Chinese medicinal herbs refer to a vast array of plants, minerals, and animal substances that have been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for therapeutic purposes. These herbs are prescribed in various combinations to address specific health conditions and restore balance in the body. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history dating back thousands of years and is still widely practiced today as a complementary or alternative therapy alongside conventional medicine.

Some common types of Chinese medicinal herbs include:

1. Plant-Based Herbs: These are the most commonly used herbs in TCM and include various parts of plants such as roots, leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. Examples of plant-based Chinese herbs include ginseng (Ren Shen), astragalus (Huang Qi), licorice root (Gan Cao), ginger (Sheng Jiang), and cinnamon (Gui Zhi).
2. Mineral-Based Herbs: Certain minerals and metals are used in Chinese herbal medicine, often after they have been processed to remove toxicity. Examples include pearls (Zhen Zhu), cinnabar (Zhu Sha), and magnetite (Ci Shi).
3. Animal-Based Herbs: Some Chinese herbal formulas include substances derived from animals, such as antelope horn (Ling Yang Jiao), deer antler (Lu Rong), and tortoise shell (Gui Ban). These substances are often used in a more sustainable and ethical manner in modern TCM practice.

Chinese medicinal herbs are usually combined into formulas tailored to the individual patient's specific pattern of imbalance, as determined by a trained TCM practitioner. The formulas may contain several herbs that work synergistically to enhance the desired therapeutic effects and minimize any potential side effects. The herbs can be prepared and administered in various forms, including decoctions (boiling the herbs to make a liquid extract), powders, pills, capsules, and topical applications.

It's important to note that Chinese herbal medicine, like any form of medicine, should be used under the guidance of a qualified and licensed practitioner. Self-prescribing or using herbal remedies without proper knowledge and understanding of TCM can be potentially harmful and may not yield the desired therapeutic effects.