Chinese Herbs to Boost Mood and Energy

By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham

Low mood, persistent fatigue, and emotional flatness are among the most common reasons people seek Chinese herbal medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, these symptoms are not grouped under a single diagnosis but differentiated into distinct patterns — each requiring a different herbal approach. The most common patterns underlying low mood and fatigue are heart blood deficiency, liver qi stagnation, spleen qi deficiency, and kidney yang deficiency.

Herbs for Lifting Mood

Suan Zao Ren (Jujube Seed) — nourishes heart blood, calms anxiety, and improves sleep. The principal herb for emotional instability from heart blood deficiency. See our full article on jujube seed benefits.

Chai Hu (Bupleurum) — the principal liver-regulating herb. Relieves emotional constraint, lifts depression, and reduces irritability. Central to Xiao Yao San. See our article on bupleurum benefits.

Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) — strongly tonifies original qi and the spirit. Improves physical and mental energy, reduces fatigue, and supports the adrenal stress response. For qi deficiency and kidney yang deficiency patterns.

Huang Qi (Astragalus) — a gentler qi tonic than ginseng, more suitable for long-term use. Improves energy, immunity, and resilience without overstimulating. See our full article on astragalus benefits.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) — adaptogenic, improves both mental and physical stamina, consolidates jing, and modulates the stress response. See our article on schisandra benefits.

Key Formulas

Xiao Yao San for liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency and low mood. Gui Pi Tang for heart blood deficiency with anxiety, poor memory, and fatigue. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for spleen qi deficiency with profound fatigue and low motivation. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

To discuss mood and energy, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.

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