Chinese Herbs & Formulas

Single Herbs Guide
Herbal Formulas & Their Uses
How to Prepare & Use Herbal Medicine

Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

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Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are various forms of medicine such as pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs. With advancements in science and technology, the forms of Chinese herbal medicine are also evolving. In addition to decoctions, modern Chinese patent medicines, instant granules, and powdered herbs are increasingly accepted by many. However, many patients may … Read more

Is Thicker Chinese Herbal Decoction Better? Important Considerations for Brewing Herbal Medicine

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Is Thicker Chinese Herbal Decoction Better? Important Considerations for Brewing Herbal Medicine

Recently, many friends have messaged me, saying that they bought some formulas locally and are brewing them at home. They asked me for precautions and mentioned an important point: is it true that the longer you brew Chinese herbal medicine, the better? Is a thicker decoction better? In fact, this has been a question for … Read more

Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction – Water

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction - Water

Water: It can be said that water is the primary medicine. Water governs storage and is “beneficial to all things without contention”; its energy is very gentle, and it can serve as a carrier. The general method of using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is to decoct herbs in water. Moreover, in ancient times, there were … Read more

Traditional Recipe Collection: Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)

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Traditional Recipe Collection: Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)

Gui Zhi Tang Zheng (Gui Zhi Decoction Pattern) Gui Zhi Tang is the first formula in the “Shang Han Lun” (Treatise on Cold Damage). Before discussing Gui Zhi Tang, let us first understand what a decoction pattern is. The “Shang Han Lun” is fundamental to TCM clinical practice, establishing a diagnostic system that is crucial … Read more

Which is More Effective: Pills or Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

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Which is More Effective: Pills or Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In the daily operations of a pharmacy, patients often ask the question: which is more effective, “pills” or “decoctions”? First, let us understand these two forms of TCM preparations. Pills (wanji) and decoctions (tangji) are two important forms of traditional Chinese medicine. Pills refer to spherical or quasi-spherical preparations made from finely powdered herbs or … Read more

Formula – Lizhong Decoction (also known as Lizhong Pill or Ginseng Decoction)

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Formula - Lizhong Decoction (also known as Lizhong Pill or Ginseng Decoction)

【Formula Name】Lizhong Pill, derived from the “Treatise on Febrile Diseases” 【Ingredients】Ginseng (Ren Shen), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Honey-Fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao), and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), each 3 taels (9g). 【Dosage】 Grind the four ingredients into a fine powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of a chicken egg yolk (9g). Take … Read more

Methods for Preparing and Consuming Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

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Methods for Preparing and Consuming Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Introduction As stated in the “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “When taking decoctions, even if the herbs are of high quality and prepared correctly, if the decoction process is careless, with improper water and fire control, the medicine will be ineffective.” Therefore, the efficacy of Chinese medicine is not only related to the herbs themselves but … Read more

Research and Reflections on Standardized Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Research and Reflections on Standardized Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the forms of Chinese herbal medicine have evolved from traditional decoctions, pills, pastes, powders, and elixirs to modern forms such as tablets, granules, extracts, formula granules, and micro-powders. Chinese herbal decoctions have been developed over thousands of years and continue to be used today due to their … Read more

Types of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions and Their Properties

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Types of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions and Their Properties

Haven’t followed us? Tap here— There are many types of decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Experts point out that TCM decoctions can be tailored to specific symptoms for targeted treatment. Moreover, most TCM herbs are non-irritating and have no side effects, allowing for rapid efficacy. Therefore, many individuals prefer TCM for disease treatment. Below, … Read more

Understanding the Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

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Understanding the Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) decoctions are liquid preparations made by boiling or soaking medicinal materials to extract their essence. This is one of the earliest and most widely used traditional forms of Chinese medicine. Decoctions can adapt to the principles of TCM’s differential diagnosis and treatment, demonstrating significant flexibility and applicability, meeting the needs for … Read more