Table 1 Chinese medicine categories with potential relevance for depressive disorders (adapted from 9)

Shen (Mind)

palpitations, anxiety, insomnia

Zizyphus spinosa Hu, Platycladus orientalis Franco, Albizia julibrissin Durazz.

Tonify Qi

lethargy, weakness, poor appetite, weak voice, pale complexion, breathlessness, immunodeficiency

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, Codonopsis pilosula Nannf., Astragalus propinquus Schischkin, Atractylodes Koidz., Glycyrrhiza spp., Dioscorea opposita Thunb.

Tonify Yang

systemic exhaustion, fear of cold, cold extremities, withdrawal, sore and weak lower back, slow and deep pulse

Cistanche deserticola Ma, Epimedium grandiflorum Morr, Psoralea corylifolia L., Alpinia oxyphylla Miq., Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, Dipsacus asper Wall, Morinda citrifolia L., Cnidium monnieri L.

Phlegm (Heart)

delirium, seizure, coma, various psychiatric conditions (such as bipolar depression)

Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow, Liquidambar orientalis Miller, Acorus gramineus Sol.