Introduction

Chinese Herbal Formulas, part of the Practical Chinese Medicine and

Pharmacology series, joins with two other volumes, Medicinal Herbs

and Clinical Experiences, in providing practical applications of Chinese

medicine. This volume combines traditional Chinese medicine theory

with extensive infonnation about the use of herbs in formula. A study

of the formulas presented here will yield a better understanding of the

theories and how to apply them in terms of mapping out treatment

strategies and identifying herbal prescriptions for a particular disease.

Formulas are grouped by malady. Within each group, the various

formulas are introduced. The following organization is adhered to

throughout the book in order to facilitate reference.

1. Each formula begins with a listing of its Constituents, which

includes the component herbs, their common names and Chinese

pinyin names, as well as the quantities of each herb required.

2. Method Used section describes briefly how the formula is

prepared.

3. The Functions the herbal formula performs are then listed

succinctly.

4. The Indications section defines the conditions in terms of the

language of traditional Chinese medicine for which the herbal formula

is applicable.

5. The symptoms of the condition are listed next in the Manifes-

tations section.

6. The Explanations section explains how the condition affects the

patient's qi, channels and collaterals, blood, body fluids, etc.

7. The Herbs and Actions section groups the herbs according to

the role they play in creating the overall effect of the formula.

8. The Applications section uses Western medical terminology to

identify specific maladies against which the formula has proven

effective.

9. Adjustments to the formula occasioned by special symptoms are

presented in the Modifications section.

Through their mutual restraint or mutual reinforcement, herbs can

fully display their actions while limiting their toxins. This has been

proven by modern scientific research in China. With the aim of

meeting the needs of doctors practicing tradtional Chinese medicine

throughout the world, we have included in this book over one

hundred representative and well-known formulas which are com-

monly used today. We have designed the book to be a practical, useful

guldc in your clinical practice. We hope it will be an effective tool in

your application of traditional Chinese medicine.