A classical herbal formula is carefully constructed using a structure unique to TCM.While not every formula follows this framework exactly, it is the standard template used.
There are four ‘levels’ of herbs which are combined to work with – and play off – one another to hone in most specifically to a particular issue (disharmony) while also addressing related symptoms and sometimes deeper causes. In fact, the action can be made so specific as to actually be ‘sent’ to a particular area of the body via the ‘envoy herbs’ in the formula, which are used for their affinity for a certain meridian or body part. Licorice is an excellent example of a well-used envoy herb. It is…
TBC