Chinese herbal formulas
Chinese herbal medicine uses precisely composed formulas — combinations of medicinal herbs that work synergistically to address the underlying TCM pattern driving a patient’s condition. Unlike single-herb remedies, classical Chinese formulas have been refined over centuries of clinical use and are the cornerstone of how Chinese herbal medicine is practised today.
The directory below organises the formulas by classical category of action, following the structure of Bensky’s Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, the global standard reference. Each formula has its own page explaining what it is, the TCM patterns it addresses, its key herbs and their actions, the conditions it treats, comparisons with related formulas, and modifications. All formulas I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granule extracts from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Online herbal consultations are available.
For an explanation of the TCM terms used throughout these pages, see the TCM glossary of terms. Individual profiles for the herbs that appear in these formulas are in the Chinese herb directory.
Categories on this page
- 1. Release the Exterior (jie biao)
- 2. Drain Downward / Purgatives (xie xia)
- 3. Harmonise (he jie)
- 4. Clear Heat (qing re)
- 5. Dispel Summer Heat (qu shu)
- 6. Warm the Interior (wen li)
- 7. Tonify (bu yi)
- 8. Stabilise & Astringe (gu se)
- 9. Calm the Spirit (an shen)
- 10. Regulate Qi (li qi)
- 11. Regulate Blood (li xue)
- 12. Treat Wind (zhi feng)
- 13. Treat Dryness (zhi zao)
- 14. Expel Dampness (qu shi)
- 15. Resolve Phlegm and Stop Cough (qu tan / zhi ke)
- 16. Reduce Food Stagnation (xiao shi)
- 17. External Applications & Toxin (yong wai / xiao du)
1. Release the Exterior (jie biao)
Formulas that release wind-cold, wind-heat or cool-dryness pathogens from the surface of the body. Used in the early stages of common cold, flu and other acute infections.
Wind-Cold
- Ma Huang Tang — Ephedra Decoction
- Gui Zhi Tang — Cinnamon Twig Decoction
- Xiang Su San — Cyperus & Perilla Powder
- Ren Shen Bai Du San — Ginseng Decoction to Overcome Pathogenic Influences
- Cang Er Zi San — Xanthium Powder (sinusitis)
- Xin Yi San — Magnolia Flower Powder
- Ge Gen Tang — Kudzu Decoction
- Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang — Ephedra, Aconite & Asarum Decoction (Yang-deficient cold)
- Zai Zao San — Renewal Powder (Yang-deficient cold)
- Xiao Qing Long Tang — Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction
- San Ao Tang — Three-Unbinding Decoction (Wind-Cold cough)
- She Gan Ma Huang Tang — Belamcanda & Ephedra Decoction (Cold-Phlegm wheeze)
- Shen Su Yin — Ginseng & Perilla Drink (Wind-Cold in Qi deficiency)
- Hua Gai San — Canopy Powder (Wind-Cold cough/wheeze)
- Jin Fei Cao San — Inula Powder (Wind-Cold with Phlegm-Rheum)
- Jing Fang Bai Du San — Schizonepeta & Saposhnikovia Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences
- Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang — Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium (Wind-Cold-Damp with interior Heat)
- Ma Huang Lian Qiao Chi Xiao Dou Tang — Ephedra, Forsythia & Adzuki Bean Decoction (Damp-Heat with exterior)
Wind-Heat
- Yin Qiao San — Honeysuckle & Forsythia Powder
- Sang Ju Yin — Mulberry Leaf & Chrysanthemum Drink
- Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang — Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum & Liquorice Decoction
- Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang — Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer
- Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin — Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin (mumps, facial)
- Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang — Cimicifuga & Kudzu Decoction (measles)
- Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang — Schizonepeta & Forsythia Decoction (chronic head/face inflammation)
- Cong Chi Tang — Scallion & Fermented Soybean Decoction (very early Wind-Cold)
- Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin — Scallion 7-Herb Drink (Wind-Cold in Blood deficiency)
- Da Qing Long Tang — Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction (Wind-Cold with interior Heat)
Cool-Dryness
Warm-Dryness
2. Drain Downward / Purgatives (xie xia)
Formulas that promote bowel movement and drain accumulated Heat, Cold or water through the bowels.
Purge Heat
- Da Cheng Qi Tang — Major Order the Qi Decoction
- Xiao Cheng Qi Tang — Minor Order the Qi Decoction
- Huang Long Tang — Yellow Dragon Decoction (purge with tonify)
- Liu Mo Tang — Six Milled Ingredients Decoction (Qi-stagnation constipation)
- Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang — Rhubarb & Moutan Decoction (intestinal abscess)
- Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan — Rhubarb & Earth Beetle Pill (chronic Blood stasis with depletion)
Moisten Dryness
- Ma Zi Ren Wan — Hemp Seed Pill
- Wu Ren Wan — Five-Seed Pill
- Run Chang Wan — Moisten the Intestines Pill
- Zeng Ye Tang — Increase the Fluids Decoction
- Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang — Increase the Fluids and Order the Qi Decoction
- Huang Qi Tang — Astragalus Decoction (Qi-deficient constipation)
Warm-Purge Cold
- Wen Pi Tang — Warm the Spleen Decoction
- San Wu Bei Ji Wan — Three Substance Emergency Pill
- Ji Chuan Jian — Benefit the River Decoction (Kidney-Yang deficient constipation)
- Da Huang Fu Zi Tang — Rhubarb & Aconite Decoction (Cold accumulation)
Drive Out Water
3. Harmonise (he jie)
Formulas that resolve disharmonies between the exterior and interior, between Liver and Spleen, between Stomach and Intestines, or between Cold and Heat.
Harmonise the Shaoyang
- Xiao Chai Hu Tang — Minor Bupleurum Decoction
- Da Chai Hu Tang — Major Bupleurum Decoction
- Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang — Bupleurum & Cinnamon Twig Decoction
- Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang — Bupleurum with Dragon Bone & Oyster Shell
- Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang — Sweet Wormwood & Scutellaria to Clear the Gallbladder (Shao Yang Damp-Heat)
- Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang — Shao Yang with Spleen-Yang injury and water retention
- Chai Hu Qing Gan Tang — Bupleurum Clear the Liver Decoction (Liver-GB Fire affecting head/skin)
- Chai Ling Tang — Bupleurum & Poria (Shao Yang with water retention)
Harmonise Liver-Spleen
- Xiao Yao San — Free and Easy Wanderer
- Jia Wei Xiao Yao San — Augmented Free and Easy Wanderer
- Si Ni San — Frigid Extremities Powder
- Tong Xie Yao Fang — Painful Diarrhoea Essential Formula
Harmonise Stomach
- Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang — Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium
- Huang Lian Tang — Coptis Decoction (Stomach Heat with Intestinal Cold)
4. Clear Heat (qing re)
Formulas that clear Heat from different levels of the body — Qi level, Nutritive level, Blood level, organ Heat, and Fire toxin.
Clear Qi-Level Heat
- Bai Hu Tang — White Tiger Decoction
- Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang — Bamboo Leaf & Gypsum Decoction
- Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang — White Tiger plus Cinnamon Twig (Hot Bi syndrome)
- Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang — White Tiger plus Ginseng (Heat damaging Qi and fluids)
- Bai Hu Jia Cang Zhu Tang — White Tiger plus Atractylodes (Damp-Heat Bi)
Clear Heat from the Chest / Residual Heat
- Zhi Zi Chi Tang — Gardenia & Prepared Soybean Decoction
- Zhi Zi Hou Po Tang — Gardenia & Magnolia Bark Decoction
- Liang Ge San — Cool the Diaphragm Powder (upper/middle Heat with constipation)
Clear Nutritive / Blood Level Heat
- Qing Ying Tang — Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction
- Hua Ban Tang — Transform Maculae Decoction (Heat into the Blood with maculopapular rash)
Clear Organ Heat
- Long Dan Xie Gan Tang — Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction
- Xie Bai San — Drain the White Powder (Lung Heat)
- Xie Huang San — Drain the Yellow Powder (Spleen-Stomach Heat)
- Xie Qing Wan — Drain the Green Pill (Liver Fire)
- Qing Wei San — Clear the Stomach Powder (Stomach Fire toothache)
- Yu Nu Jian — Jade Lady Decoction (Stomach Heat)
- Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin — Magnolia Flower Drink to Clear Lung Heat
- Zuo Jin Wan — Left Metal Pill
- Bai Tou Weng Tang — Pulsatilla Decoction
- Shao Yao Tang — Peony Decoction (Damp-Heat dysentery)
- Hua Gan Jian — Transform the Liver Decoction (Liver Fire)
- Huai Hua San — Sophora Flower Powder (Intestinal Wind bleeding)
- Huai Jiao Wan — Sophora Fruit Pill (chronic intestinal bleeding)
- Lian Po Yin — Coptis & Magnolia Beverage (acute Damp-Heat gastroenteritis)
- Dang Gui Long Hui Wan — Tangkuei, Gentian & Aloe Pill (severe Liver Fire)
- Gan Lu Yin — Sweet Dew Drink (Stomach Yin deficiency with mouth ulcers)
Resolve Fire Toxin
- Huang Lian Jie Du Tang — Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity
- Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin — Five-Ingredient Decoction to Eliminate Toxin
- Qing Wen Bai Du Yin — Clear Epidemics & Eliminate Toxin Decoction
- Si Miao Yong An Tang — Four Marvel Decoction for Quick Restoration (vascular toxin)
Clear Deficient Heat
- Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang — Nourish Yin & Direct Down Fire Decoction
- Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang — Sweet Wormwood & Turtle Shell Decoction
- Qing Gu San — Cool the Bones Powder (bone-steaming)
- Bai He Di Huang Tang — Lily Bulb & Rehmannia Decoction (Lily Bulb Disease)
- Bai He Zhi Mu Tang — Lily Bulb & Anemarrhena Decoction (Lily Disease with Heat)
- Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang — Tangkuei & Six Yellows (severe Yin-deficient night sweats)
Treat Xiao Ke (diabetic-pattern thirst)
5. Dispel Summer Heat (qu shu)
Formulas for the seasonal patterns of summer heat with damp.
- Xiang Ru San — Mosla Powder
- Liu Yi San — Six-to-One Powder (summer Heat with Damp)
- Liu He Tang — Six Harmonies Decoction (summer Damp-Cold gastroenteritis)
6. Warm the Interior (wen li)
Formulas that warm the interior to dispel Cold from the Spleen, Stomach, channels and Kidneys, and rescue collapsed Yang.
Warm the Middle
- Li Zhong Wan — Regulate the Middle Pill
- Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan — Aconite Pill to Regulate the Middle
- Zhi Shi Li Zhong Wan — Aurantium Regulate the Middle Pill
- Wu Zhu Yu Tang — Evodia Decoction
- Liang Fu Wan — Galangal & Cyperus Pill
- Lian Li Tang — Coptis Regulate the Middle Decoction (Spleen Yang cold with Stomach Heat)
- Da Jian Zhong Tang — Major Construct the Middle (severe middle-burner Cold)
- Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang — Clove & Persimmon Calyx (Cold hiccups)
Warm the Channels
- Dang Gui Si Ni Tang — Tangkuei Decoction for Frigid Extremities
- Yang He Tang — Harmonise Yang Decoction
- Shao Yao Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang — Peony, Licorice & Aconite Decoction (cramps)
- Tian Tai Wu Yao San — Top-Quality Lindera Powder (cold hernia)
- Nuan Gan Jian — Warm the Liver Decoction (Cold-stagnation Liver channel)
Rescue Yang Collapse
- Shen Fu Tang — Ginseng & Aconite Decoction
- Tong Mai Si Ni Tang — Unblock the Vessels Decoction
- Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang — Restore Yang & Rescue from Devastation Decoction
7. Tonify (bu yi)
Formulas that supplement Qi, Blood, Yin or Yang where there is deficiency.
Tonify Qi
- Si Jun Zi Tang — Four Gentlemen Decoction
- Liu Jun Zi Tang — Six Gentlemen Decoction
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang — Six Gentlemen with Aucklandia & Amomum
- Yi Gong San — Extraordinary Merit Powder
- Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Ginseng, Poria & Atractylodes Powder
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang — Tonify the Middle & Augment the Qi Decoction
- Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang — Raise the Yang & Benefit the Stomach Decoction
- Yu Ping Feng San — Jade Windscreen Powder
- Sheng Mai San — Generate the Pulse Powder
- Bao Yuan Tang — Preserve Primal Qi Decoction (profound Yuan Qi deficiency)
- Bu Fei Tang — Tonify the Lung Decoction (chronic Lung Qi deficiency)
Tonify Blood
Tonify Qi & Blood
- Ba Zhen Tang — Eight Treasure Decoction
- Shi Quan Da Bu Tang — Ten-Treasure Great Tonifying Decoction
- Gui Pi Tang — Restore the Spleen Decoction
- Suan Zao Ren Tang He Gui Pi Tang — Combined Insomnia Formula
- Yu Lin Zhu — Jade Unicorn Pill (female fertility)
- Sheng Yu Tang — Sage-like Healing Decoction (post blood loss)
- Tai Shan Pan Shi San — Powder Stable as a Mountain (threatened miscarriage)
- Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang — Astragalus & Cinnamon Twig Five-Substance Decoction (Blood Bi numbness)
Tonify Kidney for Pregnancy
Lift Sinking Qi
- Sheng Xian Tang — Lift the Sinking Decoction (chest Qi)
- Ju Yuan Jian — Lift the Source Decoction (heavy periods, uterine prolapse)
Tonify Yin
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill
- Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan — Anemarrhena, Phellodendron & Rehmannia Pill
- Qi Ju Di Huang Wan — Lycium, Chrysanthemum & Rehmannia Pill
- Gui Shao Di Huang Wan — Angelica, Peony & Rehmannia Decoction
- Da Bu Yin Wan — Great Tonify the Yin Pill
- Zuo Gui Wan — Restore the Left Kidney Pill
- Zuo Gui Yin — Restore the Left Drink
- Yu Zhu Mai Men Dong Tang — Solomon’s Seal & Ophiopogon Decoction
- Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang — Glehnia & Ophiopogon Decoction
- Yi Wei Tang — Benefit the Stomach Decoction
- Bai He Gu Jin Tang — Lily Bulb to Preserve the Metal Decoction
- Mai Men Dong Tang — Ophiopogon Decoction
- Yi Guan Jian — Linking Decoction
- Liang Di Tang — Two Rehmannia Decoction (Yin-deficient menstrual bleeding)
- Mai Wei Di Huang Wan — Ophiopogon, Schisandra & Rehmannia Pill (Lung-Kidney Yin)
- Er Zhi Wan — Two Solstices Pill (mild Liver-Kidney Yin)
- Du Qi Wan — Capital Qi Pill (Kidney failing to grasp Qi)
- Er Long Zuo Ci Wan — Tinnitus Left-Magnetite Pill (Yin-deficient tinnitus / hearing loss)
Tonify Yang
- You Gui Wan — Restore the Right Kidney Pill
- You Gui Yin — Restore the Right Drink
- Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan — Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet
- Er Xian Tang — Two Immortals Decoction
- Zan Yu Dan — Special Pill to Aid Fertility (male fertility)
- Huan Shao Dan — Return to Youth Pill (premature ageing)
- Nei Bu Wan — Internal Tonification Pill (female Yang deficiency)
- Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan — Life-Saving Kidney Qi Pill (Yang-deficient oedema)
- Niu Che Shen Qi Wan — Achyranthes & Plantago Kidney Qi Pill (lumbar/knee, neuropathy)
- Da Bu Yuan Jian — Great Tonify the Source (severe Kidney Essence depletion)
- Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao — Tortoise & Deer Antler Two Immortals Glue (severe combined Yin-Yang-Essence depletion)
Tonify Sensory Function
- Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang — Augment the Qi & Brighten the Eyes Decoction
- Zhu Jing Wan — Pearl Eye Pill
- Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — Brighten the Eyes Rehmannia Pill
Construct the Middle
- Xiao Jian Zhong Tang — Minor Construct the Middle Decoction
- Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang — Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle
8. Stabilise & Astringe (gu se)
Formulas that stop abnormal leakage of fluids, sweat, Essence, urine, stool or discharge.
- Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang — True Person’s Decoction to Nourish the Viscera (chronic diarrhoea)
- Si Shen Wan — Four Miracle Pill (early-morning diarrhoea)
- Tao Hua Tang — Peach Blossom Decoction (chronic bloody diarrhoea)
- Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan — Golden Lock Pill to Secure Essence
- Sang Piao Xiao San — Mantis Egg Case Powder
- Suo Quan Wan — Reduce the Stream Pill (frequent urination)
- Wan Dai Tang — End the Discharge Decoction
- Yi Huang Tang — Change Yellow Decoction
- Mu Li San — Oyster Shell Powder (spontaneous and night sweating)
- Gu Chong Tang — Stabilise the Chong Decoction (Spleen-Qi-deficient heavy uterine bleeding)
- Gu Jing Wan — Stabilise the Menses Pill (Yin-deficient heavy bleeding)
- Gu Yin Jian — Astringe the Yin Decoction (Kidney Yin Essence leakage)
9. Calm the Spirit (an shen)
Formulas for insomnia, anxiety, palpitations and disturbed Shen.
- Suan Zao Ren Tang — Sour Jujube Seed Decoction
- Tian Wang Bu-Xin Dan — Emperor of Heaven’s Special Pill
- Yang Xin Tang — Nourish the Heart Decoction
- Gan Mai Da Zao Tang — Licorice, Wheat & Jujube Decoction
- Long Gu Mu Li Tang — Dragon Bone & Oyster Shell Decoction
- Jiao Tai Wan — Grand Communication Pill (Heart-Kidney not communicating)
- An Shen Ding Zhi Wan — Calm Spirit, Settle Emotions Pill (Heart-Qi-deficient anxiety with Phlegm)
- Bai Zi Ren Wan — Biota Seed Pill (Heart-Blood-deficient insomnia)
10. Regulate Qi (li qi)
Formulas that move stagnant Qi or descend rebellious Qi.
Move Stagnant Qi
- Yue Ju Wan — Escape Restraint Pill
- Chai Hu Shu Gan San — Bupleurum Liver-Spreading Powder
- Jin Ling Zi San — Melia Toosendan Powder
- Ban Xia Hou Po Tang — Pinellia & Magnolia Bark Decoction
- Wu Yao Shun Qi San — Lindera Powder to Smooth the Flow of Qi
- Si Mo Tang — Four Milled Herb Decoction (severe Qi stagnation)
- Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang — Magnolia Warm the Middle Decoction (Cold-Damp bloating)
- Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan — Aucklandia Smooth-the-Qi Pill (food/Damp stagnation)
- Ju He Wan — Tangerine Seed Pill (Liver channel cold-stagnation, hernia)
- Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang — Sargassum Decoction for the Jade Flask (goitre, thyroid nodules)
- Dan Shen Yin — Salvia Drink (Heart Qi-Blood stagnation chest pain)
- Chen Xiang Jiang Qi Tang — Aquilaria Descend the Qi (severe rebellious Qi)
- Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan — Mugwort & Cyperus Warm the Uterus Pill (cold uterus infertility)
Descend Rebellious Qi
- Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang — Perilla Seed Descend the Qi Decoction
- Ding Chuan Tang — Arrest Wheezing Decoction
- Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang — Inula & Hematite Decoction
- Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang — Tangerine Peel & Bamboo Shaving Decoction
- Xiao Ban Xia Tang — Minor Pinellia Decoction
- Xiao Ban Xia Jia Fu Ling Tang — Minor Pinellia & Poria Decoction
11. Regulate Blood (li xue)
Formulas that move stagnant Blood, stop bleeding or relieve pain from Blood stasis.
Move Blood & Break Stasis
- Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis in the Mansion of Blood
- Tao He Cheng Qi Tang — Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi
- Tao Hong Si Wu Tang — Four-Substance Decoction with Safflower & Peach Pit
- Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis Below the Diaphragm
- Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis in the Lower Abdomen Decoction
- Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis from a Painful Body
- Sheng Hua Tang — Generate & Transform Decoction (postpartum)
- Wen Jing Tang — Warm the Menses Decoction
- Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan — Cinnamon Twig & Poria Pill
- Zhe Chong Yin — Drift & Penetrate Decoction
- Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang — Tonify Yang to Restore Five-Tenths
- Yan Hu Suo San — Corydalis Powder (pain)
- Shi Xiao San — Sudden Smile Powder (Blood stasis pain)
- Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan — Invigorate the Channels Effective Pill (Blood stasis pain)
- Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang — Restore the Source & Invigorate Blood (traumatic Blood stasis)
Stop Bleeding
- Xiao Ji Yin Zi — Cephalanoplos Drink (haematuria)
- Si Sheng Wan — Four-Fresh Pill (Blood Heat bleeding)
- San Huang Xie Xin Tang — Drain the Epigastrium with Three Yellows (Fire bleeding)
12. Treat Wind (zhi feng)
Formulas that dispel external Wind or extinguish internal Wind.
Dispel External Wind
- Xiao Feng San — Eliminate Wind Powder
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San — Tea-mixed Chuan Xiong Powder
- Yu Zhen San — True Jade Powder (tetanus)
- Xiao Huo Luo Dan — Minor Invigorate the Channels Pill
- Fang Feng Tong Sheng San — Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks
- Da Qin Jiao Tang — Major Large Gentian Decoction (Bell’s palsy, channel-Wind)
Extinguish Internal Wind
- Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin — Gastrodia & Uncaria Drink
- Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang — Sedate the Liver & Extinguish Wind Decoction
- Yi Gan San — Restrain the Liver Powder
- Da Ding Feng Zhu — Major Calm Wind Pearl Decoction
- Di Huang Yin Zi — Rehmannia Drink (post-stroke aphasia, vascular dementia)
13. Treat Dryness (zhi zao)
Formulas that moisten dryness in the Lung, Stomach and Intestines.
14. Expel Dampness (qu shi)
Formulas that resolve Damp through aromatic transformation, drying, drainage through urine or Wind-Damp dispersal.
Aromatic Transformation
- Ping Wei San — Calm the Stomach Powder
- Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San — Patchouli Rectify the Qi Powder
- Huo Po Xia Ling Tang — Agastache, Magnolia, Pinellia & Poria Decoction (early Damp-Warm disease)
Clear Damp-Heat
- Yin Chen Hao Tang — Artemisia Capillaris Decoction
- Yin Chen Wu Ling San — Artemisia & Five-Ling Powder
- Er Miao San — Two Marvel Powder
- Si Miao San — Four Marvel Powder
- Ba Zheng San — Eight Correct Powder
- San Ren Tang — Three Nut Decoction
- Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan — Sweet Dew Eliminate Toxin Pill
- Xing Ren Hua Shi Tang — Apricot Kernel & Talc Decoction
- Huang Qin Tang — Scutellaria Decoction
- Qing Fei Tang — Clear the Lung Decoction
- Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan — Aucklandia & Areca Pill (Damp-Heat with food/Qi stagnation)
Promote Urination & Reduce Edema
- Wu Ling San — Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria
- Zhu Ling Tang — Polyporus Decoction
- Wu Pi San — Five-Peel Decoction
- Wei Ling Tang — Calm the Stomach & Poria Decoction
- Ze Xie Tang — Alisma Decoction
- Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang — Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes & Liquorice Decoction
- Ji Ming San — Cockcrow Powder (Cold-Damp leg Qi)
- Mu Fang Ji Tang — Stephania Decoction (Phlegm-fluid in chest, cardiac oedema)
- Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang — Tangkuei to Pinch the Pain (Wind-Damp-Heat Bi, gout)
- Ge Hua Jie Cheng San — Kudzu Flower Powder (alcohol injury, hangover)
Resolve Wind-Water Edema
- Yue Bi Tang — Maidservant from Yue Decoction
- Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang — Maidservant from Yue plus Atractylodes
- Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang — Stephania & Astragalus Decoction
- Zhen Wu Tang — True Warrior Decoction (Yang-deficient edema)
Treat Wind-Damp Bi (joint obstruction)
- Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan — Angelica Pubescens & Taxillus Decoction
- Juan Bi Tang — Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction
- Xuan Bi Tang — Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction
- Yi Yi Ren Tang — Coix Decoction
- San Bi Tang — Three Painful Obstruction Decoction
- Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang — Relax the Channels and Invigorate the Blood Decoction
Yang-Deficient Edema
15. Resolve Phlegm and Stop Cough (qu tan / zhi ke)
Formulas that transform Phlegm and Damp from the Lungs, Stomach, channels and chest.
Resolve Damp-Phlegm
- Er Chen Tang — Two-Cured Decoction
- Wen Dan Tang — Warm the Gallbladder Decoction
- Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang — Pinellia, Atractylodes & Gastrodia Decoction
Resolve Heat-Phlegm
Resolve Wind-Phlegm
Resolve Cold-Phlegm
Resolve Phlegm in the Chest (Chest Bi)
- Gua Lou Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang — Trichosanthes, Garlic & Wine (Chest Bi with Phlegm)
- Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang — with Pinellia (severe Chest Bi)
Resolve Old Phlegm-Fire
Stop Cough & Benefit the Throat
- Zhi Sou San — Stop Coughing Powder
- San Zi Yang Qin Tang — Three-Seed Decoction (elderly Phlegm cough)
- Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang — Lepidium and Jujube Drain the Lung Decoction
- Jie Geng Tang — Platycodon Decoction (sore throat, lung abscess)
16. Reduce Food Stagnation (xiao shi)
Formulas that resolve food retention in the stomach and intestines.
- Bao He Wan — Preserve Harmony Pill
- Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan — Aurantium Pill to Guide Out Stagnation
- Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan — Aurantium Pill to Reduce Focal Distention
- Zhi Shi Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang — Aurantium, Chinese Garlic & Cinnamon Twig Decoction
17. External Applications & Toxin (yong wai / xiao du)
Formulas for topical application and treatment of abscesses, sores and skin toxin.
Topical
Internal Treatment of Abscesses & Sores
- Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin — Five-Ingredient Decoction to Eliminate Toxin (also Clear Heat)
- Wei Jing Tang — Reed Decoction (Lung abscess)
- Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin — Discharge Pus & Eliminate Toxin Drink (chronic non-healing)
- Nei Xiao Luo Li Wan — Internal Dispersing Pill for Scrofula (cervical lymphadenopathy)
How I prescribe Chinese herbal formulas
In clinical practice, formulas are rarely prescribed exactly as written in classical texts. Based on the individual patient’s TCM pattern diagnosis — identified through tongue examination, pulse-taking, detailed questioning and observation — I select the most appropriate base formula and modify it by adding or removing specific herbs to match the patient’s unique presentation. This process of personalisation is what distinguishes authentic TCM herbal prescribing from off-the-shelf herbal products.
All formulas are prescribed as pharmaceutical-grade granule extracts dissolved in warm water and taken as a daily drink. The granules I prescribe are manufactured by Sun Ten in Taiwan, one of the world’s leading producers of pharmaceutical-grade Chinese herbal extracts.
For more information visit the Chinese herbal medicine page or book an online herbal consultation. For the herbs that appear in these formulas, see the Chinese herb directory.
