Herbal Medicine

Theory, Formulations, and Applications

TCM Herbal Medicine Database, Theory, Clinical Applications, and Resources

Chinese Medicine is comprised of a few principle components - acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage, diet/lifestyle habits, and associated techniques such as cupping and moxibustion. Our Herbal Medicine section explores both individual herbs and their use in combinations, or "formulas".

This is an extensive subject and no single source can convey the full breadth and depth of Herbal Medicine. Accordingly, this section is a work in progress.

Our individual TCM herb section has a complete alphabetical view, or you may view by by functional grouping, by channel influences, or by taste / temperature properties. We also have some of the more common precautions noted.


TCM Herb of the Day

Acanthopanax Root Bark (Wu Jia Pi)
  • Dispels wind-cold-damp, strengthens the sinews and bones, chronic bi due to liver and kidney deficiency generating weak sinews (motor function development delays in children, elderly).
  • Transforms damp, reduces swelling - urinary difficulty, edema, damp-cold leg qi.

Our TCM formula section has a complete alphabetical listing of most commonly used formulas. Clinically, formulas are more commonly chosen for their functions, accordingly we have listings by functional groupings as well.


TCM Formula of the Day

Ophiopogon and Trichosanthes Combination (Mai Men Dong Yin Zi Wan)fu ling (poria, china root)
  • Lung and stomach yin deficiency - this is a modified version of Mai Men Dong Tang - fei wei (lung atrophy) syndrome in Chinese Medicine - dry cough from yin fluid damage, generally arises from deficiency fire rising from the stomach yin deficiency.  
  • A range of digestive issues - nausea, vomiting, counterflow qi, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease.
  • Acute or chronic lung issues - bronchitis, dry cough - particularly with other yin deficiency signs (malar flush, heat in the five palms, etc.)
  • Sjogren's syndrome - when other underlying diagnostic factors are a good fit.

Our Herbal Shop has an alphabetical listing of the formulas we most often use with our own patients. We strongly recommend consulting directly with a practitioner before attempting herbal therapy.


Herbal Product of the Day

Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Wan - HBW (9.99)yan hu suo (corydalis rhizome)
  • Pain of all types from qi and blood stagnation - often combined with other more systemic formulas based on the individual.  Pain and inflammation from acute trauma, generalized aches and pains or more chronic issues.  The formula has an analgesic affect on pain and is mild enough to be used for chronic conditions.  
  • As it disperses wind-cold, also useful for muscle aches with the common cold.

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