Herbal Medicine 3

Individualized formulas

A formula fits a patient the way a key opens a lock, mirroring and correcting patterns of disorganized Qi, Moisture, and Blood. A locksmith impressions a key from a blank, and the herbalist forms an impression of the patient, a diagnosis, from which he crafts the prescription. He translates symptoms and signs into patterns of disharmony that are then matched with the therapeutic properties of herbs. Ideally the formula is a perfect reflection of the condition and needs of the patient.

Formulating herbal prescriptions for particular people

Efrem Korngold mixing an individualized formula

Caroline, a 38-year-old patient, complains of chronic weariness, puffy eyes, a distended belly, poor concentration, hands that swell, and feet that feel cold at night. The herbalist interprets this configuration of tiredness, swelling, chilly feet, distension, and muddledness as signs of depleted Qi, excess Moisture, insufficient warmth at the core, and Spleen deficiency. Caroline requires herbs that supplement and move her Qi while evicting Dampness and Cold.

The formula for Caroline matches her needs: astragalus, atractylodes, and poria tonify Qi, disperse Moisture, consolidate surface defensive Qi, and strengthen the Spleen. Winter melon peel and cinnamon twig purge Dampness. Fresh ginger and red date invigorate Qi and warm her insides. By improving digestion and regulating fluids, these herbs promote the function of her Spleen and Kidney. We have combined the modules Tonify Qi with Strengthen Spleen, Disperse Moisture, and Purge Cold. After using this formula, Caroline has more energy, reduced fluid retention in her face and hands, warmer feet, and a more comfortable belly.

Learn more about these and many other herbal formulas available from the Chinese Medicine Works pharmacy in San Francisco.

Passion Potion

Jack, a 49-year-old patient, seeks help for his stiff and weak low back, dry eyes, thinning hair, diminished sexual enthusiasm, and restless sleep. Declining libido, lumbar distress, and hair loss signal diminished Kidney Essence. Kidney Essence maintains tissue and blood, elasticity of skin and muscle, agility of mind, and clarity of the senses. Dry eyes plus unsatisfying sleep suggest that depleted Kidney reserves have precipitated a deficiency of the Blood of the Liver and Heart. Formulas that we call Strengthen Kidney and Replenish Essence may be useful for Jack.

Another formula, one we call Passion Potion, strengthens the Kidney Network, replenishing the essences that stimulate the bone marrow to produce blood cells and increasing the hormone receptors on cells and the volume of hormones present in blood and tissue, particularly the brain, spinal cord, sense, and genital organs. By this means, Passion Potion promotes the body's intelligence and its capacity for sexual potency, fertility, overall health, and long life. It is as useful to women on their way to becoming pregnant as it is to mature people who want to preserve the liveliness of their younger years.

Windbreaker 2 oz bottle

Windbreaker for relief from the signs of a cold or flu

Another is one we call Windbreaker, a formula that clears Wind, Heat, and Phlegm, which in Chinese medicine means that it can relieve sniffles, sore throat, earache, fever – the typical signs and symptoms of a cold or flu. When herbs are used right away, often the cold is nipped in the bud, before it's had the opportunity to take root. If the cold does progress, and a cough follows, then the formula Chest Relief lubricates the delicate lining of the respiratory tract, soothing the throat and chest, facilitating expectoration. And if bronchitis develops, then another formula called Pipe Cleaner is useful. Pipe Cleaner can resolve thick, colored phlegm and reverse the inflammatory process in the bronchi, allaying congestion, wheezing, and cough. The formulas can be used sequentially or as building blocks that are combined. Perhaps you already have contracted the cold and begun to cough. Then modules of Windbreaker and Chest Relief can be combined in the same bottle.

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