Herbs & Formulas

Infertility is clinically defined in women and men who cannot achieve pregnancy after one year of having intercourse without using birth control, occurring in approximately 15% of heterosexual couples who are trying to conceive. According to the National Institutes of Health, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive factors, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by indeterminate factors. This article explores customizable formulas that may support male infertility by treating blood and jing.

Kai Kit Wan is the popularized name in Hong Kong for Jiè Jié Wán (解結丸), which literally means "to untie a knot" and refers specifically to reducing swelling in the prostate. This article gives the benefits of each herb in Kai Kit Wan, combination formulas for your patient’s specific needs, and the TCM terms of an enlarged prostate.

These 16 formulas are commonly prescribed to Men and are considered Men's Essentials for your herbal formula. Learn how to use each formula sorted with pin yin name, alternate name, functions, indications, typical tongue and pulse, and the ingredients so you can easily select the best formulas for your patients!

The classic writings I quote are taken from the Zhubing Yuanhuo Lun, the Mawangdui, and Sun Si Miao. They will offer you the ability to contemplate the first three of the ten lunar months of pregnancy, interpreted and practiced by the leading physicians of that time. In studying the ancients on their thoughts regarding pregnancy, we must realize that these teachings came from the astute observations and witnessing of nature in all its glory and violence. The lessons the ancients learned originated from watching the power and influence of the moon, sun and stars, the weather, seasons, elements, the sowing, cultivating, and harvesting of crops, the language of plants and animals, and bottom line, the interdependence of all these factors as they affect everything on earth.

Known for its extraordinary characteristics for obstetrics and gynecology, Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is discussed and its benefits for blood deficiency, blood stasis, and irregular menstruation.

Many of us are drawn to study and practice Chinese medicine in part due to the wisdom held by such quiet observation and an intuitive understanding that it is a more sustainable way of healing and being. However, when we are in school with hundreds of new herbs to learn: taste, temperatures, actions and combinations, we are often disconnected from the source of those herbs, many of which grow around us every day. Read more about growing Chinese herbs in the US, where to find Chinese herb gardens, and references for sourcing your own seeds.

Many are using traditional Chinese herbal medicine alongside prescription COVID-19 drugs. But can these therapies mix safely? In this article, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores potential interactions between herbs and drugs using Paxlovid and Qingfei Paidu decoction as an example. Learn how these treatments might work together or against each other and discover resources for a deeper dive into COVID-19 therapies.

Explore 11 formulas that address seasonal nasal and phlegm challenges. This comparison chart will help you quickly and easily compare formulas, their functions, indications, and ingredients.

Er long Zuo Ci Wan, also known as Tinnitus Left Supporting Pills, is discussed in support of tinnitus caused by insufficient Kidney and Liver Yin with Deficiency Heat and Liver Yang Rising.

An understanding of the unique nature of children's physiologies from the TCM perspective is essential in both diagnosing the specific nature of these clinical pictures, and in putting together an effective treatment strategy. It is also important to distinguish between acute and chronic ear conditions, as these are treated differently.

With spring just around the corner, it's time to get ready for more time outdoors! Along with warmer days, fresh green grass and blooming flowers, as clinicians it's time for us to prepare for our patients presenting with common seasonal sinus and nasal complaints. Mark Frost, L.Ac. compares 3 common spring formulas: Cang Er Zi San, Bi Yan Pian and Pe Min Kan Wan.

This easy chart shows 10 skin formulas and how to use them including pin yin name, alternate name, functions, indications, typical tongue and pulse, and the ingredients so you can select the best formulas for your patients with ease!

These 16 formulas offer a variety of TCM approaches to supporting healthy heart function. Learn how to use each formula sorted with pin yin name, alternate name, functions, indications, typical tongue and pulse, and the ingredients so you can easily select the best formulas for your patients!

Skye Sturgeon, L.Ac. explores strategies that are designed for the restoration of healthy functioning from Fú xié after a patient has tested seronegative for SARS Cov-2. These patients no longer suffer from COVID-19, but require various remedies to tonify the Qi, Yin, and Blood, and dispel the Lingering Evil Qi to provide for the free flow of Qi that promotes health and normal homeostasis.