“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” – Chinese Proverb
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history of using herbs to address various health conditions. Chinese herbal formulas, in particular, have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health issues, from digestive disorders to respiratory problems, and everything in between. In this blog post, we will explore the five most popular Chinese herbal formulas, how to make them, and what they are used for.
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
Si Jun Zi Tang is a classic Chinese herbal formula that is used to tonify the Qi or energy of the body. This formula consists of four herbs: Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice). Si Jun Zi Tang is commonly used to treat fatigue, lack of appetite, and loose stools.
To make Si Jun Zi Tang, you will need:
30g Ren Shen (Ginseng)
30g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
30g Fu Ling (Poria)
10g Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice)
Place all the herbs in a pot with six cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction while it’s still warm. You can also add honey or rock sugar to taste.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a popular Chinese herbal formula that is used to nourish the Yin of the body. This formula consists of six herbs: Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), Shan Yao (Dioscorea), Fu Ling (Poria), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), and Ze Xie (Alisma). Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is commonly used to treat dizziness, tinnitus, and night sweats.
To make Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, you will need:
30g Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia)
20g Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus)
20g Shan Yao (Dioscorea)
20g Fu Ling (Poria)
10g Mu Dan Pi (Moutan)
10g Ze Xie (Alisma)
Place all the herbs in a pot with six cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction while it’s still warm. You can also add honey or rock sugar to taste.
Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)
Xiao Yao San is a famous Chinese herbal formula that is used to regulate the liver Qi. This formula consists of eight herbs: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Shao (White Peony), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Bo He (Mint), and Sheng Jiang (Ginger). Xiao Yao San is commonly used to treat stress, anxiety, and menstrual disorders.
To make Xiao Yao San, you will need:
15g Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
10g Dang Gui (Angelica)
10g Bai Shao (White Peony)
10g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
10g Fu Ling (Poria)
5g Gan Cao (Licorice)
5g Bo He (Mint)
5g Sheng Jiang (Ginger)
Place all the herbs in a pot with six cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction while it’s still warm. You can also add honey or rock sugar to taste.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San(Augmented Rambling Powder)
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San is a modified version of the classic Xiao Yao San formula. It contains the same eight herbs as Xiao Yao San, plus two additional herbs: Mu Dan Pi (Moutan) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia). This formula is commonly used to treat stress, depression, and menstrual disorders.
To make Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, you will need:
15g Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
10g Dang Gui (Angelica)
10g Bai Shao (White Peony)
10g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes)
10g Fu Ling (Poria)
5g Gan Cao (Licorice)
5g Bo He (Mint)
5g Sheng Jiang (Ginger)
10g Mu Dan Pi (Moutan)
10g Zhi Zi (Gardenia)
Place all the herbs in a pot with six cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction while it’s still warm. You can also add honey or rock sugar to taste.
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium)
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is a classic Chinese herbal formula that is used to regulate the Stomach Qi and treat gastrointestinal disorders. This formula consists of five herbs: Ban Xia (Pinellia), Huang Lian (Coptis), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ren Shen (Ginseng), and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice). Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is commonly used to treat nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To make Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, you will need:
15g Ban Xia (Pinellia)
10g Huang Lian (Coptis)
10g Huang Qin (Scutellaria)
6g Ren Shen (Ginseng)
3g Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice)
Place all the herbs in a pot with six cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction while it’s still warm. You can also add honey or rock sugar to taste.
Chinese herbal formulas have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These five formulas are some of the most popular and effective formulas used in TCM. By understanding how to make them and what they are used for, you can incorporate these formulas into your own health routine and experience the benefits of TCM. However, it is always recommended to consult a licensed TCM practitioner before using any herbal formula for the treatment of a specific health condition.
Sources:
“Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica” by Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, and Erich Stoger
“The Tao of Nutrition” by Maoshing Ni
“Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies” by Dan Bensky and Randall Barolet
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