Herbal Formulas
Classic and modern herbal combinations explained.
72 articles · Page 1 of 8
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (麻杏石甘汤): Ephedra, Apricot, Gypsum & Licorice Decoction — Clearing Lung Heat in Asthma and Pneumonia
Discover Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, the four-herb Shanghan Lun formula for Lung heat with asthma — wheezing with fever, thick phlegm, and a rapid pulse. Learn its clever use of Ma Huang and Shi Gao together, indications, and modern respiratory applications.
Sang Ju Yin (桑菊饮): Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Drink — The Gentle Formula for an Early Dry Cough
Learn about Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry-Chrysanthemum Drink), the light, famous Wenbing formula for the early stage of a mild respiratory infection — low fever, slight thirst, and a dry cough with little phlegm.
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (黄连阿胶汤): The Insomnia Formula of the Shanghan Lun
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang is Zhang Zhongjing's classic formula for Shaoyin heat causing severe insomnia — tossing and turning with a racing, restless mind. It drains Heart fire while nourishing Kidney Yin, treating the pattern where the body is too hot to sleep but too depleted to settle.
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (清燥救肺汤): Clear Dryness and Rescue the Lungs
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang is Yu Chang's Qing-dynasty formula for warm-dryness damaging the Lungs — dry cough, dry throat, and thirst that appear in late summer and autumn. It clears dryness while protecting Lung Yin, treating the surface level of the Lung that Bai He Gu Jin Tang treats more deeply.
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (补阳还五汤): Tonify Yang to Restore Five-Tenths — Wang Qingren's Stroke Formula
Learn about Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, the legendary TCM formula created by Wang Qingren for post-stroke recovery. Discover how it tonifies Qi, invigorates blood, and unblocks collaterals to treat hemiplegia, numbness, and weakness after stroke.
Wu Mei Wan (乌梅丸): The Black Plum Pill — Zhang Zhongjing's Formula for Cold-Heat Complex and Chronic Diarrhea
Discover Wu Mei Wan, a fascinating TCM formula from the Shang Han Lun that uses black plum (Mume) to treat roundworm, chronic diarrhea, and conditions where cold and heat coexist. Learn its unique composition and modern clinical applications.
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤): The Plum-Pit Qi Throat Formula for Stress and Stagnation
Discover Ban Xia Hou Po Tang, a classic TCM formula from the Jin Gui Yao Lue that resolves phlegm, moves Qi, and treats the sensation of something stuck in the throat — often linked to emotional stress, anxiety, and Plum-Pit Qi (梅核气) syndrome.
Zeng Ye Tang (增液汤): The Fluid-Increasing Decoction for Dryness and Constipation
Learn about Zeng Ye Tang, a elegant three-herb TCM formula from Wen Bing Tiao Bian that increases body fluids, moistens dryness, and treats constipation from Yin and fluid depletion — with no harsh laxatives involved.
Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (活络效灵丹): Zhang Xichun's Pain Formula That Still Raises Eyebrows
A four-herb formula created by Republican-era physician Zhang Xichun specifically for pain — any pain, anywhere in the body. What makes Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan unusual is its radical simplicity and Zhang's bold claim that it works where other formulas fail.
Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang (宣白承气汤): Venting the Lung and Purging Heat Decoction
Learn about Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang, a Qing dynasty formula from Wenbing theory that simultaneously opens the Lungs and purges heat through the intestines — the classic prescription for pneumonia, high fever with constipation, and Lung-Heat accumulating with bowel obstruction.