Herbal Catalog

Fire Element	Earth Element	Metal Element	Water Element	Wood Element

Fire Element – Heart, Pericardium, Small Intestine, and Triple Heater

HE-001
BAI ZI YANG XIN PIAN

Nurturing healthy heart function since 1368 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Replenishes Qi, nourishes the blood and helps keep the mind peaceful. Also tonifies Yin and clears Heat, calms the Shen.

TCM Indications: For symptoms due to insufficient heart Qi. This condition can appear as shortness of breath, aversion to cold, emotional distress, insomnia, amnesia, palpitations due to fright, nightmares, etc.

Modern Indications: Insomnia, memory loss, palpitations, night sweats.

Comments: This formula treats the root cause of functional problems between the Heart and Kidney. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Use with care with patients with abdominal bloating, loose stools, or general digestive weakness. Take small doses of Bao He Wan  (SP-006) or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (SP-005).

HE-002
AN SHEN BU XIN PIAN

Nurturing the Heart function for a peaceful mind.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Harmonizes Heart and Kidney function; promotes healthy blood flow to nurture the Heart; calms the mind and spirit (Shen). Also supplements Yin and Blood, regulates Qi and moves Blood.

TCM Indications: Calms the nerves and brings the Heart back into balance with a normal beating rhythm, helps the Heart regain its proper functions, which creates energy and increases blood volume. This formula is specifically for Heart and Liver Yin deficiency with rising Yang and severe Shen and Hun disturbances; panic attacks, PTSS, insomnia, nightmares, sleepwalking, HTN, anxiety, palpitations, tinnitus.

Modern Indications: High blood pressure, neurasthenic insomnia, neurosis, Meniere’s disease, arrhythmia.

Comments: Best if taken at the end of the day or before bedtime. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Short-term use recommended.  After a few weeks replace formula with a more constitutional approach. Contra-indicated during pregnancy. Contra-indicated with Cancer. Caution with anti-coagulant therapy. Watch for bruising or increased bleeding.

HE-005
QIANG HUO SHENG SHI PIAN

Relieving Qi stagnation in the upper back since 1231 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Relieves Qi stagnation or pain due to conditions of wind, cold and dampness.

TCM Indications: Arthritis, sciatica, chronic rheumatic arthritis with symptoms of heavy sensations, head and body aches, a painful response to cold, damp weather. It is also used to relieve a dysfunction in the Small Intestine or Urinary Bladder meridians due to wind, cold and dampness.

Modern Indications: Pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, neck pain, blood circulation, resisting viruses, common cold, and induces diuresis.

Comments: Used to relieve dysfunction in the Small Intestine or Urinary Bladder meridians due to wind, cold, and dampness. Designed for Superficial conditions. This formula is designed to cause sweats to push out the pathogen. Use caution in as excessive sweats can inure the Yang and fluids. Caution with Yin deficiency and any heat condition.

Earth Element – Spleen and Stomach

SP-001
BU ZHONG YI QI PIAN

Strengthening Qi since 1251 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Tonifies Middle Warmer Qi; raises Yang; adjusts and fortifies Spleen and Stomach.

TCM Indications: Fatigue, stomach and spleen Qi deficiency, chronic low fever, organ prolapse, chronic bleeding, chronic diarrhea, other chronic disorders; recovery after illness or operation, with the symptoms of fever with perspiration; also for headache with aversion to cold, thirst with desire for hot drink, short breath and disinclination to talk, and loss of appetite, lassitude of the extremities.

Modern Indications: hypotension, chronic headache, functional disturbance of the autonomic nerves, chronic gastroenteritis, myasthenia gravis, gastroatonia, prolapsed rectum or uterus, floating kidney, chronic bleeding, postpartum subinvolution of the uterus, menorrhagia, allergic purpura.

SP-002
SHI QUAN DA BU PIAN

Strengthening Qi and Blood since 1110 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Action: Strengthens or Tonifies Qi and blood. Warms, supports Yang, and strengthens Wei Qi.

TCM Indications: Qi and Blood deficiency with the symptoms of sallow complexion, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, spontaneous perspiration, mental fatigue, lassitude of the extremities, profuse menstruation, sore feet or knees.

Modern Indications: Immune system deficiency, side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, coughs, asthma, impotence.

SP-004
ER CHEN PIAN

Promoting healthy Spleen and Stomach function since 1110 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Removes dampness to resolve phlegm; regulates the Stomach function.

TCM Indications: Addresses damp-phlegm syndrome marked by cough with profuse white sputum, a sensation of fullness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations

Modern Indications: Chronic bronchitis, chronic gastritis, nasal discharge, Meniere’s disease; and phlegm-related nodules or lumps.

Comments: Can help overweight people lose weight; can reduce or eliminate heartburn. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated in cough or nausea from dryness or Yin deficiency. Not suitable for Yin deficient or phlegm damp accumulation patients without modifying formula. This formula is very drying and may cause dryness and thirst in some patients.

SP-005
XIANG SHA LIU JUN PIAN

Relieving dampness in the Stomach since 1682 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Supplements Qi, invigorates the Spleen and regulates the Stomach.

TCM Indications: Deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach with phlegm-dampness and Qi stagnation marked by indigestion, belching, abdominal distention and fullness; loose stool; disorders of the Stomach function, etc.

Modern Indications: Chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Comments: The main focus of this formula is to strengthen digestive function and resolve damp. Secondarily this formula moves Qi. May also be used with excellent results for recurrent sinus congestion, allergies, sore throat, and ear infections with phlegm. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated in early phases of acute cold/flu. Contra-indicated with Cancer.

SP-006
BAO HE PIAN

Promoting healthy digestive function since 1358 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Resolves Qi and food stagnation.

TCM Indications: Conditions belonging to the syndrome of food retention due to improper diet, with symptoms of stuffiness and fullness in the epigastrium, distention in the abdomen with pain at times, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intermittent fever or dysentery due to retention of food.

Modern Indications: gastroenteritis, indigestion, acid regurgitation, violent vomiting with fetid odor.

Comments: Helps disintegrate masses or tumors located on the Stomach meridian, particularly helpful for addressing breast tenderness or masses and tumors. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Caution with patients with significant deficiency as this formula is very Qi dispersing.

SP-007
GUI PI PIAN

Harmonizing Spleen and Heart function since 1253 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Strengthens Spleen; tonifies Heart; nourishes Blood; calms the Heart’s spirit (Shen).

TCM Indications: Insomnia, interrupted sleep, drowsiness, heart palpitations; tired, achy or painful limbs, general fatigue, anemia, menstrual disharmony; irregular perspiration, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, poor vision, appetite disorders, nausea and bowel problems, memory loss, and overthinking.

Modern Indication: Bodily fatigue, heart palpitations, amnesia, poor appetite, insomnia, anemia, uterine bleeding, blood in the stool.

Comments: This herbal formula may be used for any condition due to blood deficiency, like side effects of chemotherapy and radiation; heavy blood loss. May also be used for conditions of bruising, as well as depression. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated during acute phase of illness (cold/flu). Contra-indicated with Cancer. Use care with patients with dampness, phlegm, abdominal bloating or loose stools.

Metal Element – Lung and Large Intestine

LU-002
BAI HE GU JIN PIAN

Strengthening Lung function since 1682 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Nurtures Lung and Kidney Yin; relieves heat; nurtures the Lung to relieve phlegm, moistens intestines.

TCM Indications: Conditions caused by Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency and other syndromes of cough due to dryness of the lung, with symptoms of sore throat, dryness of the pharynx, cough, dyspnea, and bloody sputum, night coughs and night sweats.

Modern Indications: Acute or chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, chronic pharyngitis.

Comments: This formula is more enriching than Yang Yin Qing Fei Pian. Use when cough is worse at night and throat is worse in the late afternoon., but not especially red or inflamed. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated for acute cough due to EPI. Caution: This formula can be cloying and aggravate dampness and Spleen deficiency.

LU-003
REN CHANG PIAN

Promoting healthy Large Intestine function since 1231 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Relieves intestinal dryness; relieves blocked bowels; relieves Blood and Yin deficiency; clears heat in the Lower Warmer and disperses wind.

TCM Indications: Blood stagnation in the Large Intestine, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue.

Modern Indications: Constipation.

Comments: For use in patients with chronic constipation due to Yin, Blood, or Body Fluid deficiency or heat in the intestines. Not suitable for Excess Heat in the intestines. This formula is a mild laxative and should be used with a primary formula to address the root of the problem. Start with a small dose and increase until smooth bowel movement is achieved.  This formula may be discontinued after primary formula has satisfactorily addressed root problem.

Contra-indicated during Pregnancy. Contra-indicated for constipation due to excess heat. Cautions in breast-feeding. Rhubarb can pass through breast milk, and cause colic and diarrhea in the child. Caution: This formula can become habitual when taken alone. May cause mild abdominal cramping in sensitive patients.

LU-004
YANG YIN QING FEI PIAN

Relieving excess heat in the Lung since 1838 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Nurtures Yin; clears Lung heat; detoxifies the Lung.

TCM Indications: Any throat discomfort or Lung Yin deficiency, dry and sore throats with fever, dry cough with blood-tinged sputum due to deficiency of Lung Yin.

Modern Indications: Chronic bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, and acute tonsillitis.

Comments: In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated during Pregnancy. Contra-indicated for acute cough due to EPI (external pathological influence). Caution: This formula can be cloying and aggravate dampness and Spleen deficiency. This formula is the earliest and most famous TCM recipe for effectively treating diphtheria without antibiotics. It is still in use today.

Water Element – Kidney and Bladder

KI-001
JIN GUI SHEN QI PIAN

Strengthening Kidney function for strong bones since 210 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang.

TCM Indications: Chilliness, cold hands and feet, weak or sore back and knees, frequent or insufficient urination; unusual sweating, edema, improper movement of fluids with excessive or deficient release of urine, sweat, etc.; chronic wheezing and shortness of breath; “cold womb” or “cold sperm,” lack of sexual desire, fatigue after sexual activity.

Modern Indications: Syndrome of Kidney Yang insufficiency as seen in chronic nephritis, diabetes, autonomic nerve disturbance, senile dementia, primary stage of prostatic hyperplasia, infertility, urinary dysfunction, amenorrhea, and other chronic disorders with the symptoms of lassitude in the loins, legs, and feet.

Comments: For conditions caused by Kidney Yang function disorder including, bone problems like osteoporosis, neck problems or herniated disks, as well as tinnitus, memory loss, and menopausal symptoms. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated during Pregnancy. Contra-indicated during acute phase of illness (cold/flu). Some patients may experience digestive upset or diarrhea.  Take small doses of Li Zhong Wan to combat.

KI-002
QI JU DI HUANG PIAN

Harmonizing Kidney and Liver function since 1775 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Nurtures Liver and Kidney Yin.

TCM Indications: Can help with impaired vision, dry eyes, excessive tearing due to Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency. Also see Liu Wei Di Huang Pian, (KI-003).

Comments: This formula builds on Liu Wei Di Huang Pian with two additional herbs that enhance Liver and Kidney Yin. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated in the early phase of acute illness (cold/flu). Caution with patient tending toward abdominal bloating, loose stools or mucus. Overuse can cool and weaken digestion. Take small doses of Bao He Wan (SP-006) or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (SP-005) to combat cooling effect, or take after eating food.

KI-003 
LIU WEI DI HUANG PIAN

Strengthening kidney function since 1119 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Nurtures Liver and Kidney Yin

TCM Indications: Low back pain, sore knees, chronic swelling of the gum, teeth problems, dry throat and eyes, problems with closing of the fontanels, hot flashes, night sweats, nocturnal emission, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, premature loss of hair, chronic frequent and burning urination, lack of sexual fluids, premature ejaculation, pain during intercourse, hectic fever, feverish sensation in the palms and soles.

Modern Indications: Autonomic nerve functional disturbance, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, chronic nephritis, hypothyroidism, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, vertigo, deafness,

Comments: This famous, versatile formula is the foundation of some of the most powerful herbal remedies to strengthen Kidney yin. This formula is useful for Kidney yin deficiency, especially fatigue related to working at night. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated during acute phase of illness (cold/flu). Over use of this formula can cool and weaken digestion. Take small doses of Bao He Wan  (SP-006) or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (SP-005) or take after eating.

KI-004
ZHI BAI DI HUANG PIAN

Harmonizing Kidney and Heart function since 1742 A. D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Nourishes Yin to decrease pathogenic fire.

TCM Indications: Hyperactivity of fire caused by Yin deficiency, hectic fever and night sweats, lower back and sore knees, sore throat, insomnia, chronic swelling of the gums, ringing in the ears, and nocturnal seminal emission.

Modern Indications: Used for weakness due to chronic disease, hypertension, and chronic nephritis.

KI-006
WU LING PIAN

Strengthening Bladder function since 210 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Strengthens Urinary Bladder function, promotes urination, helps drain and dry dampness, promotes the transforming functions of Qi.

TCM Indications: Syndrome of fluid retention marked by headache, fever, thirst with vomiting after drinking water; disturbance in urination; edema, diarrhea, fluid-retention syndrome, dizziness, and a feeling of palpitation in the lower abdomen.

Modern Indications: Acute gastroenteritis, cyclic vomiting, pseudocholera, skin eruptions or hives due to cold, initial stage of acute nephritis, edema of scrotum, and retention of urine due to fluid retention syndrome.

Comments: This classical formula was created for Bladder meridian or Bladder organ dysfunctions, such as neck pain or lower back pain. This is a mild formula, so increase dose until achieve desired effect. Caution with overuse, as diuretic herbs can damage Qi & Yin.  Prolonged use not recommended and may cause symptoms of dizziness and loss of appetite. Contra-indicated in difficult urination associated with Yin deficiency.

Wood Element – Liver and Gall Bladder

LI-002
XIAO CHAI HU PIAN

Harmonizing Yin and Yang energies since 210 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Harmonizes the two meridians of Shaoyang--the Triple Warmer and Gallbladder. Supplements Qi, transforms phlegm, spreads Liver Qi, and clears heat.

TCM Indications: Alternating chills and fever, distention in the chest or rib area, bitter mouth, dry throat, retching, dizziness, severe loss of appetite.

Modern Indications: Infection of biliary tract, gallstones, gallbladder infection, hepatitis, pleuritis, chronic gastritis, indigestion, intercostal neuralgia, neurosis, breast disease, underarm lymph node edema, and AIDS.

Comments: If it is difficult to pinpoint the specific meridians or organ functions causing a particular problem, or if the patient has taken many Western medications, this herbal formula can help clarify the underlying condition. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated with patients taking Interferon. May cause headache and dizziness due to energy rising in long-term use. Patients with chronic fatigue or post viral patterns may have a temporary reoccurrence when starting this formula until pathogen is eliminated from the body.

LI-007 
XUE FU ZHU YU PIAN

Helping to relieve blood stagnation since 1830 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Relieves Qi and blood stagnation; relieves pain. This is a broad spectrum strong blood and Qi mover

TCM Indications: Chest pain, headache, non-stop hiccups, palpitation, insomnia, injury in the chest area, dysphoria due to interior heat, irritability, fever at dusk.

Modern Indications: Coronary heart disease, cerebral thrombosis, thromboangiitis obliterans, hypertension, migraine, cirrhosis of the Liver, dysmennorhea, anemia, post-miscarriage retention of placenta.

Comments: This herbal formula was created to relieve blood stagnation in the Middle Warmer. Because of the relationship between blood and Qi, it can be used to relieve Qi stagnation as well. In severe cases or in early stages, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated during pregnancy. Contra-indicated in women with menorrhagia and patients with bleeding disorders. Caution in patients with anti-coagulant therapy. Watch for bruising and increased bleeding. Prolonged use may deplete Qi and Blood, so discontinue use every 2-3 months and change to a simple Qi and Blood supplementing formula for a few weeks.

LI-008
WEN DANG PIAN

Harmonizing Gallbladder and Stomach function since 1174 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Helps relieve phlegm and harmonizes the relationship between the Gallbladder and Stomach.

TCM Indications: Nausea, heartburn, gastric discomfort with acid regurgitation, palpitation, insomnia, nightmare, bitter taste in the mouth.

Modern Indications: Disorder of the autonomic nervous system, menopausal syndrome, neurosism, cerebral arteriosclerosis, chronic gastritis, high blood pressure.

Comments: In severe cases or initially, may increase dose 50% for a few weeks, then decrease as symptoms improve. Contra-indicated in Yin or Blood Deficiency type Shen disturbances. Can be used to help conditions of excess weight and help reduce cholesterol levels.

LI-009
WEN JING PIAN

Increasing warm Qi in the meridians since 210 A.D

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Warms the channels, especially the Liver and the Kidney; expels cold; nourishes the blood; expels Blood stagnation; strengthens Kidney function. Used for Deficient cold patterns, not excess

TCM Indications: Irregular menstruation due to deficiency-cold in the Chong and Ren channels; accumulation of stagnant blood marked by preceded or delayed menstrual cycle, or overdue, persistent menstrual duration, or excess menstruation in a month; nightfall fever, feverish sensation in the palms, parched lips and dry mouth, pain and cold in the lower abdomen, difficulty in conceiving.

Modern Indications: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic inflammation, menstrual cramps, and hysteromyoma marked by the above-mentioned symptoms, cystitis, menopausal symptoms.

Comments: This herbal formula can be used with any condition or physical discomfort caused by cold in the Lower Warmer. It is also good for chronic lower back pain in women and for alleviating cold in the extremities. This formula may be taken throughout the menstrual cycle to gentle encourage the expulsion of stagnant blood. Contra-indicated during Pregnancy. Contra-indicated in women with menorrhagia without dark blood or clotting and in cases of excess (blood stagnation and Cold are the primary pathogen).

LI-010
LONG DAN XIE GAN PIAN

Relieving heat stagnation in the liver since 1652 A.D.

TCM Therapeutic Actions: Alleviates excess Damp Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder; removes Damp Heat from the Lower Warmer; clears Liver fire.

TCM Indications: Liver and Gallbladder heat; headache caused by Liver function disorder, burning and dry eyes, bitter mouth, rib distention, ear infection or ear swelling, yeast infection, vaginal discharge,

Modern Indications: Hypertension, acne, vegetative nerve functional disturbance, acute conjunctivitis, acute otitis media, acute prostatitis, acute hepatitis, urinary tract or vaginal infections, acute pelvic inflammation, acute eczema, herpes zoster.