'Zhōng yào' literally means 'Chinese medicine' — 'zhōng' refers to China or Chinese, and 'yào' means medicine or drug. Together, the term specifically denotes the traditional medical system developed in China over thousands of years, including herbal formulas, acupuncture, moxibustion, and dietary therapy. Unlike Western pharmaceuticals, zhōng yào emphasizes holistic balance, yin-yang harmony, and the flow of qi (vital energy) throughout the body.

This term is used broadly in clinical, cultural, and regulatory contexts — for example, in hospitals offering integrated care, in pharmacies selling herbal granules or decoctions, and in official health policies. While 'zhōng yào' often refers to plant-based remedies (like ginseng or goji berries), it also encompasses animal-derived substances (e.g., deer antler) and minerals (e.g., gypsum), though ethical and conservation concerns have led to increased use of substitutes in modern practice.