NCCAOM Herbal Formula List

The below "NCCAOM Herbal Formula List" is an essential Chinese herbs resource for students and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly those preparing for the NCCAOM Herbal Board Exam.

This comprehensive table organizes key information about TCM herbal formulas, including their names, translations, categories, functions, patterns, chief herbs, modifications, and notes.

It serves as a valuable study guide, providing clear and concise summaries of each formula’s purpose and application in clinical practice. Whether you're a seasoned acupuncturist, herbalist, or a student, this guide is a practical reference to deepen your understanding of TCM herbal medicine and its diagnostic framework.

Name	Translation	Category	Functions	Pattern	Chief Herbs	Ingredients	Modifications	Notes
Ba Zheng San	Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification	Clear Heat & Expel Dampness	Clears heat Drains fire Promotes urination Unblocks painful urinary dribbling	Damp-heat clumping in the lower burner	Qu Mai Bian Xu
Bai He Gu Jin Tang	Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal	Tonify Yin	Nourishes yin Moistens Lungs Transforms phlegm Stops coughing	Internal dryness of LU	Bai He Sheng Di Huang Shu Di Huang
Bai Hu Tang	White Tiger Decoction	Clear Qi Level Heat	Clears qi-level heat Drains ST fire Generate fluids Alleviates thirst	4 Bigs due to excess heat in Qi or Yangming Levels	Shi Gao
Bai Tou Weng Tang	Pulsatilla Decoction	Clear Organ Heat	Clears heat Resolves toxicity Cools the blood Alleviates dysentery	Dysentery due to toxic heat in the ST/LI	Bai Tou Weng
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang	Pinellia, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Gastrodia Decoction	Transform Phlegm & Wind	Strenghten SP Dispel dampness Transform phlegm Extinguish wind	Internal wind-phlegm rising upwards causing dizziness/vertigo	Ban Xia Tian Ma
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang	Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction	Promote Qi Movement	Move qi Dissipates clumps Direct rebel qi down Transform phlegm	LR Qi & Phlegm stagnation lodging in throat - Plum Pit Qi	Ban Xia
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang	Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium	Harmonize ST & Intestines	Harmonize ST Direct rebel qi down Disperses clumping Eliminate focal distention	Cold-Heat complex in the middle jiao due to ST/intestine disharmony (Pi syndrome)	Huang Lian		Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang + Sheng Jiang (12g) = Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang
Bao He Wan	Preserve Harmony Pill	Reduce Food Stagnation	Reduces food stagnation Harmonizes ST	Food retention in middle burner	Shan Zha
Bei Mu Gua Lou San	Fritillaria and Trichosanthes Fruit Powder	Transform Dryness & Phlegm	Moistens Lungs Clears heat Regulates the qi Transforms phlegm	LU dry phlegm causing cough	Chuan Bei Mu
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin	Dioscorea Hypoglauca Decoction to Separate the Clear	Transform Water & Dampness	Warms the Kidneys Promotes resolution of dampness Separates out the clear Transforms the turbid	Cloudy urination due to KD Yang deficiency cold	Bi Xie
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang	Tonify the Yang to Restore Five Tenths Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Tonifies qi Invigorates blood Unblocks channels	Hemiplagia (Wind-Stroke) due to Qi/Blood stagnation in channels with Qi deficiency	Huang Qi
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang	Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction	Tonify Qi	Tonifies middle burner Augments the qi Raises the yang Lifts what has sunken	SP/ST Qi deficiency causing intermittent fever SP Qi sinking	Huang Qi
Cang Er Zi San	Xanthium Powder	Disperse External Wind	Disperses wind Alleviates pain Unlocks the nose	Wind causing nasal congestion or discharge	Cang Er Zi Xin Yi Hua
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang	Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction	Exterior Wind Heat	Releases pathogenic influences from the muscle layer Clears interior heat	Exterior Wind-Cold (Taiyang) transforming into interior Heat (Yangming)	Chai Hu Ge Gen
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver	Promote Qi Movement	Spreads the Liver qi Harmonizes blood Alleviates pain	Liver qi stagnation and clumping causing pain	Chai Hu	Si Ni San + Xiang Fu + Chuan Xiong + Chen Pi
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San	Ligusticum Chuanxiong Powder to be Taken with Green Tea	Disperse External Wind	Disperses wind Alleviates pain	Headache from exterior Wind	Chuan Xiong
Da Bu Yin Wan	Great Tonify the Yin Pill	Tonify Yin	Enriches the yin Directs fire downward	Severe KD/LR Yin/Essence deficnecy with Empty Heat	Shu Di Huang Gui Ban
Da Chai Hu Tang	Major Bupleurum Decoction	Release Exterior & Purge Interior	Harmonizes and releases Shaoyang Drains internal clumping due to heat	Concurrent Shaoyang with Yangming syndromes	Chai Hu Da Huang
Da Cheng Qi Tang	Major Order the Qi Decoction	Purge Heat Accumulation	Vigorously purges heat accumulation	Yangming organ syndrome causing severe constipation or diarrhea Heat Collapse (Re Jue)	Da Huang
Da Jian Zhong Tang	Major Construct the Middle Decoction	Warm Middle	Warms & tonifies middle burner deficiency Directs rebel qi down Alleviates pain	Middle burner Yang deficiency (root) & vigorous Yin-cold (manifestation)	Hua Jiao			Severe pain aggravated by touch (vs Li Zhong Wan - relieves by warmth & touch)
Dan Shen Yin	Salvia Drink	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Moves qi Alleviates pain	Blood & qi stagnation in the Upper/Middle jiao causing chest pain	Dan Shen
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang	Tangkuei Decoction to Tonify the Blood	Tonify Blood	Tonifies qi Generates blood	Blood & qi deficiency with floating Yang	2 ingredients	Huang Qi (30g) (Jiu Xi) Dang Gui (6g)		5:1 ratio
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Tangkuei and Six-Yellow Decoction	Clear Deficiency Heat	Enriches the yin Drains fire Stabilizes the exterior Stops sweating	Yin deficiency with Empty-heat causing night sweats	Dang Gui Sheng Di Huang Shu Di Huang
Dao Chi San	Guide Out the Red Powder	Clear Organ Heat	Clears the Heart Promotes urination	Heat in the HT channel HT Fire transmitting SI	Mu Tong	Sheng Di Huang (3-6g) Mu Tong (3-6g) Dan Zhu Ye (3-6g) Gan Cao Shao (3-6g)
Ding Chuan Tang	Arrest Wheezing Decoction	Direct Qi Downward	Disseminates & redirects LU qu Arrests wheezing Clears heat Transforms phlegm	Internal LU phlegm heat with external Wind Cold causing rebellious LU qi	Ma Huang Bai Guo			Asthma
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang	Clove and Persimmon Calyx Decoction	Direct Qi Downward	Augments the qi Warms middle jiao Directs rebel qi down Stops hiccup	Rebellious ST qi due to ST deficiency cold	Ding Xiang Shi Di			Hiccups
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang	Angelica Pubescens and Sangjisheng Decoction	Dispel Wind Dampness	Expels wind dampness Disperses painful obstruction Tonifies deficiency	Chronic Bi syndrome due to Wind-Cold-Damp with LR/KD deficiency & Qi/Blood deficiency	Du Huo
Du Qi Wan	Capital Qi Pill	Tonify Yin	Chronic wheezing	Chronic wheezing with shortness of breath		LWDHW + Wu Wei Zi		Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Wu Wei Zi
Er Chen Tang	Two-Cured Decoction	Transform Damp & Phlegm	Dries dampness Transforms phlegm Regulates qi Harmonizes middle jiao	Damp-phlegm syndrome in middle jiao or LU	Ban Xia Ju Hong (Chen Pi)
Er Miao San	Two-Marvel Powder	Clear Heat & Expel Dampness	Clears heat Dries dampness	Damp-heat lodging in lower jiao	Huang Bai	Huang Bai (9-12g) Cang Zhu (6-9g)	1) + Niu Xi = San Miao San (guides down) 2) San Miao San + Yi Yi Ren (more draining damp)
Er Xian Tang	Two-Immortal Decoction	Tonify Yin & Yang	Warms Kidney yang Tonifies KD essence Drains fire from KD Regulates Chong & Ren vessels	KD Yin & Yang deficiency with Empty Fire				Menopause & Hypertension
Er Zhi Wan	Two-Ultimate Pill	Tonify Yin	Tonifies and benefits the Liver & Kidneys	KD/LR Yin deficiency	2 ingredients	Nu Zhen Zi (7.5g) Han Lian Cao (7.5g)		Premature hair greying
Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang	Revive Health by Invigorating the Blood Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Spreads LR qi Unblocks channels	Blood stasis & Qi stagnation in the trunk due to trauma	Dang Gui Tao Ren Hong Hua Chuan Shan Jia Da Huang (jiu)			Blood stasis in trunk, chest, or flanks
Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang	Licorice Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium	Harmonize ST & Intestines	Harmonizes ST Directs rebel qi down Disperses clumping Elminates focal distention	More severe ST qi deficiency w/undigested food in stools & irritability	Zhi Ban Xia	Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Increase dose of Zhi Gan Cao to 12g
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang	Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction	Nourish Heart	Nourishes HT Calms spirit Harmonize middle jiao Relax hypertonicity	HT Yin deficiency with LR qi stagnation causing Restless Organ (Zang Zao) syndrome	Xiao Mai	Xiao Mai (9-15g) Gan Cao (9g) Da Zao (10pc)		LR Qi stagnation leading to depression
Ge Gen Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang	Kudzu, Coptis, and Scutellaria Decoction	Release Exterior & Clear Interior	Release the exterior Drains heat	Incompletely resolved exterior with interior excess heat	Ge Gen	Ge Gen (15-24g) Huang Lian (6g) Huang Qin (9g) Zhi Gan Cao (6g)		Exterior excess with Interior Excess
Ge Gen Tang	Kudzu Decoction	Exterior Wind Cold	Releases the exterior & muscles layer Generates fluids	Exterior Wind-Cold of excess type with stiff neck Taiyang & Yangming simultaneously with diarrhea	Ge Gen			WC excces with stiff neck
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang	Drive Out Blood Stasis Below the Diaphragm Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Promotes qi movement Alleviates pain	Blood stasis with qi stagnation in the epigastrium or below diaphragm	Tao Ren Hong Hua Chuan Xiong		Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang family	Also for chronic diarrhea and daybreak diarrhea All organs besides HT/LU are below diaphragm so it treats blood stasis in those organs
Gu Jing Wan	Stabilize the Menses Pill	Secure Womb	Enriches yin Clears heat Stops bleeding Stabilizes menses	Constrained LR fire injuring Chong & Ren causing Beng Lou (menorrhagia) syndrome	Gui Ban Bai Shao			Menorrhagia = excess menstrual bleeding
Gui Pi Tang	Restore the Spleen Decoction	Tonify Qi & Blood	Augments the qi Tonifies blood Strengthens SP Nourishes HT	SP Qi & HT Blood deficiency causing insomnia SP Qi not controlling blood	Ren Shen Huang Qi Bai Zhu Zhi Gan Cao			Compare to Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan	Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Transforms blood stasis Reduces fixed abdominal masses	Blood stasis in the uterus during pregnancy	Gui Zhi Fu Ling			Blood stasis during pregnancy
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang	Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction	Dispel Wind Dampness	Unblocks flow of yang qi Promotes movement Dispels wind Eliminates dampness Clears heat	Recurrent painful obstruction with localized heat	Gui Zhi Ma Huang
Gui Zhi Tang	Cinnamon Twig Decoction	Exterior Wind Cold	Releases pathogenic influences from the muscle layer Regulates nutritive & protective qi	Exterior Wind Cold of deficiency type	Gui Zhi	Gui Zhi (9g) Bai Shao (9g) Sheng Jiang (9g) Da Zao (2-4pc) Zhi Gan Cao (6g)	1) More Bai Shao = Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang (Abdominal fullness) 2) No Bai Shao = Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Tang (Chest fullness) 3) Add Hou Po & Xing Ren = Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang (Wheezing) 4) Add Fu Zi = Gui Zhi Fu Zi Tang (Painful obstruction) 5) Add Ge Gen = Gui Zhi Jia Ge Gen Tang (Stiff neck, sweating)
Huai Hua San	Sophora Japonica Flower Powder	Stop Bleeding	Cools intestines Stops bleeding Disperses wind Promotes movement of qi	Rectal bleeding due to LI Wind Heat or Damp Heat	Huai Hua			Rectal bleeding
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Coptis and Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction	Nourish Heart	Enriches yin Causes fire to descend Eliminates irritability Calms spirit	Fire from Yin deficiency affecting spirit	Huang Lian E Jiao			SHL Shaoyin level heat
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang	Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity	Resolve Toxicity	Drains fire Resolves toxicity	Fire toxin from excessive heat in Triple Burners	Huang Lian	Huang Lian (9g) Huang Qin (6g) Huang Bai (6g) Zhi Zi (6-12g)		Treats toxic heat, blood heat, and damp-heat
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San	Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi	Transform Stomach Dampness	Releases exterior Transforms dampness Regulates qi Harmonize middle jiao	Damp stagnation in middle jiao with external Wind Cold	Hou Xiang			Interior damp + Ext WC Intestinal flu
Ji Chuan Jian	Benefit the River Flow Decoction	Moisten Intestines	Warms Kidneys Nourish blood Augments essence Moistens intestines Unblocks bowels	Constipation due to KD Yang deficiency	Rou Cong Rong			Constipation vs. Ma Zi Ren Wan (LI dryness & heat)
Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang	Modified Solomon’s Seal Decoction	Exterior with Interior Deficiency	Nourishes yin Clears heat Induces sweating Releases exterior	Exterior Wind-Heat with Yin deficiency	Yu Zhu			Use after LT illness or significant blood loss
Jiao Ai Tang	Ass-Hide Gelatin and Mugwort Decoction	Stop Bleeding	Nourishes blood Stops bleeding Regulates menses Calms fetus	Uterine bleeding due to Chong/Ren deficiency cold with Blood deficiency	E Jiao Ai Ye			Restless fetus disorder
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Shen Qi Wan)	Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet	Tonify Yang	Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang	KD Yang deficiency	Fu ZI Gui Zhi
Jin Ling Zi San	Melia Toosendan Powder	Promote Qi Movement	Spreads Liver qi Drains heat Invigorates blood Alleviates pain	Pain due to LR stagnation with heat	Chuan Lian Zi	Chuan Lian Zi (9g) Yan Hu Suo (9g)		Pain aggravated by hot food or beverages
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan	Metal Lock Pill to Stabilize the Essence	Secure Essence	Stabilize Kidneys Binds up the semen	Spermatorrhea due to KD deficiency	Sha Yuan Zi
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang	Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction	Direct Qi Downward	Directs rebel qi down Stops hiccup Augments qi Clears heat	Rebellious ST qi due to ST deficiency with heat	Chen Pi Zhu Ru
Juan Bi Tang	Remove Painful Obstructions from Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies	Dispel Wind Dampness	Tonifies & harmonizes protective & nutritive qi Dispels wind Eliminates dampness	Acute Bi syndrome due to Wind-Cold-Damp	Qiang Huo Du Huo			Early stage Bi syndrome
Li Zhong Wan	Regulate the Middle Pill	Warm Middle	Warms middle jiao Strengthens SP/ST	Deficiency Cold of SP/ST Middle Jiao deficiency Cold	Gan Jiang	Gan Jiang (9g) Ren Shen (9g) Bai Zhu (9g) Zhi Gan Cao (9g)		Li Zhong Wan - Gan Jiang - Cold in Taiyin Wu Zhu Yu Tang - Wu Zhu Yu - Cold in Yangming, Jueyin, Shaoyin Si Ni Tang - Fu Zi - cold in Shaoyin
Liang Fu Wan	Galangal and Cyperus Pill	Promote Qi Movement	Warms middle jiao Dispels cold Promotes movement of qi Alleviates pain	LR Qi stagnation with ST cold causing pain	2 ingredients	Gao Liang Jiang (9g) Xiang Fu (9g)		Problems improve with local heat
Liang Ge San	Cool the Diaphragm Powder	Resolve Toxicity	Drains fire Unblocks bowels by clearing upper jiao & draining middle jiao	Heat & clumping in the diaphragm region (upper & middle jiao)	Lian Qiao			Weak purgative, used for skin disorders also
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang	Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Licorice Decoction	Transform Water & Dampness	Warms & transforms phlegm & thin mucus Strengthens SP Resolves dampness	LU damp-phlegm or phlegm-fluid syndrome	Fu Ling	Fu Ling (12g) Gui Zhi (9g) Bai Zhu (6g) Zhi Gan Cao (6g)
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang	Antelope Horn and Uncaria Decoction	Extinguish Internal Wind	Cools the Liver Extinguishes wind Increases fluids Relaxes sinews	Heat from excess in the LR channel generating internal wind	Ling Yang Jiao Gou Teng			Form of tetanic collape - formula focuses on extinguishing wind & stopping spasm
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia	Tonify Yin	Enriches the yin Nourishes the Kidneys	KD/LR Yin deficiency	Shu Di Huang	Shu Di Huang (24g) Shan Zhu Yu (12g) Shan Yao (12g) Fu Ling (9g) Mu Dan Pi (9g) Ze Xie (9g)	1) Add Gou Qi Zi & Ju Hua = Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (LR eye disorders) 2) Add Zhi Mu & Huang Bai = Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (KD defic heat) 3) Add Wu Wei Zi = Du Qi Wan (Cough, wheezing) 4) Add Mai Men Dong & Wu Wei Zi = Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (LU dry cough)	Well balanced 3 tonifying herbs: Shu Di - KD Shan Zhu Yu - LR Shan Yao - SP 3 sedating herbs: Ze Xie - KD Mu Dan Pi - LR Fu Ling - SP
Liu Yi San	Six-to-One Powder	Summerheat & Dampness	Clears summerheat Resolves dampness Augments the qi	Summerheat with interior damp	Hua Shi	Hua Shi (18g) Gan Cao (3g)		6:1 ratio
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver	Clear Organ Heat	Drains fire excess from LR & GB Clears & drains damp-heat from lower jiao	LR fire blazing up LR/GB damp heat invading downward	Long Dan Cao
Ma Huang Tang	Ephedra Decoction	Exterior Wind Cold	Releases exterior cold Arrests wheezing	Exterior wind cold of excess type	Ma Huang	Ma Huang (9g) Gui Zhi (6g) Xing Ren (9-12g) Zhi Gan Cao (3g)		Caution in hypertension Contraing for debilitated or patients prone to bleeding
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang	Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction	Clear Organ Heat	Facilitates flow of LU qi Clears heat Calms wheezing by directing rebel qi down	Heat lodged in the LU Qi Level LU heat	Ma Huang Shi Gao	Ma Huang (12g) Shi Gao (24g) Xing Ren (18g) Zhi Gan Cao (6g)		Can use in either wind-cold or wind-heat
Ma Zi Ren Wan	Hemp Seed Pill	Moisten Intestines	Moistens intestines Drains heat Promotes qi movement Unblocks bowels	Constipation due to intestinal dryness & heat Spleen bind	Huo Ma Ren
Mai Men Dong Tang	Ophiopogonis Decoction	Tonify Yin	Benefits ST Generates fluids Direct rebel qi down	LU/ST Qi & Yin deficiency	Mai Men Dong			Also for belching/vomit from defic ST yin
Mu Li San	Oyster Shell Powder	Stabilize Exterior	Inhibits sweating Stabilizes exterior	Unstable protective qi with injury to HT yin	Mu Li	Mu Li (15-30g) Huang Qi (9-15g) Ma Huang Gen (3-9g) Fu Xiao Mai (15-30)		Stops sweating without tonifying
Nuan Gan Jian	Warm the Liver Decoction	Promote Qi Movement	Warms LR/KD Promotes qi movement Alleviates pain	Cold from LR/KD deficiency	Xiao Hui Xiang Rou Gui			Hernia & swollen/painful scrotum
Ping Wei San	Calm the Stomach Powder	Transform Stomach Dampness	Dries dampness Improve SP transport Promotes qi movement Harmonizes ST	Damp-cold stagnation in SP/ST	Cang Zhu	Cang Zhu (12-15g) Hou Po (9-12g) Chen Pi (9-12g) Zhi Gan Cao (3-6g) Sheng Jiang (2p) Da Zao (2p)	1) Add Huo Xiang + Ban Xia = Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San (Nausea/Vomit) 2) Add Wu Ling San = Wei Ling Tang (Diarrhea/edema) 3) Add Shen Qu + Mai Ya = Jia Wei Ping Wei San (Food retention) 4) Add Er Chen Tang = Ping Chen Tang (Damp + Phlegm)	Contraind for Blood or Yin defic Ping Wei San = excess cold damp Li Zhong Wan = Deficiency cold
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin	Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin	Resolve Toxicity	Clears heat Eliminates fire toxin Disperses wind-heat	Epidemic toxin with Wind-Heat & Damp-Phlegm	Huang Qin Huang Lian			Massive febrile disorder of the head (Da Tou Wen)
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan	Lycium Fruit, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill	Tonify Yin	Enriches the yin Nourishes the Kidneys Moisten/clear eyes	Eye disorders w/KD & LR yin deficiency	Shu Di Huang	LWDHW + Gou Qi Zi & Ju Hua		From Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang	Notopterygium Decoction to Overcome Dampness	Dispel Wind Dampness	Expels wind & dampness	Acute Bi syndrome due to Wind-Damp in the channel & muscle layer	Qiang Huo Du Huo			Aim is to produce a mild sweat
Qing Gu San	Cool the Bones Powder	Clear Deficiency Heat	Clears deficiency heat Alleviates steaming bone disorder	KD/LR yin deficiency leading to Steaming Bone disorder	Yin Chai Hu
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Artemisia Annua and Soft-Shelled Turtle Shell Decoction	Clear Deficiency Heat	Nourishes yin Vents heat	Yin deficiency with heat in Ying level during later stage febrile disease	Qing Hao Bie Jia			Also for advanced stages of infectious diseases
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan	Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill	Transform Heat & Phlegm	Clears heat Transforms phlegm Directs rebel qi down Stops coughing	LU phlegm heat causing cough	Dan Nan Xing
Qing Wei San	Clear the Stomach Powder	Clear Organ Heat	Drains ST fire Cools the blood Nourishes yin	ST heat accumulation	Huang Lian	Huang Lian (3-6g) Sheng Ma (3-6g) Mu Dan Pi (6-9g) Sheng Di Huang (6-12) Dang Gui (Shen) (6-12)		Toothache and bleeding gums
Qing Wen Bai Du San	Clear Epidemics and Overcome Toxicity Decoction	Clear Qi & Blood Levels	Clears heat Resolves toxicity Cools the blood Drains fire	Severe fire in Qi/Blood levels	Shi Gao			Clear toxic heat
Qing Ying Tang	Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction	Clear Nutritive & Blood Levels	Clears nurtritive level Relieves fire toxin Drains heat Nourishes yin	Heat entering the Nutrituve (Ying) level	Shui Niu Jiao			4 Levels: Wei: Yin Qiao San Qi: Bai Hu Tang Ying: Qing Ying T. Xue: Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang	Eliminate Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction	Gently Disperse	Clears dryness Moistens the Lungs	Dryness attacking the LU	Sang Ye			For more severe cases of Warm Dryness affecting LU Also for acute hemiplegia For mild cases use Sang Xing Tang
Ren Shen Bai Du San	Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences	Exterior with Interior Deficiency	Releases the exterior Dispels wind & damp Augments the qi	Exterior wind-cold with interior Qi deficiency	Qiang Huo Du Huo		1) Add Jin Yin Hua + Lian Qiao = Yin Qiao Bai Du San (Early stage abscess) 2) Minus Ren Shen + Jing Jie + Fang Feng = Jing Fang Bai Du San (Wind-Cold Damp)
Run Chang Wan	Moisten the Intestines Pill from Master Shen’s Book	Moisten Intestines	Moistens intestines Unblocks bowels	Constipation due to Blood deficiency -> desiccated intestines	Huo Ma Ren Tao Ren	Huo Ma Ren (15g) Tao Ren (9g) Dang Gui (9g) Sheng Di Huang (30g) Zhi Ke (9g)		Very significant blood & yin defic
San Zi Yang Qin Tang	Three-Seed Decoction to Nourish One’s Parents	Transform Phlegm Cold	Directs qi downward Transforms phlegm Reduces harbored food	LU phlegm cold w/Qi stagnation	3 ingredients	Bai Jie Zi (6-9) Zi Su Zi (6-9) Lai Fu Zi (6-9)		Elderly formula
Sang Ju Yin	Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction	Exterior Wind Heat	Disperses wind Clears heat Stops cough by facilitating flow of LU qi	Exterior Wind-Heat causing cough Wind-Heat causing eye disorders	Sang Ye Ju Hua			Cough & eye infection vs. Yin Qiao San: Sore throat, boils, measles
Sang Piao Xiao San	Mantis Egg-Case Powder	Secure Essence	Regulates & tonifies the HT & KD Stabilizes the essence Stops leakage	Qi deficiency of KD & HT	Sang Piao Xiao			Incontinence characterized by being aware of urge to urinate but unable to suppress
Sang Xing Tang	Mulberry Leaf and Apricot Kernel Decoction	Gently Disperse	Clears & disperses warm dryness	Warm dryness	Sang Ye Xing Ren			May also have coughing of blood
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang	Drive Out Blood Stasis in the Lower Abdomen Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Warms menses Alleviates pain	Blood stasis in the lower abdomen caused by cold	Chuan Xiong Dang Gui		Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang family	Basically Tao Hong Si Wu Tang + Shi Xiao San
Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang	Peony and Licorice Decoction	Tonify Blood	Nourishes blood Augments yin Moderates painful spasms Alleviates pain	Blood deficiency with injury to fluids	Bai Shao	Bai Shao (12) Zhi Gan Cao (12)
Shao Yao Tang	Peony Decoction	Clear Organ Heat	Regulates & harmonizes qi & blood Clears heat Dries dampness Resolves toxicity	LI Damp-Heat with Qi & Blood stagnation causing dysentery	Huang Lian Huang Qin			Early stage dysentery vs. Bai Tou Weng Tang: Toxic heat in ST/Intestines
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San	Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder	Tonify Qi	Augments qi Strengthens SP Leaches out dampness Stops diarrhea	SP Qi deficiency & damp causing diarrhea	Ren Shen Bai Zhu Fu Ling Zhi Gan Cao		SP Qi def: Si Jun Zi Tang: fatigue, no appetitie SLBZS: diarrhea Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: organ prolapse, fever	Also for chronic cough w/copious sputum due to LU/SP defic
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang	Drive Out Blood Stasis from a Painful Body Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Promotes qi movement Dispels blood stasis Unblocks collaterals Unblocks painful obstruction Alleviates pain	Blood stasis with qi stagnation in the channels & collaterals	Tao Ren Hong Hua Chuan Xiong		Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang family
Sheng Hua Tang	Generation and Transformation Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Transforms and dispels blood stasis Warms menses Alleviates pain	Blood & cold stagnation causing postpartum lochial retention	Dang Gui			Only use in blood stasis, blood deficiency, and cold
Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang	Fresh Ginger Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium	Harmonize ST & Intestines	Harmonizes ST Reduces focal distention Disperses clumping Expels water	Clumping of water & heat or ST deficiency w/food stagnation and suspended thin mucus lingering internally	Ban Xia Sheng Jiang	Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang + Sheng Jiang (12g)		Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Modification
Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang	Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction	Exterior Wind Heat	Releases the muscle layer Vents rashes	Early stage of rashes due to externally contracted Heat	Sheng Ma	Sheng Ma (3-6g) Ge Gen (3-9g) Chi Shao (6-9g) Zhi Gan Cao (3g)		Also for early stage warm febrile diseases
Sheng Mai San	Generate the Pulse Powder	Tonify Qi	Augments qi Generates fluds Preserves yin Stops excess sweating	Concurrent LU Qi & Yin deficiency	Ren Shen	Ren Shen (9-15g) Mai Men Dong (9-12g) Wu Wei Zi (3-6g)	LU def w/sweating: Sheng Mai San: LU qi/yin defic Yu Ping Feng San: Wei Qi def - aversion to wind	Also for summer heat thirst Also for coronary heart disease Also for Qi-def anemia
Shi Hui San	Ten Partially-Charred Substance Powder	Stop Bleeding	Cools the blood Stops bleeding Clears heat Drains fire	Acute bleeding due to LR/ST fire with blood heat	Da Ji Xiao Ji			Often used in tuberculosis
Shi Pi Yin	Bolster the Spleen Decoction	Transform Water & Dampness	Warms the yang Strengthens SP Moves qi Promotes urination	Yin edema due to SP/KD yang deficiency	Fu Zi Gan Jiang			Yin edema from SP/KD yang def: Shi Pi Yin: SP Zhen Wu Tang: KD
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang	All Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction	Tonify Qi & Blood	Warms & tonifies qi and blood	Qi & blood deficiency with mild deficiency cold	Ren Shen Shu Di Huang	Si Jun Zi Tang Si Wu Tang Huang Qi Rou Gui	Si Jun Zi Tang + Si Wu Tang = Ba Zhen Tang	Adds Huang Qi & Rou Gui for mild deficiency cold
Shi Xiao San	Sudden Smile Powder	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Disperses accumulation Alleviates pain	Blood stasis in lower abdomen causing pain	2 ingredients	Wu Ling Zhi 6 Pu Huang 6		Particularly useful for blood stasis in LR channel
Shou Tai Wan	Fetus Longevity Pill	Secure Essence	Stabilize Kidneys Calms fetus	KD deficiency leading to instability of Chong & Ren channels	Tu Si Zi	Tu Si Zi 12 San Ji Sheng 6 Xu Duan 6 E Jiao 6		Also used preventatively
Si Jun Zi Tang	Four-Gentlemen Decoction	Tonify Qi	Tonifies qi Strengthens SP	SP/ST Qi deficiency	Ren Shen	Ren Shen (3-9) Bai Zhu (6-9) Fu Ling (6-9) Zhi Gan Cao (3-6)	1) + Chen Pi = Yi Gong San (Qi Stag) 2) + Chen Pi + Ban Xia = Liu Jun Zi Tang (Phlegm) 3) + Mu Xiang + Sha Ren = Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Phlegm, Qi Stag, Pain) 4) Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang + Ping Wei San = Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang (Damp)	Primary formula for SP/ST qi deficiency. Also helps SP process dampness
Si Ni San	Frigid Extremities Powder	Regulate Liver & Spleen	Vents pathogenic qi Releases constraint Spreads LR qi Regulates SP	LR Qi stagnation overacting on SP causing cold extremities (Yang Jue Syndrome)	Chai Hu	Chai Hu (9-12) Zhi Shi (9-12) Bai Shao (12-24) Zhi Gan Cao (6-9)	Cold Limbs (Jue Syndr.): Si Ni San: Cold fingers/toes (LR Qi Stag) Si Ni Tang: Cold entire limbs (KD/SP Yang Def) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang: Cold hands/feet (Cold channels + Blood def)	Raynaud's syndrome
Si Ni Tang	Frigid Extremities Decoction	Rescue Devastated Yang	Rescues devastated yang Warms middle jiao Stops diarrhea	KD yang deficiency with Cold-Evil in the Shaoyin stage (Yin Jue Synd.) Yang collapse False heat + true cold	Fu Zi	Fu Zi (6-9) Gan Jiang (6-9) Zhi Gan Cao (6)
Si Shen Wan	Four-Miracle Pill	Bind Up Intestines	Warms & tonifies SP/KD Binds up intestines Stops diarrhea	SP/KD yang deficiency causing daybreak diarrhea	Bu Gu Zhi	Bu Gu Zhi (12) Rou Dou Kou (6) Wu Zhu Yu (3) Wu Wei ZI (6) Sheng Jiang (3p) Da Zao (2p)	Chronic diarrhea from Yang Deficiency: Si Shen Wan: Tonify SP/KD yang + astringent Li Zhong Wan: Tonify SP yang only	Chronic colitis, chronic dysentery, tuberculosis of colon, allergic colitis
Si Wu Tang	Four-Substance Decoction	Tonify Blood	Tonifies blood Regulates LR	Blood deficiency & blood stasis	Shu Di Huang	Shu Di Huang (9-12) Dang Gui (9-12) Bai Shao (9-12) Chuan Xiong (3-6)	1) + Tao Ren + Hong Hua = Tao Hong SWT (menstrual symptoms) 2) + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (stubborn skin diseases) 3) + Suan Zao Ren + Mu Gua + Zhi Gan Cao = Bu Gan Tang (eye/muscle disorders) 4) + Xiang Fu + Ai Ye + Huang Qi + Rou Gui + Wu Zhu Yu + Xu Duan (restless fetus due to Cold & Blood deficiency	Focused on LR blood deficiency rather than HT blood vs. Xiao Yao San for menstrual disorders: Si Wu Tang = Blood deficiency + blood stasis Xiao Yao San = LR qi stagnation + blood deficiency
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang	Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward	Direct Qi Downward	Directs rebel qi down Arrests wheezing Stops coughing Warms & transforms phlegm-cold	LU cold phlegm (excess above) with KD yang deficiency (deficiency below)	Zi Su Zi		vs. Ding Chuan Tang: Exterior Wind-Cold & Interior Phlegm-Heat SZJQT: Excess phlegm cold + Deficiency KD yang	Wheezing, cough, phlegm in asthma, bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Sour Jujube Decoction	Nourish Heart	Nourishes blood Calms spirit Clears heat Eliminates irritability	LR blood & HT yin deficiency with empty heat	Suan Zao Ren	Suan Zao Ren (12-18) Chuan Xiong (6) Fu Ling (6) Zhi Mu (6) Gan Cao (3)		Sometimes given 1/2 hour before bed while another formula is given during day to address root
Tai Shan Pan Shi San	Powder that Gives the Stability of Mount Tai	Tonify Qi & Blood	Augments qi Strengthens SP Nourishes blood Quiets fetus	Qi & blood deficiency with lack of nourishment to the fetus	Ren Shen Shu Di Huang			Miscarriage & calm fetus formula
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang	Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi	Invigorate Blood	Drains heat Breaks up blood stasis	Accumulation of blood stasis & heat in lower jiao Taiyang organ level	Tao Ren Da Huang	Tao Ren (12-15) Da Huang (12) Gui Zhi (6) Mang Xiao (6) Zhi Gan Cao (6)	Tiao Wei Cheng QI Tang: Da Huang, Mang Xiao, Gan Cao = Yangming organ level Tao He Cheng Qi Tang: Tiao Wei CQT + Tao Ren + Gui Zhi = Taiyang organ	Accumulation of heat + blood leading to clumping - traumatic injury or gynecological disorders
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin	Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction	Extinguish Internal Wind	Calms LR Extinguishes wind Clears heat Invigorates blood Tonifies LR & KD	LR yang rising (90% excess) LR yang riding causing internal wind	Tian Ma Gou Teng	11 ingredients		Commonly used for hypertension
Tian Tai Wu Yao San	Top-quality Lindera Powder	Promote Qi Movement	Promotes qi movement Spreads LR qi Scatters cold Alleviates pain	Cold invading LR channel causing qi stagnation	Wu Yao	8 ingredients		Also for hypochondriac or menstrual pain
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Emperor of Heaven’s Special Pill to Tonify the Heart	Nourish Heart	Enriches yin Nourishes blood Clears heat Calms spirit	HT & KD yin deificiency with empty fire (HT/KD not communicating)	Sheng Di Huang	15 ingredients		Insomnia: Suan Zao Ren Tang: LR blood deficiency & HT yin deficiency Tian Wang BXD: HT & KD yin deificiency with heat Gui Pi Tang: SP Qi & Ht blood deficiency
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang	Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction	Purge Heat Accumulation	Mildly purges clumped heat	Mild Yangming organ syndrome causing mild constipation	Da Huang	Da Huang (12) Mang Xiao (9-12) Zhi Gan Cao (6)	Cheng Qi Tang concepts: Shi = Hardness Zao = Dryness Man = Fullness Pi = Distension	Da Cheng Qi Tang: Shi, Zao, Man, Pi Xiao Cheng Qi Tang: Shi, Man, Pi Tiao Wei Cheng Qi T: Shi, Zao
Tong Xie Yao Fang	Important Formula for Painful Diarrhea	Regulate Liver & Spleen	Tonifies SP Softens LR Expels dampness Stops diarrhea	LR qi stagnation overacting on SP causing diarrhea with abdominal pain	Bai Zhu Bai Shao	Bai Zhu (9-12) Bai Shao (6-24) Chen Pi (4.5-9) Fang Feng (3-6)
Wan Dai Tang	End Discharge Decoction	Secure Womb	Tonifies middle jiao Strengthens SP Transforms dampness Stops vaginal discharge	Leukorrhea due to Dai/SP deficiency with Damp/Qi stagnation	Bai Zhu Shan Yao Ren Shen	10 ingredients		Also for edema during menstruation or pregnancy
Wei Jing Tang	Reed Decoction	Internal Abscesses	Clears heat from LU Transforms phlegm Drives out blood stasis Discharges pus	Lung abscesses from toxic-heat obstructing the Lung	Lu Gen	Lu Gen (60) Dong Gua Zi (24) Yi Yi Ren (30) Tao Ren (9)		Also for eye disorders due to upward blazing of toxic heat
Wen Dan Tang	Warm the Gallbladder Decoction	Transform Damp & Phlegm	Regulates qi Transforms phlegm Clears GB Harmonizes ST	GB & ST disharmony with phlegm heat	Ban Xia	Ban Xia (6) Zhu Ru (6) Zhi Shi (6) Chen Pi (9) Fu Ling (4.5) Zhi Gan Cao (3) Sheng Jiang (5p) Da Zao (1p)	1) + Huang Lian = Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang (Severe phlegm heat) 2) - Zhu Ru + Suan Zao Ren + Yuan Zhi + Wu Wei Zi + Shu Di + Ren Shen = Shi Wei Wen Dan Tang (HT/GB deficiency)	Also used for phlegm heat manifesting as HT conditions like mania, depression, schizophrenia, insomnia, palpiations, or fright
Wen Jing Tang	Warm the Menses Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Warms vessels Dispels cold Nourishes blood Dispels blood stasis	Chong & Ren channel deficiency cold with blood stasis causing irregular menstruation	Wu Zhu Yu Gui Zhi	12 ingredients		One of most important formulas for female infertility Also used for impotence and seminal insufficiency
Wu Ling San	Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria	Leach Out Dampness Via Urine	Promotes urination Drains dampness Strengthens SP Warms yang Promotes qi transformation	Water-damp retention marked by edema & difficult urination Taiyang Fu Syndrome Taiyin Syndrome	Ze Xie	Ze Xie (15) Fu Ling (9) Zhu Ling (9) Bai Zhu (9) Gui Zhi (6)	1) - Gui Zhi = Si Ling San (urinary difficulty) 2) + Yin Chen = Yin Chen Wu Ling San (jaundice) 3) + Ping Wei San = Wei Ling Tang (diarrhea, edema)	Taiyang Fu Syndr.: Water accumulation: Wu Ling San Blood Accumulation: Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Wu Pi San	Five-Peel Powder	Leach Out Dampness Via Urine	Resolves dampness Reduces edema Regulates qi Strengthens SP	SP qi deficiency with excessive damp causing skin edema (Pi Shui Syndr.)	Sang Bai Pi Sheng Jiang Pi	Sang Bai Pi (15) Sheng Jiang Pi (6) Fu Ling Pi (15) Chen Pi (9) Da Fu Pi (15)	Water accumulation: Wu Ling San: Dysfunction of UB qi transformation Zhu Ling San: Heat accum causing yin defic Wu Pi San: SP qi defic causing skin edema Zhen Wu Tang: KD/SP yang defic causing edema/pain	Also for generalized edema during pregnancy
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin	Five-Ingredient Decoction to Eliminate Toxin	External Abscesses & Sores	Clears heat Resolves toxicity Cools the blood Reduces swelling	Toxic heat from externally contracted heat	Jin Yin Hua	Jin Yin Hua (20-30) Zi Hua Di Ding (10-15) Pu Gong Ying (10-15) Ye Ju Hua (10-15) Tian Kui Zi (10-15)		Especially for deep rooted and hard lesions Focuses on relieving toxicity
Wu Zhu Yu Tang	Evodia Decoction	Warm Middle	Warms & tonifies LR/ST Directs rebel qi down Stops vomiting	ST (Yangming) deficiency cold causing rebellious qi LR (Jueyin) deficiency cold KD (Shaoyin) deficiency cold	Wu Zhu Yu	Wu Zhu Yu (3-9) Sheng Jiang (18) Ren Shen (6) Da Zao (4p)		Cold limbs, vomiting, diarrhea: Wu Zhu Yu Tang: irritability, severe mental agitation Si Ni Tang: constant desirie to sleep
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang	Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction	Clear Nutritive & Blood Levels	Clears heat Resolves fire toxicity Cools the blood Nourishes yin Dispels blood stasis Stops bleeding	Heat entering Blood (Xue) level	Xi Jiao (Rhino Horn)	Xi Jiao (3) Sheng Di Huang (24) Chi Shao (9) Mu Dan Pi (6)		Some patients become delirious
Xiang Ru San	Elsholtzia Powder	Summerheat & Exterior	Releases exterior Scatters cold Transforms dampness Harmonizes middle jiao	Exterior cold with interior damp contracted in the summer	Xiang Ru	Xiang Ru (9-12) Bai Bian Dou (6-9) Hou Po (6-9)		Also for any presentation of exterior cold + interior damp, regardless of season, especially with vomit and diarrhea
Xiang Su San	Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder	Release Exterior Wind Cold	Regulates qi Releases exterior	Exterior wind cold with qi constraint in the interior	Zi Su Ye	Zi Su Ye (6-9) Xiang Fu (6-9) Chen Pi (3-6) Zhi Gan Cao (3-6)		Also for Wind-Cold disorders during pregnancy
Xiao Chai Hu Tang	Minor Bupleurum Decoction	Harmonize Shaoyang	Harmonizes & releases Shaoyang disorders	Shaoyang syndrome Heat attacking into blood chamber -> Shaoyang	Chai Hu	Chai Hu (12) Huang Qin (9) Ban Xia (12) Sheng Jiang (9) Ren Shen (9) Da Zao (4p) Zhi Gan Cao (6)	1) + Gui Zhi Tang = Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Taiyang & Shaoyang syndrome) 2) + Si Wu Tang = Chai Hu Si Wu Tang (+ Blood deficiency & stasis) 3) + Ping Wei San = Chai Ping Tang (+ SP Damp)	Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang: Pi Sydnrome (Gan Jiang, Huang Lian) Xiao Chai Hu Tang: Shaoyang Syndrome (Chai Hu, Sheng Jiang) Both have: Ban Xia, Huang Qin, Ren Shen, Da Zao, Zhi Gan Cao
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang	Minor Order the Qi Decoction	Purge Heat Accumulation	Moderately purges clumped heat	Moderate Yangming organ syndrome causing constipation	Da Huang	Da Huang (12) Hou Po (6) Zhi Shi (6-9)	See Cheng Qi Tang formulas	Without Mang Xiao this formula focuses more on abdominal fullness and less on dryness
Xiao Feng San	Eliminate Wind Powder from Orthodox Lineage	Disperse External Wind	Disperses wind Eliminates dampness Clears heat Cools the blood	Wind-Damp-Heat in the skin causing pruritis (itching)	Jing Jie Fang Feng Niu Bang Zi Chan Tui	Wind (King): Jing Jie Fang Feng Niu Bang Zi Chan Tui Damp (Deputy): Cang Zhu Ku Shen Mu Tong Heat (Deputy): Shi Gao Zhi Mu Blood (Asst): Sheng Di Dang Gui Hei Zhi Ma		Suitable for acute or subacute conditions NOT suitable for chronic conditions and must be combined or modified to treat root
Xiao Huo Lou Dan	Minor Invigorate the Collaterals Special Pill	Disperse External Wind	Dispels wind Eliminates dampness Transforms phlegm Invigorates blood Unblocks collaterals Alleviates pain	Wind phlegm obstruction with Blood stasis in the channels & collaterals	Cao Wu Chuan Wu	Cao Wu (6) Chuang Wu (6) Tian Nan Xing (6) Ru Xiang (5) Mo Yao (5) Di Long (6)	Wind Cold Damp Bi: Xiao Huo Luo Dan: Acute Bi: excess wind phlegm + blood stasis Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: Chronic Bi: deficiency of LR/KD & Qi/Blood	Used post stroke Also for acute Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with fixed or migrating pain in bones & joints with reduced ROM
Xiao Ji Yin Zi	Cephalanoplos Decoction	Stop Bleeding	Cools the blood Stops bleeding Promotes urination Unblocks painful urinary dribbling	Heat causing urinary bleeding	Xiao Ji	10 ingredients		A well rounded formula for blood in the urine due to excessive heat
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang	Minor Construct the Middle Decoction	Warm Middle	Warm & tonifies middle jiao Moderates spasmodic abdominal pain	SP yang deficiency with cold causing abdominal pain	Yi Tang	Yi Tang (18-30) Gui Zhi (9) Bai Shao (18) Sheng Jiang (6) Da Zao (4p) Zhi Gan Cao (6)	Formula is: Gui Zhi Tang + Yi Tang	Also for low grade fever, palpitations, irritability, dry mouth & throat
Xiao Qing Long Tang	Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction	Exterior Wind Cold	Releases exterior Transforms thin mucus Warms the LU Directs rebel qi down	Exterior wind cold with congested phlegm fluid in the LU	Ma Huang Gui Zhi	Ma Huang (9) Gui Zhi (9) Gan Jiang (9) Xi Xin (9) Wu Wei Zi (9) Bai Shao (9) Ban Xia (9) Zhi Gan Cao (9)	Xiao Qing Long Tang: External WC with LU phlegm fluid Da Qing Long Tang: External WC with internal heat	In severe cases there may be superficial edema or considerable difficulty breathing when lying down
Xiao Yao San	Rambling Powder	Regulate Liver & Spleen	Spreads LR qi Strengthens SP Nourishes blood	LR qi stagnation with LR blood & SP qi deficiency	Chai Hu	Chai Hu (9) Dang Gui (9) Bai Shao (9) Bai Zhu (9) Fu Ling (9) Zhi Gan Cao (4.5) Wei Jiang (6) Bo He (3)	1) + Mu Dan Pi + Zhi Zi = Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (more heat) 2) + Shu Di Huang = Hei Xiao Yao San (more blood deficiency)	Dui Yao pairs: Chai Hu + Huang Qin = Harmonize Shaoyang Chai Hu + Bai Shao = Harmonize LR/SP
Xie Bai San	Drain the White Powder	Clear Organ Heat	Drains heat from the LU Calms wheezing	Constrained LU heat causing wheezing	Sang Bai Pi	Sang Bai Pi (30) Di Gu Pi (30) Zhi Gan Cao (3) Jing Mi (15-30)		From a pediatric text, clears heat without damaging yin since child's yin qi is not fully developed
Xie Huang San	Drain the Yellow Powder	Clear Organ Heat	Clears lurking fire from SP/ST	Smoldering fire in the SP/ST	Shi Gao Zhi Zi	Shi Gao (5) Zhi Zi (3) Fang Feng (12) Huo Xiang (5) Gan Cao (9)		Also for tongue thrusting and yellowing of the sclera
Xie Xin Tang	Drain the Epigastrium Decoction	Resolve Toxicity	Drains fire Resolves toxicity Dries dampness	Excess heat in Triple Burners HT fire or damp heat	Da Huang	Da Huang (6) Huang Lian (3) Huang Qin (3)
Xing Su San	Apricot Kernel and Perilla Leaf Powder	Gently Disperse	Gently disperses cool dryness Disseminates LU qi Transforms thin mucus	Cool-dryness	Xing Ren Zi Su Ye	11 ingredients	Xing Su San: Cool-dry Xing Ren + Zi Su Ye Sang Xing Tang: Warm-dry Sang Ye + Xing Ren	For relatively superficial conditions
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang	Inula and Hematite Decoction	Direct Qi Downward	Directs rebel qi down Transforms phlegm Augments qi Harmonizes ST	Rebellious ST qi due to ST deficiency with damp-phlegm	Xuan Fu Hua	Xuan Fu Hua (9) Dai Zhe Shi (9-15) Ban Xia (9) Sheng Jiang (6-9) Ren Shen (6) Zhi Gan Cao (3-6) Da Zao (4p)		Also for coughing and wheezing
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang	Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction	Invigorate Blood	Invigorates blood Dispels blood stasis Spread LR qi Unblocks channels	Blood stasis with qi stagnation in the chest	Tao Ren Hong Hua Chuan Xiong	Tao Ren (12) Hong Hua (9) Chuan Xiong (4.5) Dang Gui (9) Chi Shao (6) Sheng Di Huang (9) Chuan Niu Xi (9) Chai Hu (3) Zhi Ke (6) Jie Geng (4.5) Gan Cao (6)	Ge Xia Zhu Yu: Epigastrium Move qi Shao Fu Zhu Yu: Lower abdomen Warm interior Shen Tong Zhu Yu: Channels/collaterals Open collaterals Tong Qiao Zhu Yu: Head/face Open orifices	Combines Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (blood stasis) & Si Ni San (LR qi stagnation) Also used for unexplainable symptoms since "peculiar diseases arise from stasis"
Yang He Tang	Yang-Heartening Decoction	External Abscesses & Sores	Warms yang Tonifies blood Disperses cold Unblocks areas of stagnation	Yin type localized swelling due to Blood & Yang deficiency	Rou Gui Pao Jiang	Rou Gui (3) Pao Jiang (1.5) Shu Di Huang (30) Lu Jiao Jiao (9) Bai Jie Zi (6) Ma Huang (1.5) Gan Cao (3)	Warms channels	Also for internal problems from blood deficiency with cold causing stagnation
Yi Guan Jian	Linking Decoction	Tonify Yin	Enriches yin Spreads LR qi	LR/KD Yin deficiency with mild LR qi stagnation	Gou Qi Zi	Gou Qi Zi (9-18) Dang Gui (9) Sheng Di Huang (18-46) Sha Shen (9) Mai Men Dong (9) Chuan Lian Zi (4.5)		Commonly used for chronic hepatitis
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Artemisia Yinchenhao Decoction	Clear Heat & Expel Dampness	Clears heat Resolves dampness Reduces jaundice	Jaundice due to LR/GB damp heat	Yin Chen	Yin Chen (18) Zhi Zi (9-12) Da Huang (6)		Also for sweating from the head only
Yin Qiao San	Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder	Exterior Wind Heat	Disperses wind heat Clears heat Resolves toxicity	Exterior wind heat with heat toxin	Jin Yin Hua Lian Qiao	Jin Yin Hua (9-15) Lian Qiao (9-15) Jie Geng (3-6) Niu Bang Zi (9-12) Bo He (3-6) Dan Dou Chi (3-6) Jing Jie (6-9) Dan Zhu Ye (3-6) Xian Lu Gen (15-30) Gan Cao (3-6)		Stronger than Sang Ju Yin for releasing exterior and clearing heat Used for boils and sores
You Gui Wan	Restore the Right Pill	Tonify Yang	Warms & tonifies KD yang Replenishes essence Tonifies blood	KD Yang / Essence deficiency with blood deficiency	Fu Zi Rou Gui Lu Jiao Jiao	Fu Zi (6-18) Rou Gui (6-12) Lu Jiao Jiao (12) Shu Di Huang (24) Shan Zhu Yu (9) Shan Yao (12) Gou Qi Zi (12) Tu Si Zi (12) Du Zhong (12) Dang Gui (9)	You Gui Yin: Add: Zhi Gan Cao Remove: Lu Jiao Jiao, Tu Si Zi, Dang Gui Less potent - for moderate use	May manifest as infertility, loose stools, sometimes undigested food particles, incontinence, edema of legs
You Gui Yin	Restore the Right Decoction	Tonify Yang	Warms Kidneys Replenishes essence	KD Yang deficiency	Fu Zi Rou Gui	You Gui Wan + Zhi Gan Cao - Lu Jiao Jiao - Tu Si Zi - Dang Gui
Yu Nu Jian	Jade Woman Decoction	Clear Organ Heat	Drains ST heat Nourishes yin	ST heat with yin deficiency	Shi Gao Shu Di Huang	Shi Gao (6-15) Shu Di Huang (9-30) Zhi Mu (4.5) Mai Men Dong (6) Niu Xi (4.5)		Also for wasting & thirsting (Xiao Ke)
Yu Ping Feng San	Jade Windscreen Powder	Tonify Qi	Augments qi Stabilizes exterior Stops sweating	Wei qi deficiency causing sweating	Huang Qi	Huang Qi (12) Bai Zhu (12) Fang Feng (6)	Deficiency sweating: Yu Ping Feng San: Wei qi defic, recurrent colds Gui Zhi Tang: Ying/Wei disharmony, chills & fever	Often used with other herbs to open nasal passages for allergic rhinitis
Yue Ju Wan	Escape Restraint Pill	Promote Qi Movement	Promotes qi movement Releases constraint	Six stagnations of Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Damp, Fire, Food	Cang Zhu Chuan Xiong	Cang Zhu (6-12) Chuan Xiong (6-12) Xiang Fu (6-12) Zhi Zi (6-12) Shen Qu (6-12)	LR Qi stagnation: Yue Ju Wan: 6 stagnations, pain indigestion, vomiting Xiao Yao San: Blood/qi deficiency, irregular menstruation Si Ni San: LR/SP disharmony, cold extremities	6 stagnations arise from LR qi stagn affecting the SP Qi: Xiang Fu Blood: Chuan Xiong Damp & Phlegm: Cang Zhu Heat: Zhi Zi Food: Shen Qu
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang	Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind Decoction	Extinguish Internal Wind	Sedates LR Extinguishes wind Nourishes yin Anchors yang	LR yang rising & internal wind due to LR/KD yin deficiency	Huai Niu XI	12 ingredients	LR yang rising with internal wind: Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang: 50% excess / 50% def Tonify Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin: 90% excess / 10% def Sedate	These symptoms are precursor to wind stroke - treats both manifestation & root
Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang	True Man’s Decoction to Nourish the Organs	Bind Up Intestines	Warms middle Tonifies deficiency Restrains leakage from intestines Stops diarrhea	SP/KD yang deficiency causing unremitting diarrhea	Ying Su Ke	10 ingredients		Treats manifestation & root
Zhen Wu Tang	True Warrior Decoction	Transform Water & Dampness	Warms yang Promotes urination	KD/SP yang deficiency causing water retention Overuse of diaphoresis in Taiyang syndrome causing palpitation & shivering	Fu Zi	Fu Zi (9) Bai Zhu (6) Fu Ling (9) Sheng Jiang (9) Bai Shao (9)	KD Yang deficiency: Zhen Wu Tang: Water edema & pain Si Ni Tang: Yin Jue or Yang collapse Si Shen Wan: Daybreak diarrhea
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan	Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Rehmannia Pill	Nourish & Tonify Yin	Tonify yin Clear deficiency fire	Yin deficiency with vigorous fire, consumptive heat, or steaming bone disorder	Shu Di Huang	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Zhi Mu (yan chao) + Huang Bai (yan chao)	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan family
Zhi Gan Cao Tang	Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction	Tonify Qi & Blood	Augments qi Nourishes blood Enriches yin Restores the pulse	Qi & blood deficiency causing irregular pulse	Zhi Gan Cao	9 ingredients	Gui Pi Tang: Tonify qi > blood Ba Zhen Tang: Tonify qi = blood Zhi Gan Cao Tang: Tonify blood > qi
Zhi Sou San	Stop Coughing Powder	Transform Phlegm & Wind	Stops coughing Transforms phlegm Disperses exterior Disseminates LU qi	External wind attacking LU causing cough	Zi Wan Bai Bu	7 ingredients	Cough w/exterior condition: Zhi Sou San: Wind attacking LU Itchy throat Sang Ju Yin: Wind heat Fever/chills, red eyes	Clinically used for cough in acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections
Zhu Ling Tang	Polyporus Decoction	Leach Out Dampness Via Urine	Promotes urination Clears heat Nourishes yin	Water & heat retention in UB with yin injury	Zhu Ling	Zhu Ling (6-9) Fu Ling (6-9) Ze Xie (6-9) Hua Shi (6-9) E Jiao (6-9)	Water accumulation in lower burner: Zhu Ling Tang: Heat accumulation, injury to yin T:Red w/yellow coat P: Thin/rapid Wu Ling San: Possible exterior WC T: Pale P:Slippery/superficial	Also for diarrhea in infants from damp-heat and injury to yin
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang	Lophatherus and Gypsum Decoction	Clear Qi Level Heat	Clears heat Generates fluids Augments qi Harmonizes ST	Qi level heat injuring Qi & fluid	Shi Gao	Shi Gao (30) Dan Zhu Ye (6-12) Ren Shen (6) Mai Men Dong (9-18) Ban Xia (9) Zhi Gan Cao (3-6) Jing Mi (12-15)		Also for summer heat injuring qi & fluid
Zuo Gui Wan	Restore the Left Pill	Tonify Yin	Nourishes yin Enriches KD Fills essence Augments marrow	KD yin/essence deficiency with heat	Shu Di Huang	Shu Di Huang (240) Chao Shan Yao (120) Gou Qi Zi (120) Jiu Chuan Niu Xi (90) Tu Si Zi (120) Lu Jiao Jiao (120) Gui Ban Jiao (120)
Zuo Gui Yin	Restore the Left Decoction	Tonify Yin	Nourishes yin Tonifies KD	KD yin/essence deficiency	Shu Di Huang	Shu Di Huang (6-60) Shan Yao (3-6) Gou Qi Zi (6) Fu Ling (4.5) Shan Zhu Yu (3-6) Zhi Gan Cao (3)	LU heat: Mai men dong Blood stasis: Mu dan pi SP heat: Bai Shao KD heat/steaming bone: Di Gu Pi	Milder than Zuo Gui Wan
Zuo Jin Wan	Left Metal Pill	Clear Organ Heat	Clears LR heat Directs rebel qi down Stops vomiting	LR fire burning ST causing LR/ST disharmony	Huang Lian	Huang Lian (15-18) Wu Zhu Yu (2-3)		Also hernial disorders

The NCCAOM Herbal Formula List highlights the rich knowledge and therapeutic potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine. By studying these Chinese herbal formulas and their applications, practitioners can enhance their ability to tailor treatments to the unique needs of their patients, addressing patterns of disharmony with precision. This table is more than an exam resource; it’s a gateway to mastering TCM herbal medicine and promoting health and balance through personalized care. Use this list to refine your practice and deepen your expertise in herbal therapy.

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