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Tibetan Medicine

Sowa Rigpa — the science of healing — blends Ayurveda, TCM, and Buddhist philosophy into rare high-altitude plant medicine.

Tibet & Himalayas

History & Philosophy

Origins

Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa, 'the science of healing') formed roughly 1,300 years ago at the crossroads of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Buddhist philosophy, systematized in the Gyushi (Four Tantras) around the 8th century.

Core philosophy

The system organizes the body around three humors — rlung (wind), mkhris-pa (bile), and bad-kan (phlegm) — diagnosed largely through detailed pulse-reading and urine analysis, with treatment aimed at restoring humoral balance through diet, behavior, and rare high-altitude herbal formulas.

Practiced today

Sowa Rigpa is formally practiced in Tibetan communities, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India (notably through the Men-Tsee-Khang institute in Dharamsala), training physicians (amchi) through years of structured apprenticeship and formal study.

Herbs, foods & remedies

97 herbs traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Digestive Issues, Skin Health, Fever.

Aconite (Bongna)

Aconitum napellus

PainArthritisCold Extremities

Arisaema (Stong Shing)

Arisaema consanguineum

Nerve SupportSeizureRespiratory Issues

Astragalus (Sha Ru)

Astragalus membranaceus

Immune SupportFatigueEdema

Belleric Myrobalan (Ba Ru Ra)

Terminalia bellirica

Respiratory IssuesEye HealthHair Loss

Berberis (Skyer Pa)

Berberis aristata

DiabetesSkin HealthLiver Support

Black Pepper (Pham La)

Piper nigrum

Digestive IssuesFeverRespiratory Issues

Boswellia (Pos Po)

Boswellia serrata

ArthritisInflammationAsthma

Camphora (Ga Bur)

Cinnamomum camphora

Respiratory IssuesFeverPain

Cardamom (Sug Smel)

Elettaria cardamomum

Digestive IssuesNauseaRespiratory Issues

Cedrela (Tsandan)

Cedrela toona

Skin HealthFeverDigestive Issues

Cinnamon (Shing Tsha)

Cinnamomum verum

DiabetesCirculationDigestive Issues

Clove (Li Shi)

Syzygium aromaticum

PainDigestive IssuesDental Pain

Codonopsis (Rtsa Mkhris)

Codonopsis pilosula

FatigueImmune SupportDigestive Issues

Coptis (Pan Dkar)

Coptis teeta

FeverInflammationLiver Support

Cordyceps (Yartsa Gunbu)

Ophiocordyceps sinensis

FatigueRespiratory IssuesLibido

Costus Root (Ru Rta)

Saussurea costus

Digestive IssuesRespiratory IssuesArthritis

Cyperus (Btsod)

Cyperus rotundus

Digestive IssuesFeverPain

Dactylorhiza (Dbang Lag)

Dactylorhiza hatagirea

FatigueLibidoMuscle Recovery

Datura (Dha Tu Ra)

Datura stramonium

AsthmaPainRespiratory Issues

Delphinium (Mtshe Ba)

Delphinium brunonianum

FeverPainArthritis

Drosera (Tsag Pa)

Drosera rotundifolia

CoughAsthmaRespiratory Issues

Dysphania (Rgya Tshos)

Dysphania ambrosioides

ParasitesDigestive IssuesFever

Elecampane (Ma Nu)

Inula helenium

Respiratory IssuesDigestive IssuesParasites

Emblic Myrobalan (Skyu Ru Ra)

Phyllanthus emblica

Immune SupportHair LossSkin Health

Ephedra (Mtshe Ldong)

Ephedra gerardiana

AsthmaRespiratory IssuesCommon Cold

Fraxinus (Khrengs)

Fraxinus floribunda

ArthritisFeverSkin Health

Fumitory (Sro Lo Dmar Po)

Fumaria officinalis

Liver SupportSkin HealthDetox

Galangal (Ka Ko La)

Alpinia galanga

Digestive IssuesNauseaArthritis

Gentian (Kha Ba)

Gentiana urnula

FeverLiver SupportDigestive Issues

Ginger (Sga)

Zingiber officinale

Digestive IssuesNauseaCold Extremities

Himalayan Cedar (Kha Shing)

Cedrus deodara

Respiratory IssuesArthritisSkin Health

Himalayan Rhubarb (Chu Rtsa)

Rheum australe

ConstipationLiver SupportDetox

Hypericum (Ser Chen Spras)

Hypericum hookerianum

DepressionWound HealingAnxiety

Inula Flower (A Byi)

Inula racemosa

Respiratory IssuesHeart HealthAsthma

Iris (Ka Ra Ka Ta)

Iris germanica

Liver SupportDigestive IssuesSkin Health

Jasmine (Rdo Dreg)

Jasminum officinale

AnxietyDepressionSkin Health

Juniper (Shug Pa)

Juniperus recurva

Respiratory IssuesArthritisDigestive Issues

Lady's Mantle (Spra Zil)

Alchemilla vulgaris

MenopauseDiarrheaWound Healing

Licorice (Shing Mngar)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

CoughDigestive IssuesStress

Long Pepper (Pi Pili)

Piper longum

Digestive IssuesRespiratory IssuesMetabolism

Showing the first 40 of 97 — use “See all” above for the full, filterable list.

40 foods traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Immune Support, Digestive Issues, Inflammation.

Aconite (Prepared, in Broth)

spice

CirculationInflammationArthritis

Alpine Seabuckthorn Leaf

vegetable

InflammationImmune SupportSkin Health

Amala (Phyllanthus emblica, high altitude)

fruit

Immune SupportHair LossSkin Health

Atsara (Fermented Vegetables)

fermented

Digestive IssuesImmune SupportGut Health

Barley (Tsampa)

grain

Digestive IssuesFatigueBlood Sugar

Bhutia Apple (Wild Apple)

fruit

Digestive IssuesCholesterolHeart Health

Black Cumin

spice

Immune SupportInflammationRespiratory Issues

Chickweed

vegetable

InflammationSkin HealthDigestive Issues

Cloudberry (High Altitude)

fruit

Immune SupportInflammationAnemia

Cordyceps Mushroom

mushroom

FatigueRespiratory IssuesImmune Support

Dried Apricot

fruit

AnemiaEye HealthDigestive Issues

Dried Meat

protein

FatigueAnemiaBone Health

Fermented Barley Beer (Chang)

fermented

Digestive IssuesStressFatigue

Gentian Root

spice

Digestive IssuesLiver SupportInflammation

Goat Milk

dairy

Digestive IssuesBone HealthSkin Health

Goji Berry

fruit

Eye HealthFatigueImmune Support

Hawthorn Berry (High Altitude)

fruit

Heart HealthHigh Blood PressureCholesterol

High-Altitude Honey

sweetener

Immune SupportWound HealingRespiratory Issues

Highland Barley

grain

Blood SugarDigestive IssuesCholesterol

Himalayan Dock (Rumex nepalensis)

vegetable

AnemiaLiver SupportDigestive Issues

Himalayan Pink Salt

spice

Electrolyte BalanceDigestive IssuesRespiratory Issues

Himalayan Strawberry (Fragaria nubicola)

fruit

Immune SupportDigestive IssuesInflammation

Juniper Berry

spice

Digestive IssuesUrinary HealthInflammation

Mutton

protein

FatigueAnemiaBone Health

Nettle

vegetable

AnemiaArthritisImmune Support

Rhubarb

vegetable

ConstipationDigestive IssuesLiver Support

Sea Buckthorn

fruit

Immune SupportSkin HealthLiver Support

Snow Lotus Fruit (Saussurea)

fruit

Immune SupportInflammationFatigue

Thyme

spice

Respiratory IssuesImmune SupportDigestive Issues

Tibetan Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)

vegetable

Cancer PreventionBone HealthDigestive Issues

Wild Garlic

vegetable

Immune SupportHeart HealthCirculation

Wild Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides)

fruit

Immune SupportDigestive IssuesInflammation

Wild Himalayan Fig

fruit

Digestive IssuesAnemiaBlood Sugar

Wild Mountain Spinach (Chenopodium)

vegetable

AnemiaBone HealthDigestive Issues

Wild Raspberry (Alpine)

fruit

Immune SupportInflammationAnemia

Wild Rose Hip

fruit

Immune SupportInflammationArthritis

Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa)

vegetable

Digestive IssuesBone HealthImmune Support

Yak Butter

fat

FatigueSkin HealthBrain Fog

Yak Milk

dairy

Bone HealthFatigueImmune Support

Yak Thistle (Cirsium)

vegetable

Liver SupportDigestive IssuesInflammation

20 juices traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Fatigue, Immune Support, Digestive Issues.

Aconite Broth Warming Tonic

Processed aconite (dilute), Ginger, Water

CirculationArthritisFatigue

Black Cumin Warming Tonic

Black cumin seeds, Warm water, Honey

Immune SupportInflammationDigestive Issues

Cordyceps Mushroom Endurance Tonic

Cordyceps mushroom extract, Warm water, Honey

FatigueRespiratory IssuesImmune Support

Gentian Bitter Digestive Tonic

Gentian root, Water, Honey

Digestive IssuesLiver SupportInflammation

Ginger Barley Warming Tea

Fresh ginger, Roasted barley, Water

Digestive IssuesNauseaCirculation

High-Altitude Honey Medicinal Water

Raw Himalayan honey, Warm water, Lemon

Immune SupportWound HealingRespiratory Issues

Highland Berry Antioxidant Blend

Mixed highland berries, Water, Honey

Immune SupportAgingCancer Prevention

Himalayan Pink Salt Mineral Water

Himalayan pink salt, Water, Lemon

FatigueKidney SupportCirculation

Juniper Berry Cleansing Tea

Juniper berries, Water, Honey

Kidney SupportDetoxDigestive Issues

Licorice Root Soothing Tea

Licorice root, Water, Honey

Digestive IssuesRespiratory IssuesStress

Nettle Highland Iron Tonic

Nettle leaves, Lemon, Apple

AnemiaFatigueHair Loss

Rhubarb Digestive Cleansing Tonic

Rhubarb root, Water, Honey

ConstipationDigestive IssuesLiver Support

Rosehip Highland Vitamin C Juice

Wild rosehips, Water, Honey

Immune SupportSkin HealthArthritis

Saffron Warming Tonic

Saffron strands, Warm water, Honey

DepressionAnxietyFatigue

Sea Buckthorn Highland Shot

Sea buckthorn berries, Honey, Lemon

Immune SupportSkin HealthFatigue

Thyme Respiratory Sipping Tea

Wild thyme, Water, Honey

Respiratory IssuesAsthmaImmune Support

Tibetan Barley Water

Roasted barley (tsampa), Water, Honey

Digestive IssuesFatigueBlood Sugar

Warming Spice Digestive Tonic

Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves

Digestive IssuesCirculationFatigue

Wild Garlic Spring Tonic

Wild garlic, Lemon, Water

Immune SupportHeart HealthCirculation

Yak Milk Whey Restorative Tonic

Yak milk whey, Water, Honey

FatigueBone HealthDigestive Issues

20 salves & topicals traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Inflammation, Skin Health, Wound Healing.

Aconite-infused Oil (processed, low-dose, joint)

oil-blend

Processed aconite extract (low dose), Sesame oil, Camphor

ArthritisInflammationCirculation

Artemisia Compress

compress

Artemisia herb infusion, Warm water, Ginger

InflammationArthritisCirculation

Camphor Chest Rub (Tibetan)

salve

Camphor crystals, Sesame oil, Eucalyptus oil

Respiratory IssuesAsthmaInflammation

Gentian Root Poultice

poultice

Gentian root extract, Honey, Olive oil

Wound HealingInflammationDigestive Issues

Ginger Warming Compress

compress

Fresh ginger root, Warm towel, Sesame oil

ArthritisCirculationDigestive Issues

Himalayan Salt Detox Compress

compress

Himalayan pink salt, Warm water, Lavender oil

DetoxCirculationInflammation

Juniper Resin Antiseptic Paste

paste

Juniper resin, Honey, Olive oil

Wound HealingSkin HealthInflammation

Licorice Root Soothing Balm

balm

Licorice root extract, Shea butter, Calendula oil

Skin HealthEczemaInflammation

Pine Resin Drawing Salve

salve

Pine resin, Beeswax, Olive oil

Wound HealingSkin HealthInflammation

Rhodiola Adaptogen Skin Oil

oil-blend

Rhodiola rosea extract, Rosehip oil, Vitamin E

Skin HealthFatigueStress

Saffron Skin Brightening Oil

oil-blend

Saffron extract, Rosehip oil, Vitamin E

Skin HealthAgingInflammation

Sea Buckthorn Wound Salve

salve

Sea buckthorn berry oil, Beeswax, Calendula extract

Wound HealingSkin HealthInflammation

Snow Lotus Healing Balm

balm

Snow lotus (Saussurea) extract, Beeswax, Yak butter substitute

InflammationWound HealingSkin Health

Spikenard Joint Oil Blend

oil-blend

Spikenard essential oil, Sesame oil, Camphor

ArthritisInflammationStress

Thyme Highland Antiseptic Wash

wash

Wild thyme extract, Honey, Aloe vera

Wound HealingImmune SupportSkin Health

Tibetan Clay Detox Paste

paste

Tibetan clay, Rose water, Turmeric

DetoxSkin HealthAcne

Tibetan Frankincense Resin Salve

salve

Tibetan frankincense resin, Beeswax, Sesame oil

Wound HealingInflammationSkin Health

Valerian Calming Oil Blend

oil-blend

Valerian root extract, Lavender oil, Jojoba oil

InsomniaStressAnxiety

Wild Mint Cooling Paste

paste

Wild mint extract, Aloe vera, Honey

InflammationSkin HealthRespiratory Issues

Yak Butter Protective Balm

balm

Yak butter (or ghee substitute), Beeswax, Pine resin

Skin HealthWound HealingInflammation

20 supplements traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Digestive Issues, Inflammation, Fatigue.

Aconite Root Extract (processed, low-dose)

capsule

InflammationArthritisCirculation

Acorus Calamus Extract

capsule

MemoryDigestive IssuesRespiratory Issues

Artemisia Extract

capsule

InflammationDigestive IssuesLiver Support

Cordyceps Sinensis Extract

capsule

FatigueRespiratory IssuesImmune Support

Gentian Root Extract

capsule

Digestive IssuesLiver SupportInflammation

Himalayan Shilajit Resin

extract

FatigueMemoryBone Health

Juniper Berry Extract (Tibetan)

capsule

Kidney SupportDigestive IssuesInflammation

Meconopsis (Blue Poppy) Extract

capsule

StressAnxietyInsomnia

Myrobalan Blend (Tibetan Triphala)

capsule

ConstipationDetoxDigestive Issues

Rhodiola Rosea Extract

capsule

StressFatigueDepression

Rubia Cordifolia Extract

capsule

Skin HealthInflammationAcne

Saussurea Lappa (Costus) Extract

capsule

Digestive IssuesRespiratory IssuesInflammation

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

softgel

Skin HealthImmune SupportInflammation

Swertia Chirayita Extract

capsule

DiabetesLiver SupportInflammation

Terminalia Chebula Extract (Tibetan grade)

capsule

ConstipationDetoxDigestive Issues

Tibetan Cinnamon Extract

capsule

CirculationDiabetesBlood Sugar

Tibetan Goji (Lycium) Extract

capsule

Eye HealthImmune SupportAging

Tibetan Licorice Extract

capsule

Digestive IssuesRespiratory IssuesStress

Tibetan Rhubarb Extract

capsule

ConstipationDigestive IssuesLiver Support

Tibetan Snow Lotus Extract

capsule

InflammationCirculationFatigue

20 essential oils traditionally used within Tibetan Medicine — most often for Inflammation, Fatigue, Digestive Issues.

Aconite-infused Oil (processed)

topical

ArthritisInflammationCirculation

Artemisia (Tibetan) Oil

topical

InflammationCirculationDigestive Issues

Black Cumin (Himalayan) Oil

topical

Immune SupportInflammationRespiratory Issues

Camphor (Tibetan) Oil

inhalation

Respiratory IssuesInflammationFatigue

Caraway Seed Oil

massage

Digestive IssuesNauseaFatigue

Cardamom (Tibetan) Oil

diffuser

Digestive IssuesNauseaFatigue

Costus Root Oil

massage

Respiratory IssuesInflammationDigestive Issues

Gentian Root Oil

topical

Digestive IssuesLiver SupportFatigue

Ginger Root Oil (Tibetan)

massage

NauseaDigestive IssuesCirculation

Himalayan Cedarwood Oil

diffuser

InsomniaAnxietyStress

Juniper (Tibetan) Oil

diffuser

DetoxKidney SupportStress

Rhodiola Extract Oil

topical

FatigueStressAnxiety

Sandalwood (Tibetan) Oil

diffuser

AnxietyStressSkin Health

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

topical

Skin HealthAgingWound Healing

Snow Lotus Oil

topical

InflammationSkin HealthAging

Spikenard (Himalayan) Oil

diffuser

InsomniaAnxietyStress

Thyme (High-altitude) Oil

inhalation

Respiratory IssuesImmune SupportInflammation

Tibetan Frankincense Oil

diffuser

InflammationImmune SupportStress

Valerian (Tibetan) Oil

diffuser

InsomniaAnxietyStress

Wild Mint (Himalayan) Oil

inhalation

Digestive IssuesNauseaFatigue