In both eastern and western herbal medicine systems, it’s fairly rare for an herbalist to prescribe only one herb at a time (except under very particular circumstances.) Herbs are generally considered to work most effectively in synergy, i.e. in combination with other herbs.
In the course of the 2000+ year evolution of traditional Chinese herbalism, practitioners have developed a sophisticated system for combining herbs into formulas.
Herbal Formulas Based On Pattern Diagnosis:
"Hierarchy" of Ingredients:
Another special feature of Chinese herbal formulas is that the herbal constituents, rather than being thrown together together haphazardly, are organized according to particular organizing principles. The metaphoric for an herbal is the imperial court (a relevant metaphor in ancient Chinese society.) Each herb in a formula falls into one of four categories symbolizing members of the court:
One feature of Chinese herbal formula-construction is that it is based on Chinese medicine’s unique system of diagnosis. In Chinese medicine, patients are diagnosed based on constitutional tendencies and symptom patterns. Treatment methods and strategies are based on traditional descriptions of symptom patterns. Herbal choices and formula combinations are, in turn, based on this pattern-based differential diagnosis.
One thing this means is that herbs are generally not selected to chase symptoms. In an infectious disease scenario, herbs are not selected primarily with the intent to “kill the virus.” Rather herbal combinations are used to optimize a patient’s physiological function and improve their ability to rid the virus from their body.
One thing this means is that herbs are generally not selected to chase symptoms. In an infectious disease scenario, herbs are not selected primarily with the intent to “kill the virus.” Rather herbal combinations are used to optimize a patient’s physiological function and improve their ability to rid the virus from their body.
"Hierarchy" of Ingredients:
Another special feature of Chinese herbal formulas is that the herbal constituents, rather than being thrown together together haphazardly, are organized according to particular organizing principles. The metaphoric for an herbal is the imperial court (a relevant metaphor in ancient Chinese society.) Each herb in a formula falls into one of four categories symbolizing members of the court:
- The Chief Herb (aka the king or emperor): This is the ingredient that is directed against, or has the greatest effect on, the patient’s principal pattern or disease. This ingredient is indispensable to the formula.
- The Deputy Herb(s) (aka, minister or associate): This ingredient can have one of two functions: 1) aids the chief ingredient in treating the principal pattern or disease; or 2) serves as the main ingredient directed against a co-existing pattern or disease.
- The Assistant Herb(s): This ingredient can have one of three different functions: 1) reinforces the effect of the chief or deputy ingredients, or directly treats a less important aspect of the pattern or disease; 2) moderates or eliminates the toxicity of other ingredients or moderates their harsh properties; or 3) has an effect that is opposite of that of the chief ingredient and is used in very serious and complex disorders.
- The Enjoy Herb(s) (aka messenger or guide): Can have one of two different functions: 1) focuses the actions of the formula on a certain channel or area of the body; or 2) harmonizes and integrates the actions of the other ingredients.
Source: Bensky, Dan and Barolet, Randall. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies.
