Classic Formulas
Classic Formulas
Classic Formulas
67
Ba Zhen Tang
Eight Treasure Decoction
Indications: (with appropriate presentation): anemia with dizziness, lack of energy or poor
appetite, pale or sallow complexion, palpitations with anxiety that may be continuous,
shortness of breath, laconic speech, easily fatigued extremities, light-headedness and/or
vertigo, weakness during convalescence, post surgical recovery, prevention of miscarriage,
low back pain in women, deficiency headache
Formula Notes: Eight Treasure Decoction (Ba Zheng Tang) is a combination of Four
Gentleman Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang) and Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang). As is
common practice, Ren Shen is substituted with Dang Shen, making the formula neutral in
temperature and therefore useful in most cases where both the Qi and Blood are deficient. For
a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
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Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) fatigue, weakness and debility after severe
illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastric, rectal or uterine prolapse, chronic diarrhea, nausea
and vomiting, leucopenia, weakened immune function, intermittent fever (that worsens upon
exertion, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, SOB, laconic speech, frequent urination,
incontinence, uterine bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, anemia, recurrent miscarriage,
male infertility
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Honey Baked Licorice Zhi Gan Cao Honey Baked Radix Glycyrrhizae
69
Chi Hu Shu Gan San
Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Not recommended for patients with Yin Deficient heat.
Formula Notes: Chai Hu Shu Gan San is one of the most commonly used formulas for
the treatment of Liver Qi stagnation with hypochondriac pain and alternating chills and fever.
It is also utilized for various types of menstrual disorders caused by Liver Qi stagnation. For a
complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
70
Ding Chuan Tang
Arrest Wheezing Decoction
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) coughing and wheezing with copious, thick
and yellow sputum, labored breathing, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma,
,tracheitis, bronchopneumonia
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Formula Notes: Ding Chuan Tang is one of the most commonly used formulas to treat
wheezing and dyspnea due to exterior Wind-cold and interior phlegm-heat. For a complete
explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
71
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Du Huo and Loranthus
Suggested Dosage: Take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Pregnancy due to the Blood invigorating properties
Formula Notes: This TCM classic is one of the most commonly used formulas to treat
muscle aches and pains, as well as painful obstructions in the bones and sinews. Its elegant
construction illustrates the principle that proper treatment of a chronic disease requires both
that the Righteous Qi be tonified and that the pathogenic influences be dispelled. For a
complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
72
Er Chen Tang
Two Cured Decoction
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) coughing with copious white phlegm that is
easily expectorated, a stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm, palpitations, nausea
and vomiting, dizziness, lassitude, weak extremities, upper respiratory tract infection,
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, goiter, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, Menieres disease,
hangovers
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: The improper use of this formula can cause excessive
thirst and a dry throat. Unless modified, it is contraindicated for cases with cough
associated with Lung Yin Xu. Addition of small dosages of Chi Cool would serve this
purpose.
Formula Notes: Er Chen Tang is the foundation of dozens of formulas that address the
problem of excess dampness and phlegm usually caused by Spleen Xu. For a complete
explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
73
Gui Pi Tang
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) fatigue, weakness, forgetfulness, palpitations
(with or without anxiety), insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anemia, chronic bleeding
syndromes, women may experience early periods with copious, pale blood or prolonged,
almost continuous periods with little flow, pale complexion
Suggested Dosage: Take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Cautions & Contraindications: Not suitable for insomnia or agitation due to Heat condi-
tions.
Formula Notes: In this modification of Gui Pi Tang, Ren Shen has been substituted with
Dang Shen, allowing the formula to be taken long-term without the side effects possible from
the relative warmth and dryness of the original. Gui Pi Tang is appropriate for treating several
common clinical disorders, all with Qi and Blood deficiency at their core. The formula is best
know for treating excessive worrying and thinking leading to possible insomnia, forgetfulness
and palpitations. A second clinical pattern is fatigue, weakness, with a pale complexion and
possible anemia. A third common pattern is the inability of the Spleen to control the blood,
leading to chronic bleeding syndromes.
74
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) common cold on summer flu, stomach flu,
gastroenteritis, acute enteritis, acute colitis, fever and chills, headache, heat stroke, fungal
infection, fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, epigastric or abdominal
pain, nausea and vomiting, borborygmus, diarrhea, GI tract spasms or cramps, diaper rash
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Because this formula contains warm and drying herbs,
it should not be used without significant modification in cases with Wind-heat or Fire due to
Deficiency. For the same reason, it is contraindicated with Yin and Blood Xu. Allergic
reactions are sometimes associated with the use of Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan.
Formula Notes: This formula treats Wind-cold with concurrent internal injury due to
stagnation. It is commonly used when there is a simultaneous onset of vomiting and
diarrhea, especially during summertime when dampness is predominant. For a complete
explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by
Bensky and Barolet and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
Suggested Dosage
Take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day between meals
Formula Notes: As noted above in the Indications section, Jiao Ai Tang is effective for a
wide range of bleeding syndromes. However, the principle function is used to treat Beng Lou
(flooding and spotting) due to injury and deficiency of the Chong and Ren channels. The
treatment plan for this disorder is to nourish the blood, stop bleeding and regulate the menses.
E Jiao nourishes the blood and stops bleeding and Ai Ye warms the uterus, calms the restless
fetus and stops bleeding. In addition, the four herbs which comprise Si Wu Tang, Sheng Di
Huang, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong and Bai Shao nourish the blood, regulate the menses and
move the blood. While seemingly counterintuitive, invigorating the blood is vital in bleeding
disorders, especially chronic ones, as it is just as important to prevent statis as it is to nourish
the blood. Gan Cao is included to harmonize the actions of the other ingredients.
76
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) low back pain, weakness of the lower
extremities, a cold sensation in the lower half of the body, pain and cramps in the lower
abdomen, dysuria or polyuria, endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus and insipidus,
hypoaldosterionism and hypothyroidism), sexual and reproductive disorders (impotence,
premature ejaculation, prostatic hypertrophy, male and female infertility), genitourinary
disorders (nephritis, chronic urethritis), chronic bronchial asthma, arthritis
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Formula Notes: This elegantly balanced formula nourishes without being cloying, warms
without producing dryness, tonifies the deficiency of Yin to promote the generation of Qi,
assists Kidney Yang in the transformation of water and stimulates the Yang restoring the
functional capacity of the Kidneys. This balance explains the wide clinical application of this
formula, with an emphasis on Kidney Yang Xu with disruption of water and fluid
metabolism. For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to
Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and
Applications by Chen and Chen.
77
Ling Zhi
Ganodema; Reishi Mushroom
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Formula Notes: Ling Zhi, called the Mushroom of Immortality, has been revered in
China and Japan for centuries. Shen Nong, ranked Ling Zhi as the number one herb for
achieving radiant health and long life. In his Classic Compendeum of Materia Medica, the
first Pharmacopoeia of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, he states, "The taste is bitter,
its energy neutral, it has no toxicity. It cures the accumulation of pathogenic factors in the
chest. It is good for the Qi of the head, including mental activities. Long term consumption
will lighten the body; you will never become old. It lengthens years."
Ling Zhi tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood and calms Shen. Numerous studies have shown that
it enhances immune function, lowers blood pressure and protects the liver. It is an Immune
modulator, that is, it regulates and fine tunes the immune system. Reishi is widely
recognized as the most potent adaptogen available.
78
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) weakness and soreness in the lower back,
light-headedness, vertigo, tinnitus, diminished hearing, night sweats, spontaneous and
nocturnal emissions, hot palms and soles, chronic dry and sore throat, impotence, heel pain,
neurasthenia, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, chronic nephritis, optical neuritis, optic
nerve atrophy
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Cautions & Contraindications: Despite its balanced nature, this formula still has
cloying properties and should be used with caution in cases with indigestion,
diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, or a white, greasy tongue coating.
Formula Notes: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is the most basic formula for the treatment of
Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. Many other Yin tonics build upon this formulas elegant
construction, which is a combination of two groups of herbs, three tonic and three sedative.
The king herb, Shu Di Huang, strongly nourishes both Kidney Yin and Jing. One of the
deputies, Shan Zhu Yu, nourishes Liver Yin and astringes the Jing or Essence. The other
deputy, shan yao, stabilizes the Jing by tonifying the Spleen. And so, this formula helps
correct deficiencies in the Kidney, Liver and Spleen .
The other group of herbs act to sedate or clear these same three organs. Ze Xie sedates or
drains the Kidneys and prevents the rich, cloying nature of Shu Di Huang from congesting
the function of the Kidney. Mu Dan Pi clears deficiency Fire in the Liver and is used in the
formula to balance the astringent and warming effect of Shan Zhu Yu. Fu Ling tonifies the
Spleen and drains dampness, as well as preventing the formula from stagnating the
digestive function.
79
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Gentiana Combination
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) eczema, genital herpes, herpes zoster, bacterial
or fungal infections such as urinary tract infection, ear infection, vaginal infection and abnormal
discharge, yeast infection, fallopian tube infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic
ovary disease, endometriosis, gonorrhea, prostatitis, urethritis, shingles, boils, conjunctivitis,
liver and gallbladder disorders, hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, acute glaucoma,
hyperthyroidism, hypertension, headache or migraine, irritability
Suggested Dosage: Take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Dosage may be increased up to 6 capsules every 4 hours in the early stage.
Cautions & Contraindications: Use with caution (not to be taken long-term or in large
doses) with deficiency and cold in the Spleen and Stomach. Contraindicated with Yang, Yin
and Blood Xu Xu or injury to the body fluids
Formula Notes: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang treats excess fire in the Liver and Gallbladder.
When the excess Fire travels upward, it produces headache or migraine, ear infection,
conjunctivitis, glaucoma or simply painful eyes or ears. When the Fire follows the Liver and
Gallbladder channels to the hypochondriac area, it causes pain and a bitter taste in the mouth.
When the Fire and Damp-heat travel downward it causes possible genital herpes, vaginal or
urinary tract infections, endometriosis, prostatitis and other disorders of the genital region. For
a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies,
by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, by Chen and Chen.
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) chronic constipation with dry or hard stools
that are difficult to expel, frequent urination, post surgical constipation, drug-induced
constipation, constipation in the elderly, postpartum constipation, hemorrhoids
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Although relatively mild in nature, this formula contains
downward draining herbs and so is not recommended for the very weak or for constipation
that is due solely to blood deficiency. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Formula Notes: Ma Zi Ren Wan treats Heat induced Dryness in the Stomach and
Intestines depleting the fluids in the Spleen. It is a variation of Xiao Cheng Qi Tang that
reduces the dosage of those herbs that strongly disperse and purge (Da Huang, Zhi Shi,
Hou Po), while adding several that nourish and moisten (Huo Ma Ren, Xing Ren, Bai
Shao). These modifications, especially in capsule form, make this a relatively gentle and
mild laxative. For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to
Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet and Chinese Herbal Formulas and
Applications by Chen and Chen.
81
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Ginseng and Atractylodes
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) fatigue, chronic loose stools or diarrhea,
borborygmus, poor appetite during convalescence, weakness of the extremities, distention and
a stifling feeling in the chest and epigastrium, pale complexion, supportive treatment for GI
side effects from chemotherapy and radiation
Suggested Dosage: Take 3-4 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Cautions & Contraindications: Use with caution in case of Yin Xu & Yin Xu with heat.
Formula Notes: The principle focus of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, to tonify the Spleen Qi, is
addressed by Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling and Gan Cao, (which comprise Si Jun Zi Tang).
Four additional herbs, Shan Yao, Lian Zhi, Yi Yi Ren and Bai Bian Dou also support the
Spleen and dry dampness to stop diarrhea. Sha Ren transforms dampness and prevents
stagnation from the tonic herbs. Jie Geng has an ascending nature which helps in stopping the
diarrhea. FoFor a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas
and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by
Chen and Chen.
82
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Cautions & Contraindications: Patients having gastrointestinal weakness with dampness
or tenacious phlegm should use this formula with caution.
Formula Notes: The TCM Classic formula, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, treats Yin Xu of the
Heart and Kidneys along with Heart Blood Xu which can cause a wide range of conditions as
shown above in the Indications section. For a complete explanation of this classic TCM
formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal
Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Cases with abdominal masses due to blood statis due to
excess; Cases characterized by excess, heat and blood statis
Formula Notes: Wen Jing Tang was originally devised for the treatment of cold and
deficiency of the Ren and Chong, with internal obstruction due to blood statis resulting in mild,
persistent uterine bleeding. Today, it is primarily used for treatment of irregular menstruation.
For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and
Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen
and Chen.
84
Wu Ling San
Five Ingredient Powder with Poria
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: In case with Spleen or Kidney Xu, the dosage and
duration of this formula must be carefully monitored and limited. Contraindicated in cases
with depleted body fluids from profuse perspiration or excessive vomiting or diarrhea;
urinary difficulty with Yin Xu, this formula should be modified by the addition of another
formula, such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, to protect the Yin from further injury.
Formula Notes: The primary mechanism common to all of the conditions for which this
formula is indicated is severe accumulation of water in the Bladder and the inability of the
Qi to transform fluids, manifested as urinary difficulty or edema. For a complete explanation
of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and
Barolet and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
85
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Saussurea and Cardamom
Formula Notes: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang treats deficiency of the middle burner with
Cold and Damp stagnation with possible reduced appetite, belching, fatigue and bloating
after meals, distention and pain in Stomach or abdomen, as well as generalized weakness
and fatigue. For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to
Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and
Applications by Chen and Chen.
86
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Minor Bupleurum Decoction
Cautions & Contraindications: This formula has an ascending action which can injure
the Qi and cause headache, dizziness and bleeding gums if taken long-term. For the same
reason, it is contraindicated in patients with excess above and deficiency below or Liver
Fire. Use with caution in cases of Liver Yang rising or hypertension, as well as those with
Yin and/or Blood deficiencies.
Formula Notes: Xiao Chai Hu Tang is the principle formula for harmonizing shaoyang
syndrome, or the half-exterior, half-interior aspect of the six stages of disease progression.
For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and
Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen
and Chen.
87
Xiao Yao San
Bupleurum and Dang Gui
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) hypochondriac pain, headache, vertigo,
stress, frustration, irritability, mood swings, insomnia related to stress, mild depression,
PMS with breast distention, irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed.
Cautions & Contraindications: For patients with weak constitutions, caution with long
-term (more than six months) due to Qi Regulating properties. May be combined with a Qi
tonic formula.
Formula Notes: Xiao Yao San is perhaps the most used and modified TCM formula, in
large part because it treats many gynecological and hepatic disorders, as well as the all too
common Qi stagnation caused by stress and hectic lifestyles. This is the basic pattern of
Liver Qi overacting on the Spleen causing both Spleen and Blood Deficiency.
For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and
Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen
and Chen.
88
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) pain in the chest and hypochondria, obstructed
blood circulation, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, rheumatic valvular heart disease,
hypertension, thrombosis, embolism, cardiac ischemia, stroke, concussion, cerebral
atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis,
intercostal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, primary dysmenorrhea, stubborn headache with a
fixed, piercing quality, palpitations, insomnia, restless sleep, irritability
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Because the actions of this formula in invigorating the
blood and dispelling statis are very strong, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and in most
cases which involve excessive menstrual bleeding. It is also contraindicated with bleeding
diathesis or any hemorrhagic disorders. If this formula is taken for a prolonged period of time,
tonic herbs should be added accordingly.
Formula Notes: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is used for Blood Statis in the chest with impairment of
blood flow in the area above the diaphragm. For a complete explanation of this classic TCM
formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal
Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
89
Yi Guan Jian
Linking Decoction
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) hypochondriac and chest pain, epigastric and
abdominal distention, a dry or parched mouth and throat, acid regurgitation, hepatitis, liver
cirrhosis, costochondritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, atrophic gastritis, essential
hypertension, gestational hypertension during pregnancy, PMS, ovarian dysfunction,
hyperthyroidism, Addisons disease, diabetes mellitus, neurasthenia
Suggested Dosage: Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day between meals or as needed
Cautions & Contraindications: Yi Guan Jian should not be used for pain and
distention from dampness or phlegm. It is contraindicated with hypochondriac pain caused
by Liver Fire rising without underlying deficiency. It is inappropriate for patients with Qi and
Blood stagnation or phlegm accumulation, since it contains many tonics which can create
more stagnation or produce more dampness and phlegm.
Melia, Sichuan Pagoda Tree Fruit Chuan Lian Zi Fructus Meliaw Toosendan
90
Yin Qiao San
Lonicera and Forsythia Formula
Indications: (with appropriate presentation) fever, slight or no chills, common cold, sore
throat, influenza, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, thirst, cough, acute bronchitis,
tonsillitis, canker sores, initial stages of mumps or measles
Formula Notes: Yin Qiao San treats early stage Wind-heat attack which enters through
the nose and attacks the Lungs. It is a popular formula due to ability to treat disorders of
the upper jiao without injuring the middle jiao. See Blue Dragons modification of Yin Qiao,
Resistance Acute. to address pathogens that have begun to progress beneath the skin
layer with more severe symptoms such as high fever and severe sore and swollen throat.
For a complete explanation of this classic TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and
Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen
and Chen.
91
Yu Ping Feng San
Jade Windscreen Powder
Formula Notes: Yu Ping Feng San, also known as Jade Windscreen Powder, is the TCM
classic formula for treatment of deficiency of the exterior with unstable Wei or Protective Qi
causing susceptibility to invasion of exterior pathogens and spontaneous sweating. This
formula is commonly taken to prevent colds, especially in those who suffer from recurrent
colds, Although it is effective in treating this problem, it must be taken for at least a month
and as long as five months to really be effective. For a complete explanation of this classic
TCM formula, please refer to Formulas and Strategies by Bensky and Barolet, and Chinese
Herbal Formulas and Applications by Chen and Chen.
For stronger and faster effect in stabilizing the Wei and Lung Qi, see Blue Dragons
enhanced modification of Yu Ping Feng San, Resistance. Resistance, with the addition of
standardized extracts of Huang Qi and Ling Zhi, along with Dong Chong Xia Cao and Wu
Wei Zi, is appropriate for more severely compromised immune function, including for
cancer patients with impaired immune system due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment
and HIV/ AIDS patients with compromised immune function.
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