Herbal Pharmacy: How I Use Classical Chinese Herbalism
I practice Classical Chinese Herbalism, creating custom formulations for my clients as an indispensable tool to support their health. In my pharmacy, I keep between 200–300 single herbs from trusted suppliers, which I combine specifically for each patient’s needs. Because I expect my patients’ conditions to change as they heal, I usually prepare about a week’s supply at a time. This allows me to carefully follow their progress and adjust the prescription as their body shifts. Much of my work specializes in women’s health and pregnancy, where the flexibility and precision of herbal medicine can make a profound difference.
My process always begins with a diagnosis — one that may feel amorphous at first, gradually becoming clear through careful questioning, listening, pulse-taking, and palpation. When a diagnostic picture emerges that explains all the symptoms, I can craft a formula to address the root. Most often, I start with one or two Classical formulas as a foundation and then adapt them by increasing or decreasing the quantity of certain herbs. I also ensure that any herbs prescribed will not interact with my patients’ pharmaceutical medications. This combination of traditional wisdom and modern safety considerations is part of what makes this medicine both powerful and trustworthy.
Herbal prescribing is rigorous and artful at the same time. The depth of study required to memorize hundreds of herbs, formulas, channels, flavors, and functions creates the foundation for clinical artistry. Years of apprenticeship and clinical experience allow me to use that body of knowledge with creativity and precision. What looks like “magic” from the outside is, in reality, a disciplined practice — one that becomes artful when applied to the living complexity of a patient sitting in front of me.
For example, when a pregnant client comes in and I see fluids where they shouldn’t be (such as chronic sinus congestion that began during pregnancy, swelling in the ankles and feet, or very frequent urination) and I also notice signs of blood thickness or stasis, I often consider Dang Gui Shao Yao San as a base formula. This classical prescription from the Jin Gui Yao Lue works by enriching the blood and regulating the movement of fluids, so that water stays where it belongs — circulating within the blood rather than pooling in the tissues. From there, I modify the formula depending on the person in front of me. If she shows signs of blood deficiency, I emphasize the blood-nourishing herbs; if swelling is more prominent, I emphasize the fluid-regulating herbs. By addressing the underlying constitution in this way, the body as a whole functions better — circulation improves, energy returns, sleep is more restful — and the baby gets improved blood flow through the placenta. With precise herbal additions, I can customize the formula to relieve the specific symptoms that brought her in, whether that’s back pain, sciatica, headaches, heartburn or insomnia.
Ultimately, Chinese Herbalism was never meant to be static. The Classical formulas were written to be modified/ matched to a patient’s constitution and adapted as their condition evolves. This is why I make smaller batches and adjust them frequently. It takes years of study, clinical training, and experience to make formulas that work like magic — but when they do, they can transform the way a patient feels, bringing both immediate relief and long-term balance.
