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
Japanese Thistle (Da Ji)
  • Cools the blood, stops bleeding due to reckless movement of hot blood - nosebleed, vomiting blood, blood in urine or stool, uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Reduces swelling, generates flesh - topically for carbuncles, sores, swellings.
  • Internal abscesses - intestinal, lung.
  • Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
  • Nephritis, hematuria.
  • Can be used alone for hypertension, particularly from liver heat or liver fire, but can be used in conjunction with other formulas.
  • Studies have shown benefits for pancreatic beta cells - pancreatic cancer, diabetes.

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
Calm the Shen and Supplement the Heart Pills (An Shen Bu Xin Wan)he huan pi (mimosa tree bark)
  • Insomnia and palpitations
  • Anxiety, possible difficulty with concentration
  • Irritibility and restlessness
  • Tinnitus

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
Run Chang Wan - HBW (9.99)da huang (rhubarb)
  • Constipation primarily from blood and/or yin deficiency patterns.  
  • Dryness of the skin, nails, and/or hair.

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