Zhi Gan Cao Tang, or Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction, is a renowned Chinese herbal formula from Treatise on Febrile Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing. Celebrated for nourishing qi and yin, boosting yang, and restoring heart function, it’s a go-to remedy for heart-related issues like palpitations and irregular pulse caused by qi and blood deficiency. With a blend of tonic and warming herbs, this formula bridges ancient wisdom with modern applications, offering relief for cardiovascu

Si Shen Wan, or Four Spirits Pill, is a time-honored Chinese herbal formula from Internal Medicine Abstract. Renowned for warming the spleen and kidneys, strengthening the intestines, and stopping diarrhea, it’s a trusted remedy for chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and kidney yang deficiency, often marked by early morning (“five o’clock”) diarrhea. With its blend of warming and astringent herbs, Si Shen Wan remains a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and show

Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang, or Qi-Boosting Clarity Decoction, is a gem of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) crafted by Li Dongyuan, a Jin-Yuan Dynasty master of spleen and stomach health. As the founder of the “Bu Tu School,” Li created this formula to nourish the spleen, replenish qi, and enhance sensory functions like hearing and vision. By lifting clear yang qi and lowering turbid yin, it sharpens the senses and boosts vitality. This article explores its ingredients, benefits,

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, or Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from the Golden Guide by Zhang Zhongjing. Renowned for warming yang, transforming body fluids, strengthening the spleen, and promoting diuresis, it’s a powerful remedy for phlegm and fluid retention caused by spleen yang deficiency. With just four herbs, this formula restores warmth and balance, making it a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and

Huai Hua San, or Pagoda Flower Powder, is a time-tested Chinese herbal formula from Puji Benshi Fang, a classic text of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Known for clearing the intestines, stopping bleeding, dispelling wind, and promoting qi flow, it’s a go-to remedy for conditions like hemorrhoids, blood in the stool, and anal discomfort caused by wind-heat or damp-heat. With just four herbs, this formula offers gentle yet effective relief, blending ancient wisdom with mod

Zhen Wu Tang, or True Warrior Decoction, is a powerful Chinese herbal formula named after Zhenwu, the mythical northern water god who tames floods. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this formula from Treatise on Febrile Diseases warms spleen and kidney yang, promotes urination, and clears dampness. With just five herbs, it’s a go-to remedy for conditions like edema, fatigue, and dizziness caused by yang deficiency and fluid retention, offering both ancient wisdom

Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang, or Cinnamon and Kudzu Decoction, is a cherished formula from Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Febrile Diseases) by Zhang Zhongjing. Known for dispersing wind-heat, relieving muscle tension, and harmonizing yin and yang, this blend of six herbs excels at treating colds, fever, stiff neck, and more. With anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, it’s a versatile remedy for respiratory, musculoskeletal, and systemic conditions, bridging traditional Ch

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, or Lower Abdomen Stasis-Expelling Decoction, is a treasured formula from Yi Lin Gaicuo by Qing Dynasty physician Wang Qingren. Celebrated for promoting blood circulation, clearing blood stasis, regulating qi, and relieving pain, it’s a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for gynecological issues like dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and infertility.

Huan Shao Dan, or Youth-Restoring Pill, is a time-honored Chinese herbal formula from Yang's Family Prescriptions, cherished for its ability to nourish kidney essence, replenish qi and blood, and promote longevity. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this ancient remedy strengthens the spleen, stomach, heart, and kidneys, addressing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and premature aging. While its exact origins are lost to history, its centuries of use and modern ap

Xiao Feng San, or Wind-Dispersing Powder, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from Surgery Authentic by Ming Dynasty physician Chen Shigong. Renowned in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating skin conditions like eczema and hives, this formula dispels wind, clears heat, removes dampness, and nourishes blood. With a blend of herbs that soothe itching and calm rashes, Xiao Feng San remains a trusted remedy for acute skin issues, offering both ancient wisdom and modern

Zeng Ye Tang, or Humor-Increasing Decoction, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from Wenbing Tiaobian by Qing Dynasty physician Wu Jutong. Celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for nourishing yin, boosting body fluids, and relieving constipation, this simple yet powerful blend of three herbs hydrates the intestines and soothes symptoms of fluid deficiency. From chronic dryness to diabetes-related thirst, Zeng Ye Tang offers natural relief, blending ancient wisdom

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, or Sweet Wheat and Jujube Decoction, is a timeless Chinese herbal formula crafted 1,800 years ago by the revered physician Zhang Zhongjing. Recorded in Shanghan Zabing Lun (Jinkui), this simple blend of three everyday ingredients—wheat, licorice, and jujube—works wonders to nourish the heart, calm the mind, and balance the spleen and stomach. Known for soothing irritability, depression, and restlessness, it remains a gentle yet powerful remedy in traditio

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, or Coptis Toxin-Resolving Decoction, is a revered Chinese herbal formula from Wai Tai Mi Yao by Tang Dynasty physician Wang Tao, with roots in Ge Hong’s earlier Zuo Hou Bei Ji Fang. Celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clearing heat, purging fire, and detoxifying the body, this blend of four herbs tackles “fire poison” that causes fever, irritability, and infections. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects make it a corne

Yi Guan Jian, or Effective Integration Decoction, is a cherished Chinese herbal formula from Continuation of Famous Doctors' Cases. Renowned in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for nourishing yin and soothing the liver, this blend of six herbs addresses liver and kidney yin deficiency combined with liver qi stagnation. It relieves symptoms like chest pain, acid reflux, and dry mouth, offering a gentle yet effective remedy for modern ailments like hepatitis and gastritis, ro

Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang, or Aconite Middle-Regulating Decoction, is a revered formula from Jin Kui Yao Lue in Shang Han Za Bing Lun by the “Medical Saint” Zhang Zhongjing of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for warming the middle, dispelling cold, and strengthening the spleen, this blend of five herbs restores yang energy and alleviates symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Its versatility shines i

San Zi Yang Qin Tang, or Three Seeds Nourishing Parents Decoction, is a cherished formula from Han's Medical Encyclopedia by Han Mao, a master physician of the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. This simple yet powerful blend of three herbs—white mustard seeds, perilla seeds, and radish seeds—warms the lungs, clears phlegm, calms coughs, and aids digestion. Named with the heartfelt intent of “nourishing parents,” it reflects traditional Chinese medicine’s (TCM) blend of healing and fili

Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin, or Immortal Formula Life-Giving Beverage, is a time-honored Chinese herbal recipe from the Ming Dynasty, first documented in Annotated Prescriptions for Women by physician Xue Ji. Originally crafted for gynecological care in the imperial harem, this potent blend of thirteen herbs clears heat, detoxifies, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. Celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating ulcers, abscesses, and inflammations, it remains a

Dao Chi San, or Red-Guiding Powder, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue by Qian Yi, a renowned Northern Song Dynasty pediatrician. Designed for children’s delicate constitutions—prone to rapid shifts between heat, cold, strength, or weakness—this gentle blend of four herbs clears heart fire, promotes urination, and nourishes yin. Ideal for treating heart meridian heat syndromes in children, such as restlessness or mouth sores, it also benefits a

Si Miao San, or Four-Marvel Powder, is a time-honored Chinese herbal formula from Cheng Fang Du, Volume 3. Celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clearing heat, drying dampness, and easing joint pain, this blend of four herbs tackles damp-heat syndrome—a condition causing inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. With its roots in ancient wisdom, Si Miao San effectively treats arthritis, skin issues, and urogenital disorders, offering natural relief for modern ai

Da Jian Zhong Tang, or Major Middle-Strengthening Decoction, is a revered formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Treatise on Febrile Diseases and Miscellaneous Diseases in the Han Dynasty. Crafted by the “Medical Saint” to treat severe abdominal pain due to cold and deficiency, this blend of four ingredients warms the middle, replenishes qi, and relieves pain. Known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for soothing chest and abdominal discomfort, it remains a powerful remedy for mod

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, or Notopterygium Dampness-Drying Decoction, is a cherished formula from Spleen and Stomach Theory by Li Dongyuan, a renowned physician of the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. Detailed in this influential Chinese medicine text and echoed in later works like Ji Yang Gang Mu, this blend of seven herbs excels at dispelling wind, drying dampness, and relieving pain. Widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for rheumatic conditions, it offers natural relie