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
Fresh Reed Rhizome (Xian Lu Gen)
  • This is Lu Gen in its fresh form.  See the Lu Gen page for all indications.  
  • Xian Lu Gen is stronger in clearing heat, generating body fluids and promoting urination than the dried herb.

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
Water Stone Removal Pill (Li Niao Pai Shi Wan)wang bu liu xing (vaccaria seeds)
  •  Useful for a range of calcifications/stones - kidney stones, bladder stones, ureter stones and when the underlying pathology is appropriate gallstones.  Generally involves collections of damp heat in the lower warmer.
  • Besides stones, symptoms may range from small volumes of urination, pain with urination, urgency, itching and/or pain in the groin generally.

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
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang - Sun Ten (24.00)sha shen (glehnia root)
  • Important formula for stomach yin deficiency - benefits the stomach and the lungs - a range of digestive issues (gastritis, epigastric pain), possibly with dry throat, thirst and/or cough.
  • Diabetes - particularly with signs of dryness.
  • A range of lung related issues - lung cancer, pneumonia, cough/wheezing.

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