About Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine, also known as Chinese herbology, is one of the primary modalities within the scope of Chinese medicine.

TCM practitioners most often use two or more substances in Chinese medicinal formulations to create a balanced, synergistic effect that reflects the holistic nature of the diagnosis.
Although there are literally thousands of traditional herbal formulas for just about every condition imaginable, a formula is almost always modified by the TCM practitioner to suit the subtle nuances of the condition and constitution of the patient, making each formulation highly individualized.

The common forms of herbal formulas are Tang (means decoction drink), San (fine powder), Wan (pills), Pian (tablets). Tang or San is the original form from which Wan or pian is derived. Tang is the most effective type, but involves individual formulation and decoction, which is a complicated process.

Chinese herbal formulations are prepared in a number of different ways: