The Herb Depot

11/07/2025

Many people confuse 茯苓 (Fuling) and 茯神 (Fushen), but they are actually different parts of the same fungus, Poria cocos.

茯苓 (Fuling): The main body of the fungus that grows around pine roots. It strengthens the spleen, drains dampness, and calms the spirit mildly. Commonly used to support digestion and reduce water retention.

茯神 (Fushen): A special part of the fungus that still contains a piece of pine root. It focuses more on calming the mind and nourishing the heart while also sharing Fuling’s draining functions.

In short, Fuling nourishes the body, while Fushen soothes the mind.

10/07/2025

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival today! A time to reflect, reunite, and enjoy the full moon. It started as a harvest celebration and grew into a cultural moment shared across generations.

Mooncakes are the star of the table, with families gathering to eat, light lanterns, and share stories. It's all about connection, tradition, and a little nostalgia.

Did you know mooncakes are traditionally made with lotus seed (lian zi 蓮子)? 😍

09/16/2025

New to acupuncture or just starting your training? Our Student Acupuncture Kit is designed to make it easy to get started with the essentials.

Here’s what’s included:

-Steel forceps & steel tong
-Gua sha tool
-Small bag of cotton balls
-2 smokeless moxa sticks + 1 regular moxa stick

Needles and accessories:
-100 x 0.16 x 13 mm (½ cun) needles
-100 x 0.25 x 25 mm (1 cun) needles
-100 x 0.18 x 40 mm (1.5 cun) needles
-200 press needles
-200 ear seeds
-10 lancets
-10 prismatic needles
-3 foil packs of intradermal needles
-1 plum blossom needle

Whether you’re prepping for your first clinic shift or building your at-home study setup, this kit has you covered!
Check it out: https://theherbdepot.ca/products/acupuncture-student-kit

09/10/2025

Season Change: How to add TCM into your everyday cooking?🌿🫕

Mothers across different generations are often the group to have perfected the art of adding bonus ingredients into meals for the added health benefits. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all can require different components based on the person's constitution, their diet, the season, what is already....

09/09/2025

Ever heard of Qing Dai? In Chinese, the name gives off those dreamy “sky blue waiting in the rain” vibes. It’s a natural blue powder made from plants, once used for makeup, dyeing fabric, and even as medicine.

In Chinese medicine, it’s used to reduce heat, stop bleeding, and treat skin issues. It’s often helpful for bad sore throats and serious skin conditions.

Qing Dai can be taken internally or used externally. Since it doesn’t dissolve well in water, it’s best to mix the powder with a decoction (the liquid from boiled herbs), or take it in pill or powder form. For external use, you can either sprinkle it directly on the skin or mix it into a paste and apply it to the affected area.

Because of its cold properties, people with weak or cold digestive systems (like spleen or stomach issues) should use it with caution or avoid it altogether.

Check it out: https://theherbdepot.ca/products/qing-dai