Similarly, if a person is always warm, wears short sleeves even in freezing temperatures, has a red or ruddy complexion or angers easily, warming herbs like ginger and red pepper should be avoided. Of course, these are generalizations and small amounts of these herbs in combination with other herbs to balance the energetics of an entire formula would still be appropriate. This is what a herbalist should know in order to help clients. This is what few medical professionals who have been trained allopathically even consider. Symptoms of diseases follow the pattern of energetics in the same way.
Fever is treated with cooling herbs.
Chronic congestion as seen in food sensitivities and asthma would be treated with herbs that warm and dry. This person would need a formula with herbs that are both digestive stimulants and warming like angelica and ginger. These are just a few examples of what needs to be considered to choose the right herb. The constitution of an individual plays an important factor in deciding what herbs to use and the best way to take them. The energetics of the herb and the role it will play in a formula as well as the symptom picture presented all help in the decision making process.