ABSTRACT
Practically speaking, no one reading this book is going to go to the trouble, time, and expense of learning how to put together a Chinese herbal formula from scratch for each individual patient. There are many companies selling well-constructed, thought out, prepared formulas in tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Each line has its own formulators who have their own thoughts on how to “Westernize” the classical Chinese formulas. The company or preparation of herb you use for a particular patient or condition is a matter of taste and experience. Classically, Chinese herbs were and are still given to patients to prepare as a boiling tea or decoction, but many volatile oils and volatile components are lost with this method. Modern techniques use a water-alcohol extraction system in a closed container to preserve any volatiles. In a subsequent volume, I will discuss my preferences in this regard.
