Herbs & Formulas

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.

Compare 26 formulas selected to address a Triple Threat winter season. This chart shows functions, indications, and tongue/pulse for formulas addressing Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, Interior Heat, Interior Deficiency, and Lung Support.

Harmonizing is one of the eight treatment methods used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the contemporary practice of TCM, harmonizing prescriptions fall into four sub-categories: Shao Yang disorders, Liver and Spleen disharmonies, Stomach and Intestine disharmonies, and malarial disorders.

Mark Frost discusses Ci Wu Jia, also known as Eleuthero and “Siberian Ginseng.” Ci wu jia is classified as a Qi tonic. Its nature is spicy, slightly bitter, and warm, entering the Spleen, Heart and Kidney meridians.

Explore 8 Yang Tonics to help practitioners quickly and easily compare formulas, their functions, indications, and ingredients.

Majestic Yang Teapills endeavors to treat various deficiencies by tonifying Yang, strengthening Qi and Blood, and nourishing Jing-essence. It is an intricate formula that, in addition to Yang tonic herbs, contains herbs to tonify and nourish Yin, Blood, Essence, and Qi. It was created to provide practitioners with another option for a wide range of deficiency patterns, particularly relevant in this post pandemic era where so many folks may have been struggling with long term illnesses.