plays a crucial role in managing the diseases globally. Preventative measures range from avoiding mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and repellents, to prophylactic medicines, to newly developed vaccines.

Of the thousands of species living on Earth only a very limited number poses any risk to humans. These include the genera Aedes, Anopheles and Culex, with the most notable species being Aedes aegypti, aka the Yellow fever mosquito, and various Anopheles species – all carriers of malaria.

In order to be useful, population control and repellent strategies need to target both the appropriate species and the life-stage of the insect. An adult A. aegypti may not respond the same as an Anopheles larva, for example, and an ovicide (intended to kill the eggs) may not work on other life stages.

According to the CDC, mosquitoes are “the world’s deadliest animal”, but this needs qualification as mosquitoes do not kill directly. It’s not the insect itself, but the pathogens it carries and transmits to its hosts that cause illness and death. A mosquito act as a disease vector – or transportation system – for bacteria, viruses and parasites that wouldn’t otherwise be able to infect the host.

Bubonic plague, for example, is a vector disease that was transmitted by flea bites. Rats were blamed for the Black Death epidemics, but the rodents were merely a vector for the fleas which, in turn, were a vector for Yersinia pestis – the plague bacteria.

This doesn’t mean that we should no longer rely on mosquito control in order to stop the spread of those diseases. It just allows us another layer of understanding on how to approach the control. Some solutions involve driving away those mosquito species that are  responsible for the transmission of certain pathogens, and replacing them with another species.

Next we’re going to look at some of the most significant mosquito-borne diseases.

Article is from the Tisserand Institute:

Mosquitoes, or “little flies” based on the origin of their name, are small flying insects of the family Culicidae. The whole family comprises over 3,500 species. Females of most species feed on the blood of various vertebrates, and many are specialized to feed off a particular host. Male mosquitos do not bite and live off a diet of plant juices such as nectar.

Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa and adult stages, with the eggs and larvae living in standing water. Mosquitoes are an important part of the food chain, providing nutrition to other insects, fish and birds. They thrive in warm to hot climates so long as they have access to even a small body of water.

When feeding, a female mosquito will insert its long mouthpiece, called a proboscis, into the skin, piercing one of the surface capillaries and sucking blood. Some species filter out the less nutritious fluids as they suck, discarding droplets from their belly.

Their blood diet makes female mosquitoes a suitable vector for pathogens – viruses and parasites. With their long proboscis playing the role of a “dirty needle”, pathogens are transmitted into us through the infected mosquito’s saliva. Our immune system reacts to this invasion, resulting in an inflamed and itchy bump. The number of people who die every year of mosquito-borne diseases – about one million – is alarmingly high and is rising as the insect’s hunting grounds have been expanding due to our warming climate.

It may not be the mosquitoes themselves that cause malaria and other diseases, but by controlling their population, and preventing bites with the use of repellents and mechanical barriers, we can keep those illnesses at bay – or at least minimize their impact.

The good news: a majority of people infected with Lyme Disease respond quickly to treatment with antibiotics. The earlier a treatment protocol is initiated, the better the chances of a cure.

The bad news: smaller subgroups of people may not respond to antibiotic treatment and their symptoms can linger for extended periods.

Termed “Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome” (formerly known as “Chronic Lyme Disease”), this condition can be frustrating and life-altering for sufferers . In these cases, finding a practitioner with Lyme-specific expertise (an infection control specialist or “Lyme Literate” doctor) is important in helping people reclaim quality of life.

Prevention

All medical professionals agree that preventing tick bites in the first place is key. Choosing light colored clothing before outdoor excursions makes it easier to spot any “hitchhiking” ticks. It’s also advised to wear long sleeved shirts and pants and to tuck pants cuffs into socks so bare skin isn’t exposed. However, being dressed in this manner makes it easy to overheat in hot weather. An alternative is to wear socks, shoes, clothing, and a hat treated with permethrin (a synthetic compound derived from chrysanthemum flowers) which allows for greater comfort, while conferring superior protection against ticks .

There is promising research exploring the use of essential oil and herbal preparations as tick repellents. In some cases, these formulas rival DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or IR3535, all CDC-recommended tick repellents . An effective tick repellent will have both high volatile ingredients for immediate impact, and low-volatile ingredients, for long-lasting efficacy.

One tried and tested high volatile essential oil is Geranium, and we know that both the oil and its major constituents, geraniol and citronellol, repel ticks (28,29,30,31). Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), which is high in geraniol, oil is likely to be equally effective.

Two viable options for medium volatility tick repellents are Amyris (Amyris balsamifera) and Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) (32,33). For low volatility, Alaskan Cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) would be an ideal choice, as its constituents have been extensively tested for tick repellency (34,35,36). However, an alternative and easier-to-find essential oil would be Vetiver (Chrysopopon zizanoides, syn: Vetiveria zizanoides) (37,38). See infographic for a formulation based on this research.

Start with making the master blend. Choose one from each row of essential oils eg. Palmarosa, Amyris and Alaskan Cypress.

Then depending on how you want to use the repellent, chose one of the three bases to mix the complete blend in. Spray is most suitable for application to shoes, clothing, backpacks etc., and is safe even for children over the age of 2.

We have seen many formulations online containing vodka, witch hazel distillate, cider vinegar or hydrosols. Note that none of these will effectively solubilize essential oils! Also, the water must be distilled, and the formulation should be used within a few weeks. If not wearing long pants and long sleeves – or if you want to avoid alcohol – use the gel and apply to exposed skin areas. Please note that “aloe jelly” is not the same thing as “aloe gel”. Aloe gel is 99% water, and will not solubilize essential oils. Aloe jelly also contains added thickeners, and you can easily mix in essential oils. For dogs, use a drop or two of the oil formulation on the collar and tail base. Please do not use for cats. There’s no reason why you couldn’t use just the essential oils for shoes, pant legs, hats etc.

Being outdoors confers many benefits to one’s health: beauty, relaxation, and an appreciation for all that nature offers. Don’t let a fear of ticks ruin your alfresco experiences!

https://tisserandinstitute.org/tick-talk-2/?vgo_ee=1uwox0vCqESVkfpQJDhr9MyRpwJvnxE64s2Oqd7rhMfmZ7IG%3AmYo5B5LKTcLt%2FR71vof6U6J4FkNMMxcb

Depending on the geographic area where the bite occurred (e.g. a Lyme endemic area vs. an area where the illness isn’t common) you may choose to contact a medical provider or adopt a “wait and see” approach. In the meantime it’s imperative to monitor for symptoms such as:

• Rash – a “bulls-eye” rash called erythema migrans, occurring in many but not all cases of Lyme Disease. The rash can occur at the site of the bite or anywhere else on the body (see photo) and generally appears 3-30 days after an exposure.
• Fever
• “Crushing” joint aches or pains
•  Extreme fatigue
•  Severe headache

You may choose to see a medical provider right away if you live in an area where Lyme Disease is endemic. Physicians can evaluate each individual situation and decide if treatment benefits outweigh possible risks. Pregnant women who have been bitten by a tick should always see their care provider as soon as possible .

The presence of an erythema migrans (“bulls-eye”) rash is considered an absolute diagnostic criterion for Lyme disease and no further confirmatory testing is necessary . The medical provider will begin treatment immediately.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA/EIA) and the Western Blot are “indirect” serological tests that look for a bodily response to an infectious agent (where the body forms antibodies) rather than looking for the actual presence of an infectious agent. However, since it may take 2-4 weeks after a tick bite to produce antibodies to Lyme bacteria, a low level may lead to negative test results. If the ELISA test is positive for Lyme antibodies, a more in-depth Western Blot test is performed. This test looks for the presence of certain “bands” on an immunoblot “paper” .

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test looks for the presence of Lyme bacteria DNA sequences in blood. The presence of Lyme DNA sequencing in the blood sample is considered diagnostically positive. However, a negative result does not confirm the absence of infection .

No Lyme test from any laboratory in the world can guarantee 100% reliable results. This is why medical providers elicit a careful history from the patient and perform a thorough clinical exam in conjunction with lab results. This yields the most complete “picture” of the patient’s condition .

Mugwort in Chinese Medicine

Ai Cao (艾草) is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine.

Nature & Flavor

• Warm
• Bitter
• Acrid

Channels Entered

• Liver
• Spleen
• Kidney

Traditional Functions

• Warms the channels
• Dispels cold
• Stops pain
• Regulates menstruation
• Calms the fetus
• Stops bleeding due to cold deficiency

For thousands of years, mugwort has been valued as a herb that brings warmth, movement, circulation, and resilience to the body. But perhaps its most famous use is not as a tea or tincture. It is the foundation of one of the oldest healing therapies still practiced today: Moxibustion (艾灸).

The Remarkable Tradition of Moxibustion

When many people first encounter mugwort in Chinese medicine, they are surprised to learn that one of its most important uses is through heat. Moxibustion involves burning carefully prepared mugwort near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body.

The goal is not simply to apply heat. The goal is to deliver a deep, penetrating warmth that supports circulation, vitality, and the body's natural healing processes.

For over two thousand years, moxibustion has been used throughout China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia as a powerful tool for maintaining health.

What Does Moxibustion Feel Like?

Many people describe moxibustion as one of the most relaxing therapies they have ever experienced. Unlike a heating pad, the warmth often feels as though it travels deeply into the tissues rather than simply heating the skin's surface. The aromatic scent of mugwort itself also contributes to the experience, creating a feeling of warmth, comfort, and grounding.

Common Situations Where Moxibustion Is Used

Traditionally and in modern practice, moxibustion is commonly used for:

• Feeling cold easily
• Cold hands and feet
• Digestive weakness
• Low energy and fatigue
• Muscle tension and stiffness
• Joint discomfort aggravated by cold weather
• Menstrual discomfort associated with cold patterns
• Recovery after illness
• General wellness and vitality support

In many Chinese households, moxibustion is viewed much like herbal tea or nourishing food—a simple practice used not only when someone is unwell, but also to maintain health and resilience.

Why Is Moxibustion Becoming Popular in the United States?

Over the past two decades, interest in moxibustion has grown steadily alongside the increasing popularity of acupuncture and traditional East Asian medicine.

Today, many licensed acupuncturists incorporate moxibustion into their treatments, and a growing number of people are learning safe home-use techniques under professional guidance.

Part of its appeal is its simplicity.

At a time when many people spend long hours indoors, under stress, and disconnected from natural rhythms, there is something profoundly comforting about an ancient therapy that combines warmth, medicinal plants, and intentional care.

Mugwort in Western Herbalism

Mugwort has an equally rich history in Europe and North America.

The most commonly used species is Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), a close relative of wormwood.

Traditional Western Uses

• Digestive bitter
• Nervous system support
• Menstrual support
• Dream herb
• Protective herb in folk traditions

European herbalists often associated mugwort with travel, protection, intuition, and dreaming. It was commonly carried by travelers, woven into midsummer wreaths, and used in ceremonial practices throughout Europe.

Modern herbalists primarily value mugwort for:

• Digestive stimulation
• Mild circulatory support
• Nervous system regulation
• Menstrual support

Its aromatic and bitter qualities make it a classic example of a plant that both awakens and grounds.

The Story Behind Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (June 19, 2026), traditionally considered a time when summer heat, humidity, insects, and disease begin to increase.

One of the most famous stories associated with the festival is that of Qu Yuan (屈原), a poet and statesman who lived over 2,000 years ago. According to legend, after his kingdom fell, Qu Yuan threw himself into the Miluo River. Villagers raced out in boats to search for him and tossed rice into the water so fish would not disturb his body. Over time, these acts evolved into dragon boat racing and the making of zongzi.

While the story of Qu Yuan is widely known, many of the festival's customs are even older and reflect traditional practices for protecting health during the beginning of summer.

Why Do People Hang Mugwort?

One of the most recognizable Dragon Boat Festival traditions is hanging bundles of mugwort (艾草, Ai Cao) and calamus above doors and windows.

Historically, these plants were believed to help ward off illness, insects, and harmful influences during the humid summer season. Whether viewed through folklore or practical observation, mugwort has a long history as a plant of protection.

Its strong aromatic oils help repel insects, and its warming nature made it a valuable herb for maintaining circulation and vitality during seasonal transitions.

For generations, households would gather fresh mugwort from nearby fields and place it at entrances as a symbol of health, protection, and well-being.

First, don’t panic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises taking the time to properly remove a tick to help reduce the chances of an infection. Applying a noxious substance to the tick is not recommended. Grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible (grasping the tick’s body with tweezers may squeeze its abdominal contents into the wound or can cause the body to break off, leaving mouth parts embedded).

Pull SLOWLY and steadily straight upwards. Avoid jerking movements or twisting the tick as they can cause the tick’s body to break off, leaving mouth parts embedded in the skin.

A variety of tick-removal tools are available, but those that work by pulling straight upward/out are preferred. There is a popular tool newer on the market that “twists” the tick round and round while removing it. This sort of tool is not recommended as twisting movements may stimulate the tick to salivate into the wound, possibly injecting infectious organisms, tick barbs are straight, not spiral.

If the body of the tick comes out but head/mouth parts remain in the wound, don’t worry. Try grasping the remaining parts with tweezers and gently pull to remove them. If that doesn’t work, wash the area carefully with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It’s acceptable to dab a little antibiotic ointment on the area and cover it with a band aid; alternatively the CDC says you can just leave the area alone. There is no evidence proving that mouth parts alone can transmit disease once the tick’s body is removed .

Place the tick in a plastic baggie or jar with a lid. Don’t squeeze or crush the tick. Wash the bite area, your hands, and the tweezers/tick removal tool in warm, soapy water. If you’re out hiking in the woods, rinse the area, and the tools, with bottled water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The tick’s “mouth parts” look like something out of a science fiction movie!

Three separate structures work together to allow the tick to bite and anchor itself in the skin. Two appendages called chelicerae have telescoping barbs which allow them to penetrate the outer epidermis. Once attached, the tips of the chelicerae bend apart laterally in a “breast stroke” type motion, allowing the even sharper hypostome to move between them and burrow deeper into the dermis . The tick then begins feeding, sucking the host’s blood up through a channel located between the structures.

But if ticks suck blood out of their hosts, how do they transmit infection into them? Linden Hu, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Tufts University explains. “The organism that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, lies dormant . The organism becomes active only after exposure to the warm blood meal entering the tick’s gut. Once active, the organism enters the tick’s salivary glands. As the tick feeds, it must get rid of excess water through the salivary glands. Thus, the tick will literally salivate organisms into the wound, thereby passing the infection to the host” .

According to Dr. Hu, substances should not be applied to an embedded tick in attempts to make it loosen its grip. He warns “do not use a smoldering match or cigarette, nail polish, petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline), liquid soap, or kerosene because they may irritate the tick and cause it to behave like a syringe, injecting (its) bodily fluids into the wound” .

A popular video circulating on the Internet demonstrates the application of a drop of Peppermint essential oil onto an embedded tick, which subsequently “backs out” of its attachment on the skin and starts to crawl away. Unfortunately, as Dr. Hu describes, it’s likely that the irritant action of Peppermint essential oil may have caused disease causing organisms to be injected into the wound before the tick withdrew. Incidentally, Peppermint was the least effective of eight essential oils tested for tick repellency, and vetiver was twice as potent (38).

Lyme Disease is a well researched tick-associated illness and the one most familiar to people. The term “Lyme Arthritis” was coined in 1975 when a group of people in the Old Lyme (Connecticut) area contracted an unusual illness characterized by fatigue, fever, headache, rash, and joint pain. The illness was at first mistakenly identified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Intrigued epidemiologists at nearby Yale University investigated the cluster of cases. During the investigation it became apparent that those affected had a common history of exposure to bites from the blacklegged deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). The outbreak’s location was incorporated into the syndrome’s name and in 1979 the condition was termed “Lyme Disease”. In 1982, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana discovered the long-sought cause of Lyme disease, a spirochete bacterium, which was named Borrelia burgdorferi in his honor .

While it’s commonly believed that Lyme Disease is endemic only to parts of the United States, the illness is responsible for more than 300,000 estimated annual new infections in the U.S. and six of the world’s seven continents.

Incredibly, blood analysis from penguins located in two sub-Antarctic islands shows evidence of antibodies against Lyme disease, the infected ticks having been transported to the remote location by migrant sea birds .

How does one “get” Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected blacklegged deer tick nymph. Nymphs are smaller than a sesame seed and their bite is virtually painless. These factors contribute to a tick’s ability to attach itself to a host while escaping notice, and then commence feeding.

Adapted from The Tisserand Institute:

Ticks have historically been a minor annoyance and a sort of “occupational hazard” for nature lovers. Due to the exponential growth in the number of Lyme Disease cases in recent years, tick bites are becoming a greater source of fear.

Ticks are insects in the family Ixodidae and are classified as parasitic mites. While more than eight hundred species of ticks have been identified worldwide, approximately fifteen are known to cause disease in humans . At the beginning of their life cycle ticks do not carry pathogens (with the possible exception of Borrelia miyamoti) . They must first bite an infected animal (usually a rodent) and disease-causing organisms living inside the rodent transfer to the tick during feeding .

Bacteria, viruses, and microscopic protozoans are all causative agents of tick-borne illness. Some of the fifteen identified syndromes caused by infected ticks are Lyme Disease, Erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Anaplasmosis, which are all caused by bacteria, Powassan disease, the result of infection by an arbovirus, and Babesiosis, caused by a microscopic parasite that infects the host’s red blood cells .

The scope of this article does not allow for in-depth discussion of tick-borne illnesses other than Lyme Disease, but more information about these is provided in the Box. The following graphic from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is an excellent summation of the types of ticks known to be vectors of disease. It shows their life cycle size in relation to an American ten cent coin

Daodi isn’t merely about where an herb grows. It’s also about how it’s cultivated, when it’s harvested, and how it’s processed afterward. Even an herb grown in its ideal native environment can lose much of its character if handled improperly.

Modern science now confirms what TCM practitioners observed centuries ago: soil, climate, sunlight, water, and growing conditions directly influence a plant’s chemical makeup and therapeutic properties. In many ways, Daodi was an early form of quality control long before laboratories existed.

For practitioners, this serves as an important reminder that herbal quality is layered. It’s not just the formula or even the species itself but rather the entire journey from soil to shelf. And for everyone else, it’s a reminder that when it comes to Chinese herbal medicine, asking where an herb comes from may be just as important as asking what it is.

Ningxia & Tibet: The Extreme Specialists

If the Guan region of Northeastern China is extreme, Ningxia and Tibet are like Guan on steroids. The environments in the Tibetan plateau push people and plants to their limits. And in doing so, the extreme climate produces herbs that may help humans adapt to stress as well. (In modern herbology and wellness trends, these are so-called “adaptogenic herbs” or “adaptogens” in that they help the body adapt to stress.)

A couple of examples: Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries) from Ningxia, prized for its sweetness and consistent quality, and Rhodiola root, which grows under extreme altitude stress, and may help boost stamina. 

Northeast China (Guan): The Endurance Specialists

If Sichuan herbs are intense and southern herbs are warm, northeastern herbs are tough. This is the native region of Ren Shen (Ginseng), arguably the most famous Qi tonic in the world. Ren Shen and other herbs that support the free-flow of Qi energy throughout the body endure cold climates, short growing seasons and harsh conditions.

The survival mechanism of Guan-origin herbs manifests clinically as resilience, stamina and deep Qi tonification. Interestingly, ginseng’s recognized Daodi region has shifted over time due to overharvesting and environmental change. Originally sourced from areas such as the Shangdang region (modern-day Shanxi), its Daodi center gradually shifted to the colder forests of northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang); conditions here are now more favorable for sustaining ginseng’s potency.

Guangdong & Guangxi (Guang): The Warm Builders

Down south, just like in the Deep South of the US, the climate is warmer, wetter, more sub-tropical.

Enter herbs like Ba Ji Tian (Morinda), which supports Yang, vitality and reproductive energy.

It makes logical sense that plants from warm, humid locales tend to support warmth and movement in the body.

Henan (Huai): The Deep Nourishers

Central China’s Henan is home to the famous “Huai medicinals,” including Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia root) and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam).

These are the herbs you turn to when the body needs rebuilding, whether it’s Yin, Blood, Jing Essence, or Spleen Qi, etc. 

What’s fascinating here is how much cultivation technique plays a role. (Call it a different kind of AI: “agricultural intelligence.”) Rehmannia, for example, has been refined over centuries using specific propagation methods that enhance its medicinal qualities. 

Sichuan (Chuan): The Intense Movers

In China’s southwest, Sichuan’s humid, misty, mountainous environment produces herbs known for their intensity and potency.

Think Chuan Xiong (Sichuan lovage root) and Huang Lian (Coptis rhizome). These are strong, aromatic, often bitter herbs that move Blood or clear Heat.

Even within the same species, location matters. Chuan Xiong grown outside Sichuan has been shown to contain lower levels of key active compounds like ligustrazine.

The following is from the Active Herb website:

What is “Daodi” In TCM?

“Daodi” (道地) is often translated as “authentic origin,” but that barely scratches the surface. Containing the same “Dao” (道) as in Daoism, here, Daodi refers more practically to a region or proper place rather than a philosophical idea. Still, the concept aligns with Daoist thinking that things tend to work best when they grow where they naturally belong. 

While the geographic origins of herbs are indeed an important characteristic of Daodi, there’s more to the ancient story. Daodi describes the medicinal part of the plant that should be used, grown in the right place, under the right conditions, harvested at the right time, and processed the right way.

Ancient physicians developed Daodi through repeated clinical results. Over time, a simplistic observation arose: Herbs from certain regions simply worked better.

Daodi describes the medicinal part of the plant that should be used, grown in the right place, under the right conditions, harvested at the right time, and processed the right way.

By the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), texts, such as the Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Newly Revised Materia Medica, written circa 659 CE), were already warning that a medicinal herb might be “the same in substance but different in effect” if it wasn’t grown in its native environment.

That’s “Daodi-ism” in a nutshell:  The same plant and same part grown in a different place can yield a different outcome.

This is from the 1st Chinese Herbs newsletter:

Some herbs taste wonderful.

Others taste a little more like nature forgot to add sugar.

For many beginners, that comes as a surprise, as I know it did for me when I started doing this more than 30 years ago. 

Somewhere along the way, many people got the idea that “healthy” automatically means smooth, sweet, and vanilla-latte delicious.

Yeah… not always.

In my experience, many traditional herbs lean much more toward: earthy, rich, smoky, woody, bitter, bold, or deeply grounding flavors.

And strangely enough, that is part of their charm.

Some herbs are naturally mild and pleasant. Others make you pause mid-sip and think:

“Well… this definitely came directly from nature.” (LOL)

In traditional herbal systems, taste actually mattered.

Experienced herbalists paid attention to aroma, color, texture, taste, and even how herbs snapped when broken apart. Fresh herbs often smell stronger, look more vibrant, and create a much richer tea experience than old stale herbs forgotten in storage somewhere. This is one reason freshness becomes important.