Yan'an Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Last updated 2026-11-08 — Yan'an is rich in traditional Chinese medicinal herb resources, boasting a wide variety of species. It has long been known as "no idle grass in Yan'an, a treasure trove of Chinese medicine." According to herbal resource surveys, there are as many as 494 recorded species, of which 191 are listed as commonly purchased bulk medicinal materials. Yan'an’s herbs not only have medicinal value but also serve a variety of other purposes, and have enjoyed a longstanding reputation throughout history. Licorice powder root is considered one of the “Three Treasures of Northern Shaanxi,” renowned across the nation and Southeast Asia for its firm texture and high starch content. Almonds have historically been one of the country's major production areas and suppliers—not only serving as an effective remedy for eye conditions but also as an essential fruit for grand banquets in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Southeast Asian regions. Mountain peach kernels, sour jujube seeds, and dragon bones hold significant positions in the national Chinese medicinal herb market. Over twenty types—including raw rehmannia, three-needle pine, earthworm vine, acanthopanax bark, bupleurum, and forsythia—have become Yan'an’s flagship products. Sea buckthorn grows abundantly throughout the mountainous regions of the city, with vast reserves. According to scientific evaluations, its vitamin content is three times that of kiwifruit and 50 to 400 times that of pears. It also contains a variety of amino acids and trace elements. Sea buckthorn can be processed into high-quality, nutrient-rich beverages with excellent flavor. The sea buckthorn oil extracted from its seeds can block the synthesis of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the human body, offering significant anti-cancer effects and earning it the title of “miracle oil.” The Yan'an Pharmaceutical Factory produces a traditional Chinese patent medicine called “Xinshenning” (Heart and Spirit Calming), primarily made from sour jujube seeds and other herbs. It is highly effective in regulating endocrine function, calming convulsions, and treating neurasthenia, and has become a popular purchase among visitors from other regions.