Kitchen as Medicine Cabinet: Common Asian Herbs You Already Own

If you have been following me for a while, then it should come as no surprise that this is another ode to simplicity and how Traditional Chinese Medicine is everywhere, even in your kitchen. Many ingredients have medicinal properties and can really help you! If you are new, then welcome and read on about how common ingredients (you probably already have at home) can help with everyday complaints.

Brief History of Food as Medicine

The connection between food and medicine has deep roots in Asian cultures. While the American diet often focuses on weight loss and categorizes food into groups like protein, carbohydrate, etc., the Asian approach to nutrition emphasizes eating what’s in season and understanding the energetic properties of foods.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foods are classified by their temperature (hot/warm, cold, or neutral) and their effects on the body. These classifications aren’t always straightforward, and your specific condition may require a professional TCM diagnosis, but understanding these basic principles can transform your approach to everyday cooking and wellness.

Kitchen Ingredients You Can Use As Medicine

These powerful healing ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, ready to support your wellness when you need quick relief. They’re perfect for everyday use, worth keeping stocked in your pantry, and valuable to seek out when traveling to maintain your health away from home.

For a quick reference before we dive deeper, here’s your natural remedy cheat sheet for common health concerns:

• Digestive Relief: Ginger, mint, black pepper
• Inflammation: Turmeric (especially for cold-type conditions), garlic
• Immune Support: Garlic, shiitake mushrooms
• Eye Health: Goji berries
• Women’s Wellness: Ginger, goji berries, sesame seeds
• Brain Function: Lion’s mane mushrooms
• Gentle Detoxification: Cilantro, garlic
• Energy & Vitality: Goji berries

Now let’s explore each of these healing ingredients in detail to understand how they can become part of your daily wellness routine!

Ginger as a Digestive Aid

Ginger is one of the most popular Asian herbs used as medicine. It’s mostly known for its healing digestive properties, but its benefits extend far beyond that.

For everyday use, you can simply cut off a small piece of fresh ginger and add it to boiling water for a soothing tea. This simple remedy works wonders after a heavy meal, helps fight off germs, soothes a sore throat, and combats bacteria. Warm ginger tea is particularly effective if you have chills from getting sick, stuck phlegm, oral health issues, or even food poisoning.

Ginger is also excellent for nausea. As an herbalist mom, I’ve noticed that when pregnant patients come in with morning sickness, they either love or hate ginger. When I was pregnant, I wasn’t a fan and preferred cardamom; it wasn’t as strong but still great for nausea. I used essential oils aromatically – by smelling or diffusing them. Sometimes when smells bothered me, I applied oils to the inside of my wrists (which is also a great spot to calm anxiety).

For menstrual pain, ginger tea can provide significant relief. Adding ginger to bone broth creates an excellent drink or soup base that your entire family will love. Beyond its digestive and decongestant benefits, ginger also acts as an anti-inflammatory for the gut and sore muscles.

Here’s a simple tip: try adding ginger to your soy sauce or tamari for an added digestive benefit during your sushi meal!

Please note: pregnant patients should never apply essential oils to their belly, and should always use caution and consult a doctor before using any remedies.

Garlic for Immunity Booster

Garlic is by far my favorite and most used on this list. Not only is it one of my husband’s favorite ingredients to add to dishes, but many Asian restaurants use it in their cooking. Garlic is an immune booster and gut aid, not only to help you go to the bathroom but to help flush out toxins.

It is nutritious and packed full of vitamins and minerals. Garlic contains phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, iodine, sulfur (hence the smell), and vitamins B, B-6, C, A, and K. Garlic is also cardioprotective – can prevent some major heart diseases as well as being great for the brain in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Garlic can be eaten raw, is great in cooking, or can be taken as a supplement.

Both ginger and garlic are known to lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and aid in weight loss. Dose and duration will vary.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been all the rage lately in the wellness world, with Lion’s Mane capturing particular attention as both a coffee additive and supplement due to its impressive health benefits. It’s primarily celebrated for being one of the best adaptogens available and for its remarkable support of brain health.

• Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Beyond their medicinal applications, these distinctive mushrooms can be incorporated into your cooking, where they contribute a unique seafood-like flavor to dishes. Nutritionally, Lion’s Mane is a powerhouse – rich in B vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, plus essential minerals such as manganese, zinc, and potassium. What makes this mushroom truly special is its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body while providing powerful antioxidant protection against cellular damage.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: While Lion’s Mane may be trending, Shiitakes remain the kitchen workhorse – more commonly found in everyday cooking and prized for their ability to elevate any dish by easily absorbing surrounding flavors. These mushrooms serve as valuable allies for both your immune system and heart health. Nutritionally dense, Shiitakes contain an impressive array of amino acids, potassium, vitamin B5, and copper. Research has shown they can help lower cholesterol levels as well! Their versatility is unmatched – whether cooked fresh or rehydrated from dried, Shiitakes adapt beautifully to stir-fries, stews, soups, side dishes, or even as the star of a meal thanks to their satisfying, meaty texture and flavor.

Goji Berries for Eye-Brightening and Eye-Whitening

Do you suffer from red eyes? Want to see instant results during times of seasonal allergies as we experience in Houston? Goji berries, aka wolfberry, are your answer. They instantly make your eyes white and bright! This berry can be added to your oatmeal or a cup of boiling water for tea.

This is a commonly used herb as it’s neutral and has so many benefits for the eyes in case of blurred vision, diminished visual acuity, or dizziness. Goji berries can enrich the liver and kidneys. It helps try to conceive, for menstrual issues, or even in menopause if you have dryness, as it can give a burst of energy and benefits the “essence.” We lose essence as we age, and not many things can provide this longevity punch or help boost your energy. Goji can also moisten the lungs if you are weak and have a cough.

Turmeric as the Golden Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric is also quite popular and seen everywhere, known as the golden anti-inflammatory. I even see it used as a paste on TikTok for dark circles. My only issue with recommending turmeric is that it is warm in nature, so it can add fuel to the fire. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to say that it is an anti-inflammatory if it’s warm in nature.

So, let me explain: for someone who has a cold interior, turmeric can definitely help. Because it is strong, it can break up stagnation, meaning when blood isn’t moving properly, which makes it great for certain types of pain. It can be particularly helpful during menstruation when women experience cramping and feel cold. It’s also beneficial when you’re under the weather with cold-type symptoms.

Turmeric is versatile in the kitchen. Most commonly found in powder form, it can be added to various dishes—I love mixing it with avocado, salt, and pepper for a quick anti-inflammatory snack. You’ll also find it in wellness teas and supplements, often paired with black pepper to enhance absorption.

For most of these healing ingredients, I choose organic, good-quality products from my local supermarket HEB; for guaranteed non-GMO options, I shop at Trader Joe’s (which offers better prices than Whole Foods). While farmers’ markets would provide the freshest options, between weekend sports and family commitments, quality grocery store alternatives work perfectly well for everyday healing.

Other Healing Herbs in Your Produce Drawer

• Green Onions/Scallions are not just for adding color and flavor to your dishes. In TCM, they’re considered warming and can help expel cold. They’re particularly useful for early-stage colds and flu, helping to promote sweating and release pathogens. The white parts can be used in soups for their stronger medicinal properties, while the green parts make a milder garnish with similar benefits.
• Cilantro (also known as coriander) is a powerful detoxifying herb that helps remove heavy metals from the body. It’s cooling in nature and supports the digestive system by relieving gas and bloating. For those who enjoy its distinctive flavor (genetics determine whether you love it or think it tastes like soap!), adding fresh cilantro to meals can provide continuous gentle detoxification support.
• Mint is one of the most cooling herbs in your kitchen. It’s excellent for soothing digestive discomfort, especially when you’re feeling hot or irritated. Mint tea can help relieve headaches, particularly those associated with heat or stress. It also helps clear the head and eyes, making it useful during allergy season or when you need mental clarity.
• Both Thai basil and Holy basil (Tulsi) offer significant health benefits. Thai basil has antimicrobial properties and can help with digestive issues. Holy basil is considered an adaptogen that helps the body resist stress. It can reduce inflammation, support immune function, and even help balance blood sugar. Adding these varieties of basil to your cooking or making them into tea can provide these benefits.

Pantry Staples with Hidden Benefits

• Sesame seeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with nutrients that support bone health, including calcium and zinc. In TCM, black sesame seeds are particularly valued for nourishing blood and moistening dryness in the body. They’re excellent for hair health, constipation relief, and supporting women’s health. Sprinkle them on salads, vegetables, or blend them into tahini for easy incorporation into your diet.
• Black pepper does more than add spice to your meals. It contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds like curcumin from turmeric. It has warming properties that can help stimulate digestion and metabolism. In TCM, black pepper is used to direct the action of other herbs and disperse cold. A little goes a long way in both flavor and medicinal benefits.

Conclusion: Your Kitchen is Your Medicine Cabinet!

I hope this peek into the healing powers hiding in your kitchen has shown you how easy it can be to bring Traditional Chinese Medicine into your everyday life! These simple ingredients are powerful allies for addressing those minor health hiccups, giving your body’s natural healing abilities a boost, and keeping you feeling your best. 

Just remember, while these kitchen remedies are amazing for everyday wellness, they work best alongside professional care. Please see a healthcare provider for any persistent or serious symptoms. 

Want to learn more about how TCM can help with your specific health concerns? I’d absolutely love to help you! Book a consultation with me for personalized recommendations that fit your unique body type and health needs. 

And if you’re ready to take your wellness journey together, give our clinic a call at 281.948.2951 or click here to schedule your appointment. 

I share more health and wellness tips on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to stay connected and let’s all have a healthy, happy life!