Western Medicine Reference Books for Traditional Chinese Medicine

When the primary symptom remains unchanged and the main formula stays the same, we should add herbs that suit the changing condition, or remove herbs that do not align with the current situation. For example, when using

In formulas, adjusting the combination of herbs can alter the primary function of the formula. For example, Mahuang Tang is a specialized formula for treating wind-cold with exterior symptoms; the formula only achieves t

Even with the same set of herbs, the effects of a formula can differ dramatically depending on the dosage. For example, in “Jin Gui Yao Lü’s” Zhi Zhu Tang, the amount of Zhi is greater than that of Bai Zhu. Task output r

Pastes can be taken internally or externally. Internal pastes involve repeatedly decocting herbal ingredients, filtering out the residue, then concentrating the liquid over low heat and adding sugar or honey to form a pa

Herbs are finely ground, either soaked in water, mixed with honey, or formulated into powder-like forms, then shaped into round pellets. While convenient to take, pills contain smaller doses of raw herbs and are absorbed

Herbs are finely ground, either formed into powder or mixed with water, honey, or powdered binders to create spherical granules. Although easier to take, granules contain smaller doses of raw herbs and are absorbed more

Herbs are finely ground into fine powders, known as powder formulations. These are divided into internal and external uses. Internal powder formulations are dissolved in hot water or added to soup packets for decoction.

Decoctions are prepared by boiling herbs in water, filtering out the residue, and then extracting the liquid—this is the most commonly used formulation in traditional Chinese medicine. Most decoctions are taken internall

Also known as medicinal wines, these are clear liquids obtained by steeping herbs in yellow wine or white wine, extracting their active ingredients—and can be taken internally or applied topically. Internal wines are oft

Herbs are finely ground and mixed with excipients or binders to form solid preparations of a specific size and shape. These can be used externally or internally. Externally, they can be inserted into affected areas to dr