Ten Key Formula Families In Chinese Medicine Pdf
Chinese medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has been practiced for thousands of years. Unlike Western medicine that treats symptoms, Chinese medicine treats the root cause of the problem. This ancient medical system has its own unique language and terminology that can sometimes be difficult to understand. In this article, we will explore ten key formula families in Chinese medicine and their benefits.
1. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentleman Decoction)
Si Jun Zi Tang is a classic formula that tonifies the Qi (vital energy) and strengthens the Spleen. It is commonly used to treat fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and weak digestion. This formula is made up of four herbs: Ren Shen (ginseng root), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Fu Ling (poria), and Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root).
2. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a formula that nourishes the Yin (fluids) and tonifies the Kidney. It is commonly used to treat dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, and lower back pain. This formula is made up of six herbs: Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia root), Shan Zhu Yu (cornelian cherry fruit), Shan Yao (Chinese yam), Fu Ling (poria), Mu Dan Pi (tree peony bark), and Ze Xie (water plantain rhizome).
3. Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium)
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is a formula that regulates the Stomach and the Intestines. It is commonly used to treat nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This formula is made up of five herbs: Ban Xia (pinellia rhizome), Huang Lian (coptis rhizome), Huang Qin (baical skullcap root), Ren Shen (ginseng root), and Da Zao (Chinese date).
4. Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)
Chai Hu Shu Gan San is a formula that regulates the Liver and the Spleen. It is commonly used to treat depression, irritability, PMS, and digestive disorders. This formula is made up of seven herbs: Chai Hu (bupleurum root), Bai Shao (white peony root), Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root), Zhi Ke (ripe bitter orange fruit), Xiang Fu (cyperus rhizome), Chuan Xiong (szechuan lovage rhizome), and Gan Cao (licorice root).
5. Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
Gui Pi Tang is a formula that tonifies the Heart and the Spleen. It is commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and poor memory. This formula is made up of ten herbs: Huang Qi (astragalus root), Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Fu Ling (poria), Suan Zao Ren (sour jujube seed), Long Yan Rou (longan fruit), Mu Xiang (costus root), Rou Gui (cinnamon bark), Gan Cao (licorice root), and Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger).
6. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Augmented Rambling Powder)
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San is a formula that regulates the Liver and the Spleen. It is commonly used to treat PMS, menstrual irregularities, and mood swings. This formula is made up of ten herbs: Chai Hu (bupleurum root), Bai Shao (white peony root), Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Fu Ling (poria), Bo He (field mint herb), Gan Cao (licorice root), Mu Dan Pi (tree peony bark), Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger), and Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit).
7. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a formula that tonifies the Qi and lifts the Yang. It is commonly used to treat prolapse of the organs, fatigue, and weak digestion. This formula is made up of ten herbs: Huang Qi (astragalus root), Ren Shen (ginseng root), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Gan Cao (licorice root), Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root), Chai Hu (bupleurum root), Sheng Ma (black cohosh rhizome), Chen Pi (tangerine peel), Ban Xia (pinellia rhizome), and Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root).
8. Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction)
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang is a formula that nourishes the Yin and harmonizes the Liver. It is commonly used to treat muscle spasms, cramps, and pain. This formula is made up of two herbs: Shao Yao (peony root) and Gan Cao (licorice root).
9. Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a formula that regulates the Liver and the Gallbladder. It is commonly used to treat fever, chills, and digestive disorders. This formula is made up of seven herbs: Chai Hu (bupleurum root), Huang Qin (baical skullcap root), Ban Xia (pinellia rhizome), Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger), Ren Shen (ginseng root), Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root), and Da Zao (Chinese date).
10. Zuo Gui Wan (Restore the Left Kidney Pill)
Zuo Gui Wan is a formula that tonifies the Kidney and nourishes the Yin. It is commonly used to treat infertility, impotence, and menopausal symptoms. This formula is made up of eight herbs: Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia root), Shan Zhu Yu (cornelian cherry fruit), Shan Yao (Chinese yam), Fu Ling (poria), Gou Qi Zi (Chinese wolfberry fruit), Tu Si Zi (Chinese dodder seed), Du Zhong (eucommia bark), and Rou Gui (cinnamon bark).
Conclusion
Chinese medicine offers a wealth of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to maintaining health and wellness. By understanding the key formula families in Chinese medicine, you can begin to take control of your own health and well-being. Whether you are experiencing digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, or chronic pain, there is a formula that can help.