Pest and mold are responsible for some of the most severe damage to collections of artifacts, especially organic relics. Current methods for pest and mold prevention and control often do not meet safety and environmental requirements. In this paper, we summarize the progress of research on Chinese herbal medicines as attractants, repellents, antifeedants and growth inhibitors of pests, their cytotoxicity and their use for mold - proofing. We conclude that Chinese herbal medicines can indeed be effective; however, further studies of toxicity, prevention and control mechanisms, and relics safety are needed before these substances can be applied to artifacts.