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Kampo / Japanese Medicine

Japan's adaptation of TCM, refined for over 1,500 years into precise herbal formulas integrated with modern medicine.

Japan

History & Philosophy

Origins

Kampo entered Japan from China between the 5th and 7th centuries via Korea, then developed along its own path for over a millennium, diverging from mainland Chinese medicine especially after Japan's period of relative isolation.

Core philosophy

Unlike TCM's emphasis on individualized formula construction, Kampo relies on a smaller set of standardized, fixed herbal formulas matched to a person's overall pattern (sho), prioritizing precision and reproducibility within a defined formulary.

Practiced today

Kampo is unusually well integrated into mainstream Japanese healthcare — over 140 Kampo formulas are approved and reimbursed under Japan's national health insurance, and most Japanese physicians receive some Kampo training alongside conventional medical education.

Herbs, foods & remedies

95 herbs traditionally used within Kampo / Japanese Medicine — most often for Digestive Issues, Inflammation, Fatigue.

See all 95

Showing the first 40 of 95 — use “See all” above for the full, filterable list.

Kampo / Japanese Medicine

History & Philosophy

Origins

Core philosophy

Practiced today

Herbs, foods & remedies

Acanthopanax (Gokahi)

Achyranthes (Inokozuchi)

Agrimony (Ryugate)

Akebia (Mokkutsu)

Alisma (Takusha)

Andrographis (Senshin Ren)

Angelica Root (Toki)

Apricot Seed (Kyonin)

Astragalus (Ogi)

Atractylodes (Byakujutsu)

Biota Seed (Hakushinin)

Bitter Melon (Nigauri)

Bupleurum (Saiko)

Cassia Seed (Ketsumeishi)

Centella (Tsubokusa)

Chaenomeles (Mokka)

Chinese Hawthorn (Sanzashi)

Chinese Skullcap (Ogon)

Chrysanthemum (Kiku)

Cimicifuga (Shoma)

Cinnamon (Keihi)

Cnidium (Senkyu)

Cnidium Seed (Jaboku)

Codonopsis (Tojin)

Coptis (Oren)

Cuscuta (Tonekusu)

Cynomorium (Sakuroi)

Dan Shen (Tanshen)

Dioscorea (Yamaimo)

Eclipta (Ren Sen)

Ephedra (Mao)

Eucommia (Tochushi)

Evodia (Goshuyu)

Figwort (Genshen)

Forsythia (Rengyo)

Fritillaria (Beimu)

Fritillaria Bulb (Baimo)

Gardenia (Sanshi)

Gastrodia (Tenma)

Gentian (Ryutan)

Akebi Fruit (Chocolate Vine)

Biwa (Loquat)

Bonito (Dashi)

Burdock Root (Gobo)

Chrysanthemum Greens

Daikon Radish

Edamame

Fermented Miso

Fukinoto (Butterbur Sprout)

Japanese Fig (Ichijiku)

Japanese Plum (Ume)

Japanese Sweet Potato

Kabocha Squash (Japanese Pumpkin)

Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach)

Kombu

Konnyaku (Konjac)

Lotus Root

Maitake Mushroom

Matcha Green Tea

Mitsuba (Japanese Parsley)

Mizuna

Mugwort Rice Cakes

Nanohana (Rapeseed Greens)

Nashi Pear (Japanese Pear)

Natto

Persimmon

Satsuma Mandarin

Sesame

Shiso Leaf

Shungiku (Crown Daisy Greens)

Soy Milk

Sudachi Citrus

Taro

Tempeh