Formuals

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Formulas (mixtures of herbs) can be traditional formulas or formulas that

the herbalist concocts.

 

The traditional formulas are formulas which have been used for centuries and

are known to work quite well for specific problems.

 

Wicke gives the following example in vol. 2, pp. 181-182: Four-Gentleman

Decoction consists of 1-3 qian of Rx (Radix - Root) Ginseng, 2-3 qian of Rz

(Rhizoma - rhizome) Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 2-3 qian Poria, and 1-2 qian

of Rx Glycyrrhizae (licorice root). This formual is given for Qi

Deficiency, in particular Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Rx Ginseng is a strong

Qi tonic which also is moistening and benefits Fluids. One of the

consequences of Spleen Qi Deficiency is that the Spleen cannot perform its

function of transforming and tranporting Fluids, and Dampness can

accumulate. " Rz Atractylodis Macrocephalae strengthens the Spleen Qi and

dreis DAmpness of the Middle Burner. " (p. 182) Poria (Fu Ling) drains

Dampness from parts of the body that other herbs can't get to. Licorice

Root is another Qi tonic herbs, works on the Spleen in particular (though it

enters all meridians and systems), and it often gets included in formulas

because of its property of harmonizing other herbs in the formula.

 

Let's say that an individual with Spleen Qi Deficiency problems has very

marked Dampness problems - even worse than is usual with Spleen Qi

Deficiency problems. They the formula would be modified into some thing

called Six-Gentleman Decoction. The dose of the original 4 herbs is reduced

to 1, 1.5, 1, and 1 qian because a person with a lot of Dampness in the

Middle Burner has problems digesting and assimilating " large amounts of

nutrients including herbs " . (p. 182) Two herbs are added to the original 4

Pc (Pericarpim - pericarp or " skin " ) Citri Reticulatae (1 qian) and Rz

Pinelliae, 1.5 qian. Pc Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi - tangerine peel) is a

regulating Qi herb. It gets Qi moving (Dampness can be due to and caused by

Qi Stagnation), and it also strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness. Wicke

writes, " Among the herbs which regulate Qi, Pc Citri Reticulatae also

transforms Dampness and Phlegm, and is the primary choice when Qi

Stagnation, Dampness and Spleen Qi Deficiency are all present. " (p. 92, vol.

2)

 

Rz Pinelliae (Ban Xia)is classified as a Transform Cold Phlegm herb.

 

There are hundreds of these classical or tradition formulas. In most cases

an herbalist can use one or more of these traditional formulas. They have

the advantage that centuries of use have indicated that they are very

effective for particular problems. Chinese Herbal Medicine, Formulas and

Strategies by Dan Bensky and Randall Barolet is a good source of information

on classic formulas.

 

But sometimes problems are so complex, the herbalist has to devise a custom

formula. The custom formula may be based in part on a classic formula or

completely from scratch. When an herbalist is devising a formula, s/he needs

to be aware of which herbs do not go together. These usually are listed in

herbal textbooks in a table called Prohibited Herb Combinations. For example

mixing licorice root with Rx Euphorbiae Kansui (Gan Sui), Rx Euphorbiae seu

Knoxiae (Da Ji), Flose Daphnes Genkwa (Yuan Hua), or Hb Sargassi (Hai Zao)

is a no-no. Combining these herbs can create " dangerous, toxic or otherwise

undesirable side-effects. " (Wicke, vol. 2, p. 244)

 

The herbalist also needs to be aware of " guide " herbs. Guide herbs are

herbs which will guide other herbs into meridians which they usually don't

enter. For example Rx Bupleuri (Chai Hu) is guiding to the Liver and Gall

Bladder and Triple Heater). If there is a need to get the properties of a

herb to the Liver that doesn't target the Liver, mix it with some Rx

Bupleuri, and the Bupleuri will get it there. In using guide herbs one

needs to be aware of the thermal energy of the guide herb as well as the

overall clinical picture. The primary use of Bupleuri is to Relieve Wind

Heat, and its thermal energy is slightly Cool. Fr (Fructus - fruit) Evodiae

( Wu Zhu Yu - main function - Warm Interior) is also a guide herb to the

Liver, and its energy is Warm. In a case where the person or the Liver is

too Hot, Bupleuri is the better herb to use to guide another herb to the

Liver. In a case of Cold in the Liver Meridian, Evodiae is the better guide

herb to the Liver. In fact, Evodiae is used to treat " hernias due to Cold

Stagnation along the Liver Meridian. " (Wicke, vol. 2, p. 115)

 

In addition, the herbalist needs to be aware that some herbs will affect

direction of energy flow. For example, Bupleuri is to be used cautiously in

cases of Liver Yang Rising. (Note: Since Bupleuri is an excellent herb for

" dredging the Liver Qi " , there can be a temporary reaction to Bupleuri of

stored anger erupting for a few days in a person taking this herb. This

will pass.)

 

In addition, the herbalist considers things unique to the herb and the

clinical picture. Like my choosing asparagus root for a Yin tonic herb for

myself because it's a Yin tonic herb which is the least likely to aggravate

the Spleen Deficiency problems while also targeting the Kidney.

 

Victoria

 

 

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