Herbal Formulas
Classic and modern herbal combinations explained.
79 articles · Page 1 of 8
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (芍药甘草汤): Two Herbs, One Leg Cramp Remedy
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang is the smallest formula in the Shang Han Lun — just peony and licorice in equal parts. Zhang Zhongjing used it for calf cramps so severe the patient could not stretch; Song dynasty doctors nicknamed it 'the walking-stick-discarding decoction.' It is still the go-to TCM prescription for muscle spasm.
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San (川芎茶调散): The Song Dynasty Powder for Wind Headaches
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San first appeared in the Song dynasty imperial formulary of 1078 — a tea-blended powder that disperses wind to stop headaches. Four hundred years before aspirin, China's state pharmacy had a standardized headache formula, and it is still one of the most prescribed.
Sheng Hua Tang (生化汤): Fu Qingzhu's Postpartum Formula That Transforms and Generates
Sheng Hua Tang — 'Generation and Transformation Decoction' — is the most famous postpartum formula in TCM. Built around Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong, it expels lochia, warms the uterus, and builds Blood after childbirth. Learn its composition, logic, and safe use.
Si Shen Wan (四神丸): The Four Spirits Pill for Dawn Diarrhea and Kidney-Spleen Yang Deficiency
Learn about Si Shen Wan (四神丸), the classic TCM formula for early-morning diarrhea and loose stools — combining Wu Zhu Yu, Bu Gu Zhi, Rou Dou Kou, and Wu Wei Zi to warm Kidney and Spleen yang.
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (桂枝茯苓丸): The Cinnamon Twig and Poria Formula for Masses, Stasis, and Women's Health
Learn about Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (桂枝茯苓丸), Zhang Zhongjing's classic formula from the Jingui Yaolue for blood stasis masses in the lower abdomen — used today for uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic pain.
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (香砂六君子汤): The Spleen-Stomach Formula for Qi Stagnation with Deficiency
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang expands the classic Six Gentlemen Decoction with Mu Xiang and Sha Ren to tonify Spleen Qi while moving stagnant Qi and drying dampness. Learn when this formula beats the simpler Si Jun Zi Tang or Liu Jun Zi Tang.
Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散): Jade Windscreen Powder in TCM
Yu Ping Feng San, the 'Jade Windscreen Powder,' is TCM's signature formula for strengthening defensive Qi and preventing recurrent colds and allergies. Learn its composition, clinical uses, and how it builds your body's immune shield.
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.