There are over ten thousand TCM herbal formulas which have been established over the course of history. Today, about two thousand are currently in use. According to the earliest known TCM texts, called The Yellow Emperors Classics of Internal Medicine , in TCM formulas the primary herb is called the king. Then other herbs are used to build a specific prescriptive for each individual's condition. These are assistant herbs and play different roles in helping the primary herb and harmonizing the effects of the herbs in their unique combination.
Herbs also have a life force and constitution.
Some are cool or cold and others are neutral, warm or hot. The patient's basic constitution is analyzed and the appropriate herbs are then selected. My love for herbs began far before I became an acupuncture physician and Chinese herbalist. I have always been fascinated by herbs and the simple grace they can possess in restoring balance in our bodies. As I began to raise children and look for natural approaches and remedies to use for common ailments for my family and my own health, it was the gentle effectiveness of herbs that had the most to offer me.