Herbal Formulas
Classic and modern herbal combinations explained.
77 articles · Page 5 of 8
Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder): Unlocking Liver Qi to Warm the Limbs
Learn about Si Ni San (四逆散), a classic TCM formula from the Shanghan Lun that treats cold hands and feet caused by Liver Qi stagnation — not Yang deficiency. Understand its ingredients, mechanism, and clinical uses.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction): TCM's Most Famous Harmonizing Formula
Explore Xiao Chai Hu Tang (小柴胡汤), the legendary Shaoyang harmonizing formula from the Shanghan Lun. Learn its ingredients, mechanisms, clinical uses for alternating fever-chills, rib pain, and nausea.
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang (桂枝芍药知母汤): TCM Formula for Chronic Joint Pain with Cold-Damp and Heat
Learn about Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, the classic Shanghan Lun formula for chronic joint pain combining cold-damp obstruction with heat transformation — treating swollen, painful joints that are stiff and warm.
Wu Ling San (五苓散): TCM's Classic Formula for Water Retention, Edema, and Fluid Metabolism Disorders
Learn about Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), the most important TCM formula for promoting urination, resolving edema, and restoring fluid metabolism — used for water retention, urinary difficulty, and damp-fluid accumulation.
Bai Tou Weng Tang (白头翁汤): TCM's Classic Formula for Heat-Toxin Dysentery and Bloody Diarrhea
Learn about Bai Tou Weng Tang, the definitive TCM formula for heat-toxin dysentery — bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tenesmus caused by damp-heat in the intestines, with its powerful heat-clearing and toxin-resolving herb combination.
Er Long Zuo Ci Wan (耳聋左慈丸): TCM Formula for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss from Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency
Learn about Er Long Zuo Ci Wan, the classic TCM formula for tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear-related symptoms caused by Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency — nourishing Kidney Yin, subduing Liver Yang, and supporting ear function.
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (藿香正气散): TCM's #1 Formula for Stomach Flu and Damp-Cold Digestive Issues
Learn about Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, the most widely used TCM formula for stomach flu, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive distress caused by damp-cold — the essential summer and travel medicine cabinet formula.
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (十全大补汤): Ten-Significant Tonic Decoction — The Ultimate Qi and Blood Formula
Learn about Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, the comprehensive Qi-Blood tonifying formula that combines Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang with Huang Qi and Rou Gui — used for severe exhaustion, post-surgical recovery, and chronic deficiency.
Xiang Su San (香苏散): Cyperus and Perilla Powder — Calming the Stomach While Releasing the Exterior
Learn about Xiang Su San, the elegant Song Dynasty formula that simultaneously releases exterior wind-cold and regulates Qi — ideal for colds accompanied by stomach discomfort, emotional stress, and chest fullness.
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (防风通圣散): The Universal Wind-Clearing Powder for Exterior-Interior Excess
Explore Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, Liu Wansu's famous Jin Dynasty formula that simultaneously resolves exterior wind, clears interior heat, purges accumulation, and resolves dampness — a comprehensive formula for complex excess patterns with simultaneous exterior and interior pathology.