Chinese Herbal Formulas: Classical Protocols

The Art of Formula Design

Chinese herbal medicine is a formula-based system — not a single-herb system. While individual herbs have known actions, the genius of TCM pharmacology lies in the combination of herbs into carefully balanced formulas (fang ji) that address multiple aspects of a pattern simultaneously, enhance therapeutic effects through synergy, and mitigate potential side effects through counterbalancing.

Every classical formula follows a hierarchical structure:

• Jun (Emperor/Chief): The primary herb(s) targeting the main complaint
• Chen (Minister/Deputy): Herbs that support and enhance the Chief’s action
• Zuo (Assistant): Herbs that address secondary symptoms, moderate harsh properties of the Chief, or treat opposite aspects of the pattern
• Shi (Envoy/Guide): Herbs that direct the formula to a specific body region or harmonize the entire combination

This structure is not arbitrary — it is a systematic approach to polypharmacy that anticipates adverse interactions and maximizes therapeutic precision. Modern pharmacological research is increasingly confirming that the multi-herb combinations in classical formulas produce synergistic effects greater than any single ingredient (Wang et al., 2012, Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

The Top 20 Classical Formulas

1. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)

Source: Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary), Song Dynasty (1107 CE)

Composition:

• Ren Shen (Ginseng) 9g — Chief: Tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen Qi
• Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g — Deputy: Strengthens Spleen, dries Dampness
• Fu Ling (Poria) 9g — Assistant: Drains Dampness, strengthens Spleen
• Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 6g — Envoy: Harmonizes, tonifies Qi

TCM Function: The foundational formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency — fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, weak voice, pale tongue with tooth marks.

Modern Research: Components demonstrate prebiotic effects (promoting Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium growth), improved digestive enzyme secretion, enhanced intestinal barrier function, and immunomodulatory activity.

FM Equivalent: Digestive enzyme support + prebiotic fiber + gut lining repair.

2. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)

Source: Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue (Key to Therapeutics of Children’s Diseases), Qian Yi, Song Dynasty (1119 CE)

Composition:

• Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) 24g — Chief: Nourishes Kidney Yin and Blood
• Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus fruit) 12g — Deputy: Nourishes Liver and Kidney
• Shan Yao (Chinese Yam/Dioscorea) 12g — Deputy: Tonifies Spleen and Kidney
• Ze Xie (Alisma) 9g — Assistant: Drains Kidney Fire, prevents Shu Di from causing stagnation
• Mu Dan Pi (Moutan bark) 9g — Assistant: Clears Liver Fire, cools Blood
• Fu Ling (Poria) 9g — Assistant: Drains Dampness, strengthens Spleen

TCM Function: The foundational Kidney Yin formula. Three tonifying herbs (Shu Di, Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao) paired with three draining herbs (Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi, Fu Ling) — “three supplements and three drains” — preventing tonification from creating stagnation.

Indications: Kidney Yin Deficiency — night sweats, hot flashes, tinnitus, dizziness, low back soreness, dry mouth, red tongue with no coating.

Modern Research: Demonstrated renoprotective effects in diabetic nephropathy (Lian et al., 2014, Journal of Ethnopharmacology), neuroprotective effects, osteoprotective effects, and blood glucose regulation. Contains compounds that modulate the HPA axis and sex hormone levels.

FM Equivalent: Hormone balancing in perimenopause/andropause + renal support + bone density support.

3. Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder)

Source: Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (Song Dynasty)

Composition:

• Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 9g — Chief: Spreads Liver Qi, releases constraint
• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) 9g — Deputy: Nourishes Blood, harmonizes Liver
• Bai Shao (White Peony) 9g — Deputy: Nourishes Blood, softens the Liver
• Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g — Assistant: Strengthens Spleen
• Fu Ling (Poria) 9g — Assistant: Drains Dampness, strengthens Spleen
• Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 3g — Envoy: Harmonizes Stomach
• Bo He (Mint) 3g — Envoy: Assists Chai Hu in spreading Liver Qi
• Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 3g — Envoy: Harmonizes

TCM Function: THE formula for Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency — the most common pattern in modern clinical practice. Moves the Liver, tonifies the Spleen, nourishes the Blood.

Modifications:

• Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (add Mu Dan Pi + Zhi Zi): For Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Heat — irritability, headache, red eyes, bitter taste. This is the formula of choice for PMS with emotional volatility.
• Jia Wei Xiao Yao San: Synonymous with Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San in many traditions.

Modern Research: Demonstrated antidepressant effects comparable to fluoxetine in RCTs (Qin et al., 2011, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine). Modulates the HPA axis, reduces cortisol, improves estrogen metabolism, and has hepatoprotective properties.

FM Equivalent: Stress management + estrogen metabolism support + digestive enzyme support + B vitamins.

4. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction)

Source: Piwei Lun (Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach), Li Dong-Yuan, Jin Dynasty (1249 CE)

Composition:

• Huang Qi (Astragalus) 15-30g — Chief: Tonifies Qi, raises Yang
• Ren Shen (Ginseng) 9g — Deputy: Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi
• Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 9g — Deputy: Strengthens Spleen
• Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 6g — Assistant: Tonifies Qi, harmonizes
• Dang Gui (Angelica) 6g — Assistant: Nourishes Blood
• Chen Pi (Tangerine peel) 6g — Assistant: Regulates Qi, prevents stagnation from tonifying herbs
• Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 3g — Envoy: Raises Yang Qi
• Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 3g — Envoy: Raises Yang Qi

TCM Function: The formula for Spleen Qi sinking with Middle Jiao deficiency — fatigue worse after eating, prolapse (gastric, uterine, rectal), chronic diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, weak voice.

Modern Research: Immunomodulatory effects — enhances NK cell activity, increases IgA production, modulates T-helper ratios (Cho et al., 2009, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Used clinically for chronic fatigue, recurrent infections, post-surgical recovery, and chemotherapy support.

FM Equivalent: Immune support + adrenal support + digestive restoration.

5. Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)

Source: Jisheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living), Yan Yong-He, Song Dynasty (1253 CE)

Composition:

• Ren Shen 9g, Huang Qi 12g, Bai Zhu 9g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g — Spleen Qi tonification base
• Dang Gui 9g — Nourish Blood
• Long Yan Rou (Longan fruit) 9g — Nourish Heart Blood, calm Shen
• Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) 9g — Nourish Heart Blood, calm Shen, treat insomnia
• Yuan Zhi (Polygala) 6g — Calm Shen, improve communication between Heart and Kidney
• Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) 6g — Regulate Qi, prevent stagnation
• Fu Shen (Poria with wood) 9g — Calm Shen, drain Dampness

TCM Function: Heart and Spleen Deficiency — insomnia, anxiety, poor memory, fatigue, palpitations, poor appetite, bruising or bleeding. The formula simultaneously tonifies digestive function AND nourishes the Heart/brain — addressing the gut-brain axis in a single prescription.

FM Equivalent: Gut healing + serotonin/GABA precursor support + iron/B12 repletion + sleep support.

6. You Gui Wan (Restore the Right Kidney Pill)

Source: Jingyue Quanshu (Complete Works of Jingyue), Zhang Jingyue, Ming Dynasty (1624 CE)

Composition:

• Shu Di Huang 24g — Nourish Kidney Yin and Essence
• Shan Yao 12g — Tonify Spleen and Kidney
• Shan Zhu Yu 9g — Nourish Liver and Kidney
• Gou Qi Zi (Lycium/Goji) 12g — Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin
• Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta seed) 12g — Tonify Kidney Yang, benefit Essence
• Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer antler gelatin) 12g — Warm Kidney Yang, nourish Essence and Blood
• Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) 12g — Tonify Kidney Yang, strengthen bones
• Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark) 6g — Warm Kidney Yang, ignite the Ming Men Fire
• Zhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite) 6g — Warm Kidney Yang (CAUTION: toxic if improperly prepared)
• Dang Gui 9g — Nourish Blood

TCM Function: The premier Kidney Yang formula — warming the Ming Men (Gate of Vitality), restoring reproductive fire, strengthening the bones and lower back. For: infertility (male or female), low libido, impotence, cold extremities, edema, chronic diarrhea, fatigue.

FM Equivalent: Thyroid support + testosterone/DHEA support + adrenal glandulars + vitamin D + warming adaptogens.

7. Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)

Source: Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), Sun Si-Miao, Tang Dynasty (652 CE)

Composition:

• Ban Xia (Pinellia) 9g — Chief: Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, descends Qi
• Zhu Ru (Bamboo shavings) 6g — Deputy: Clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, stops vomiting
• Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) 6g — Assistant: Breaks Qi stagnation, transforms Phlegm
• Chen Pi (Tangerine peel) 9g — Assistant: Regulates Qi, dries Dampness
• Fu Ling (Poria) 9g — Assistant: Drains Dampness, calms Shen
• Zhi Gan Cao 3g — Envoy: Harmonizes
• Sheng Jiang 3 slices, Da Zao 3 pieces — Harmonize Stomach

TCM Function: Transforms Phlegm, clears the Gallbladder, harmonizes the Stomach, calms the Shen. Despite its name (“Warm the Gallbladder”), this formula actually CLEARS Phlegm-Heat. Used for: insomnia with nausea, anxiety with a “foggy” quality, dizziness, palpitations, bitter taste, nausea — the pattern of Phlegm misting the Heart.

FM Equivalent: Bile support + metabolic syndrome management + gut microbiome balancing + anxiolytic.

8. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood)

Source: Yilin Gaicuo (Correction of Errors in Medicine), Wang Qing-Ren, Qing Dynasty (1830 CE)

Composition: Tao Ren (Peach kernel) 12g, Hong Hua (Safflower) 9g — the principal Blood-moving pair. Plus: Dang Gui 9g, Chuan Xiong 6g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 6g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 9g — support Blood circulation. Chai Hu 3g, Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) 6g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 6g, Sheng Di Huang 9g, Gan Cao 3g — regulate Qi and guide the formula.

TCM Function: THE formula for Blood Stasis, particularly in the chest — chronic headache, chest pain, dark complexion, stubborn fixed pain, depression with Blood Stasis component, post-traumatic conditions.

Modern Research: Demonstrated antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic effects. Improves microcirculation. Studied for cardiovascular disease, post-stroke recovery, and chronic pain.

FM Equivalent: Nattokinase/serrapeptase + omega-3 + systemic enzymes + circulatory support.

9. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)

Source: Jingui Yaolue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), Zhang Zhong-Jing, Han Dynasty (~200 CE)

Composition:

• Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig) 9g — Warm and move Blood in vessels
• Fu Ling 9g — Drain Dampness, calm Shen
• Mu Dan Pi 9g — Cool Blood, resolve Stasis
• Tao Ren 9g — Break Blood Stasis
• Chi Shao 9g — Cool Blood, resolve Stasis

TCM Function: Resolve Blood Stasis in the lower abdomen — fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, dysmenorrhea with clots. One of the oldest and most refined Blood-moving formulas, specifically targeting the uterus and pelvic region.

Modern Research: Demonstrated anti-proliferative effects on uterine fibroid cells in vitro. Randomized trials in Japan (where it is a standard Kampo prescription) have shown significant reduction in fibroid size and menstrual pain.

FM Equivalent: Anti-inflammatory + fibrinolytic + estrogen metabolism support for uterine conditions.

10. Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction)

Source: Jingui Yaolue, Zhang Zhong-Jing

Composition:

• Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) 15-30g — Chief: Nourishes Heart Blood, calms Shen, treats insomnia
• Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) 9g — Deputy: Nourishes Yin, clears Heat
• Fu Ling 9g — Assistant: Calms Shen, drains Dampness
• Chuan Xiong 6g — Assistant: Moves Blood and Qi (prevents stagnation from tonifying)
• Gan Cao 3g — Envoy: Harmonizes

TCM Function: The premier insomnia formula — for Liver Blood Deficiency with deficiency Heat causing inability to sleep. The patient is exhausted but cannot sleep — wired and tired.

Modern Research: Suan Zao Ren (jujuboside A and spinosin) has demonstrated GABAergic activity, enhancing GABA-A receptor binding. Comparable to benzodiazepines in sleep-promoting effects without dependency or tolerance (Jiang et al., 2007, Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

FM Equivalent: GABA + magnesium glycinate + phosphatidylserine for insomnia.

11. Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction)

Source: Jingui Yaolue, Zhang Zhong-Jing

Composition: Ban Xia 12g, Hou Po (Magnolia bark) 9g, Fu Ling 9g, Sheng Jiang 9g, Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaf) 6g

TCM Function: The classical formula for Plum Pit Qi (Mei He Qi) — globus sensation, feeling of a lump in the throat that cannot be swallowed or expectorated. Qi Stagnation with Phlegm.

Modern Relevance: Globus sensation is extremely common, associated with anxiety, stress, and GERD. This formula addresses the physical sensation through its anti-spasmodic, anti-nausea, and anxiolytic properties. Honokiol (from Hou Po) is a GABA-A receptor modulator with documented anxiolytic effects (Kuribara et al., 1998).

12. Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction)

Source: Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang

Composition: Ban Xia 15g, Chen Pi 15g, Fu Ling 9g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Sheng Jiang 7 slices, Wu Mei (Mume plum) 1 piece

TCM Function: The base formula for Phlegm — dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, regulates Qi. Used as a foundation to which other herbs are added based on the specific Phlegm pattern.

FM Equivalent: The concept of clearing metabolic waste, reducing mucus overproduction, and addressing biofilms.

13. Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction)

Source: Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang

Composition: Shu Di Huang 15g, Dang Gui 12g, Bai Shao 12g, Chuan Xiong 9g

TCM Function: THE foundational Blood-tonifying formula. Nourishes Blood, regulates menstruation, harmonizes the Liver. For all Blood Deficiency patterns — anemia, scanty menses, dry skin, pale complexion, dizziness.

FM Equivalent: Iron supplementation + B12/folate + liver support + circulation.

14. Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Wind Screen Powder)

Source: Danxi Xinfa (Dan Xi’s Treatment Methods), Zhu Dan-Xi, Yuan Dynasty (1347 CE)

Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 30g, Bai Zhu 15g, Fang Feng (Siler/Saposhnikovia) 15g

TCM Function: Strengthens Wei Qi (defensive Qi) to prevent wind invasion — recurrent colds, allergies, spontaneous sweating, weak immune function. Only three herbs but profoundly effective.

Modern Research: Astragalus increases NK cell activity, IgA production, and T-cell proliferation. Multiple RCTs in China demonstrate reduced frequency and severity of upper respiratory infections.

FM Equivalent: Immune support — astragalus + vitamin C + zinc + secretory IgA support.

15. Zuo Gui Wan (Restore the Left Kidney Pill)

Source: Jingyue Quanshu, Zhang Jingyue

Composition: Shu Di 24g, Shan Yao 12g, Shan Zhu Yu 12g, Gou Qi Zi 12g, Tu Si Zi 12g, Lu Jiao Jiao 12g, Gui Ban Jiao (Tortoise shell gelatin) 12g, Niu Xi 9g

TCM Function: Pure Kidney Yin and Essence tonification — stronger than Liu Wei Di Huang Wan because it includes direct Essence-nourishing substances (deer antler, tortoise shell). For severe Kidney Yin/Essence Deficiency: premature aging, severe bone loss, cognitive decline, infertility.

16. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven’s Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)

Source: Shiyi Dexiao Fang (Effective Formulas of Physicians), Wei Yi-Lin

Composition: Sheng Di Huang 120g (in traditional proportions — modernized to 15-30g), Ren Shen, Xuan Shen, Dan Shen, Fu Ling, Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren (Platycladus seed), Yuan Zhi, Dang Gui, Tian Men Dong, Mai Men Dong, Wu Wei Zi, Jie Geng

TCM Function: Nourishes Heart Yin and Blood, calms the Shen. For Heart-Kidney Yin Deficiency with insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, poor memory, night sweats, dry mouth, and dream-disturbed sleep.

FM Equivalent: Comprehensive sleep and neurotransmitter support — GABA + serotonin precursors + magnesium + phosphatidylserine + melatonin.

17. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Drain the Liver Decoction)

Source: Yifang Jijie (Analytic Collection of Medical Formulas), Wang Ang, Qing Dynasty (1682 CE)

Composition: Long Dan Cao (Gentiana) 6g, Huang Qin (Scutellaria) 9g, Zhi Zi 9g, Ze Xie 12g, Mu Tong (Akebia) 6g, Che Qian Zi (Plantago seed) 9g, Chai Hu 6g, Sheng Di 9g, Dang Gui 3g, Gan Cao 3g

TCM Function: Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire and Damp-Heat. For: migraine with red eyes, herpes zoster (shingles), UTI, acute hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, acute inflammatory conditions. Powerful clearing formula — short-term use only.

Caution: Not for long-term use. Cold and draining — can injure Spleen and Stomach. Original formula contained Mu Tong (Aristolochia), which contains aristolochic acid (nephrotoxic/carcinogenic). Modern formulations substitute Akebia or omit it entirely.

18. Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder)

Source: Wenbing Tiaobian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases), Wu Ju-Tong, Qing Dynasty (1798 CE)

Composition: Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) 9g, Lian Qiao (Forsythia) 9g, Bo He 6g, Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) 6g, Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) 6g, Niu Bang Zi (Arctium/Burdock seed) 9g, Jie Geng 6g, Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum) 6g, Lu Gen (Phragmites root) 15g, Gan Cao 3g

TCM Function: The premier formula for Wind-Heat invasion — the onset of cold/flu with sore throat, fever, headache, thirst, and body aches. The TCM equivalent of “early immune support.”

Modern Research: Honeysuckle and forsythia have documented antiviral (broad-spectrum), antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Used extensively during COVID-19 in China as part of integrated treatment protocols.

FM Equivalent: Elderberry + vitamin C + zinc + andrographis for acute viral illness.

19. Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

Source: Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), Zhang Zhong-Jing, Han Dynasty (~200 CE)

Composition: Chai Hu 24g, Huang Qin 9g, Ban Xia 9g, Ren Shen 9g, Sheng Jiang 9g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Zhi Gan Cao 9g

TCM Function: Harmonizes the Shao Yang (half-exterior, half-interior) — alternating chills and fever, chest and flank fullness, bitter taste, poor appetite, nausea, irritability, wiry pulse. The quintessential “harmonizing” formula for conditions that are neither fully acute nor fully chronic.

Modern Research: One of the most studied Chinese formulas. Hepatoprotective (used in Japan for chronic hepatitis), immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic. The “harmonizing” action may relate to immune regulation — neither stimulating nor suppressing but rebalancing immune function.

20. Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill)

Source: Shanghan Lun, Zhang Zhong-Jing

Composition: Huo Ma Ren (Hemp seed) 30g, Da Huang (Rhubarb) 15g, Xing Ren (Apricot seed) 15g, Bai Shao 9g, Zhi Shi 9g, Hou Po 9g

TCM Function: Moistens the intestines, promotes bowel movement. For constipation due to Yin/Blood Deficiency with Dry Heat — dry hard stools in elderly, postpartum, or depleted patients.

FM Equivalent: Magnesium citrate + fiber + healthy fats + hydration for constipation.

Prescribing Principles

1. Pattern, not disease: Formulas are selected based on the TCM pattern, not the Western diagnosis. Ten patients with “IBS” might receive ten different formulas.

2. Modification is the rule: Classical formulas are base templates. Practitioners add and subtract herbs based on the individual patient’s presentation. A skilled herbalist modifies every prescription.

3. Dosage matters: Traditional Chinese dosing is typically higher than Western herbal dosing. A standard decoction might contain 100-150g of raw herbs per daily dose. Concentrated granules and patent pills reduce bulk but must be appropriately dosed.

4. Duration varies: Acute conditions (cold/flu) may require only 3-7 days of treatment. Chronic conditions (Kidney Deficiency, autoimmune support) may require months of treatment with periodic formula modification.

5. Quality control: Sourcing matters. Heavy metal contamination, pesticide residues, and adulteration are real risks with Chinese herbs. Use GMP-certified suppliers. Major reputable brands include: Mayway/Plum Flower, Evergreen Herbs, KPC, Sun Ten, Crane Herb Company.

Cross-Connections

• For the organ patterns these formulas treat: see zang-fu-organ-theory-functional-medicine-bridge.md
• For adaptogenic herbs in these formulas: see adaptogenic-herbs-tcm-perspective.md
• For integrating formulas with FM protocols: see tcm-functional-medicine-integration-framework.md
• For the Five Element context of formula selection: see five-element-theory-systems-biology.md

References

• Bensky, D., Clavey, S., & Stöger, E. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (3rd ed.). Eastland Press.
• Chen, J. K., & Chen, T. T. (2012). Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press.
• Cho, W. C. S., & Leung, K. N. (2007). In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 113(1), 132-141.
• Jiang, J. G., Huang, X. J., Chen, J., & Lin, Q. S. (2007). Comparison of the sedative and hypnotic effects of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides extracted from Semen Ziziphus jujube. Natural Product Research, 21(4), 310-320.
• Kuribara, H., Stavinoha, W. B., & Maruyama, Y. (1998). Honokiol, a putative anxiolytic agent extracted from Magnolia bark, has no diazepam-like side-effects in mice. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 50(7), 819-826.
• Lian, F., Wu, L., Tian, J., et al. (2014). The effectiveness and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(2), 1045-1052.
• Qin, F., Wu, X. A., Tang, Y., Huang, Q., Zhang, Z. J., & Yuan, J. H. (2011). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of Free and Easy Wanderer Plus for treatment of depression. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45(11), 1518-1524.
• Scheid, V., Bensky, D., Ellis, A., & Barolet, R. (2009). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies (2nd ed.). Eastland Press.
• Wang, S., Hu, Y., Tan, W., et al. (2012). Compatibility art of traditional Chinese medicine: from the perspective of herb pairs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(2), 412-423.