Differences Between Decoctions, Syrups, and Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Differences Between Decoctions, Syrups, and Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to medications used for the prevention and treatment of diseases based on TCM theories, which include various plant, animal, and mineral substances. The application of TCM requires guidance from TCM theories; otherwise, it cannot be considered “traditional Chinese medicine.” For example, Germany has many herbal medications, but their application is … Read more

New Opportunities for Powdered Chinese Medicine Amidst Strict Regulations

New Opportunities for Powdered Chinese Medicine Amidst Strict Regulations

Author: Shennong from: Dandelion Since last year, various provinces have successively issued notifications regarding the discontinuation of certain varieties included in their local processing standards, primarily focusing on powdered Chinese medicines. This wave of actions has drawn significant attention from the Chinese medicine community; a phased rectification of powdered Chinese medicines is inevitable. Looking ahead, … Read more

The Efficacy and Functions of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)

The Efficacy and Functions of Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)

Introduction to Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) Angelica Sinensis, also known as Dang Gui, Gan Gui, Qin Na, Xi Dang Gui, Min Dang Gui, Jin Dang Gui, Dang Gui Shen, Han Gui Wei, Dang Gui Qu, and Tu Dang Gui, is primarily produced in the southeastern part of Gansu Province, with Min County being the largest … Read more

Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations—Honey Pills

Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations—Honey Pills

Honey Pills, as the name suggests, are pill formulations made from finely powdered medicinal materials combined with honey as a binding agent. The use of honey pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history. The classic medical text, Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), records that “honey pills are the … Read more

TCM Formulations and Dosage Forms (Part 15): Pills

TCM Formulations and Dosage Forms (Part 15): Pills

Hello everyone, I am Xiao Zhou. Today we will discuss a special category of TCM formulations, pills. Pills are solid preparations shaped like spheres or quasi-spheres made from raw medicinal materials and suitable excipients. Pills are a traditional dosage form in TCM and are widely used. This section focuses on honey pills, drop pills, and … Read more

How to Choose the Type of Pill in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations

How to Choose the Type of Pill in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulations

The Ming Dynasty’s “Shen Shi Yao Han” states: “Decoctions (汤, tang) are for major illnesses; powders (散, san) are for acute conditions; pills (丸, wan) are for chronic conditions, treating them gently and gradually.” This indicates that the form of the medicine is crucial for treating diseases. For acute illnesses, decoctions, powders, and granules are … Read more

Transformations in Traditional Chinese Medicine Powder

Transformations in Traditional Chinese Medicine Powder

Author: Li Feng Reviewed by: Yan Guojun Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) powder has historically been an important method of using medicinal materials, accounting for a significant proportion of total prescriptions. For example, traditional powdered formulas are directly used in TCM, and most pills are prepared from finely powdered medicinal materials. With the development of powder … Read more

Which Formulation is Better for Livestock Production: Chinese Herbal Powders, Granules, or Oral Solutions?

Which Formulation is Better for Livestock Production: Chinese Herbal Powders, Granules, or Oral Solutions?

The application of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine in livestock and poultry farming is becoming increasingly widespread. Commonly used forms of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine include herbal powders, granules, and oral solutions. The formulation refers to the physical form of the medication, which is produced based on the properties of the medicine, the prescription, and the … Read more

Choosing Between Decoctions, Water Pills, and Honey Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Choosing Between Decoctions, Water Pills, and Honey Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In daily life, many people are most familiar with decoctions (tāngjì) as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparation, but it is only one of many types of TCM formulations. The Huangdi Neijing records various forms such as decoctions, pills (wán), powders (sǎn), pastes (gāo), and medicinal wines, along with their preparation methods. The … Read more