Chinese Medicine : Chinese Herbal Formula

Introduction to Chinese Herbal Formula

Chinese Herbal Formulas, part of the Practical Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology series, joins with two other volumes, Medicinal Herbs and Clinical Experiences, in providing practical applications of Chinese medicine. This volume combines traditional Chinese medicine theory with extensive information about the use of herbs in formula. A study of the formulas presented here will yield a better understanding of the theories and how to apply them in terms of mapping out treatment strategies and identifying herbal prescriptions for a particular disease.

Formulas are grouped by malady. Within each group, the various formulas are introduced. The following organization is adhered to throughout the book in order to facilitate reference.

1. Each formula begins with a listing of its Constituents, which includes the component herbs, their common names and Chinese pinyin names, as well as the quantities of each herb required.
2. Method Used section describes briefly how the formula is prepared.
3. The Functions the herbal formula performs are then listed succinctly.
4. The Indications section defines the conditions in terms of the language of traditional Chinese medicine for which the herbal formula is applicable.
5. The symptoms of the condition are listed next in the Manifestations section.
6. The Explanations section explains how the condition affects the patient's qi, channels and collaterals, blood, body fluids, etc.
7. The Herbs and Actions section groups the herbs according to the role they play in creating the overall effect of the formula.
8. The Applications section uses Western medical terminology to identify specific maladies against which the formula has proven effective.
9. Adjustments to the formula occasioned by special symptoms are presented in the Modifications section.

Through their mutual restraint or mutual reinforcement, herbs can fully display their actions while limiting their toxins. This has been proven by modern scientific research in China. With the aim of meeting the needs of doctors practicing tradtional Chinese medicine throughout the world, we have included in this book over one hundred representative and well-known formulas which are commonly used today. We have designed the book to be a practical, useful guide in your clinical practice. We hope it will be an effective tool in your application of traditional Chinese medicine.