Empirical Health Herbs

23/05/2026

In Classical Chinese Medicine, flavour was considered an important part of understanding herbal behaviour.

For centuries, physicians observed relationships between flavour, direction, movement, and overall formula balance.

This deeper level of observation helped shape the sophistication of classical formulation theory.

21/05/2026

19/05/2026

Qing Hao is one of the clearest examples of how preparation methods can influence herbal behaviour.

Classical physicians observed that exposing Qing Hao to high heat altered the herb differently compared to cold extraction methods.

Rather than viewing preparation as a secondary step, traditional herbal systems considered it part of the treatment strategy itself.

This understanding shaped:

- extraction methods
- temperature selection
- dosage forms
- and ultimately, clinical outcomes

Many of these traditional observations continue to offer valuable insight into the relationship between preparation and function.

In classical herbal medicine, how a herb is prepared was often considered just as important as the herb itself.

14/05/2026

In Classical Chinese Medicine, origin has always mattered.

The concept of Dao Di reflects generations of observation around how geography, climate, harvest timing, and processing influence herbal quality.

Even herbs that appear visually similar can differ significantly in aroma, density, vitality, and overall clinical character.

This depth of sourcing knowledge remains an important part of preserving the integrity of traditional herbal medicine.

12/05/2026

Chuan Xiong (川芎) is often spoken about as a blood-moving herb, but the classical physicians understood it as something far more dynamic.

Known for its ability to travel both upward to the head and outward through the channels, Chuan Xiong has long been used where movement has become constrained - whether in the vessels, the Qi dynamic, or the relationship between blood and wind.

You’ll find it across a surprisingly broad range of classical formulas. From headaches and Shaoyang disorders through to menstrual disease and pain presentations, its role is rarely just to “move blood”. It restores circulation and communication where stagnation has taken hold.

One of the more interesting clinical observations around Chuan Xiong is its ability to address patterns where tension, pain, emotional constraint, and blood stasis overlap simultaneously. Particularly in modern clinic settings, this combination appears more often than many practitioners realise.

The classics also placed importance on dosage. Small amounts guide and harmonise. Larger amounts move more strongly and disperse.

A herb with remarkable reach through the body - and one that continues to reward deeper study in practice.

How are you currently working with Chuan Xiong in clinic?

08/05/2026

We often focus on what to prescribe.

But dosage is just as important.

Too little, and nothing moves.
Too much, and the system can be overwhelmed.

Dosage shapes the direction, strength, and outcome of treatment.

It’s not just a number - it’s part of the strategy.

And often one of the more subtle skills to refine over time.

For practitioners:

Has your approach to dosage changed as your experience has grown?

-

For those wanting to explore this more deeply, we’ve expanded on this topic in our latest article:

‘𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬‘ - Dr Simon Feeney

Follow the Link in bio to our blog / resources page.

06/05/2026

Ratios aren’t just about flavour.

In this follow-up, Dr Simon Feeney explores another layer of formulation - temperature.

Hot, warm, cool, cold.
Each herb carries a thermal nature, and how these are combined shapes the overall direction and impact of a formula.

Too much heat can push.
Too much cold can constrain.
Balance allows the formula to act with precision.

This is where ratios move beyond ingredients - and become control.

If you caught Part 1 on flavour, this builds on that foundation.

05/05/2026

Honey is often overlooked.

Seen as a binder. A carrier. Something functional.

But in classical practice, it plays a much more active role.

It moderates.
It nourishes.
It slows the action of a formula and supports longer-term use.

This is part of why Wans (Honey Pearls) feel different in clinic - not just in convenience, but in effect.

Form is never neutral.

Even the medium carries intention.

Curious to hear:

Do you consciously consider the role of honey when choosing Honey Pearls, or is it something that sits more in the background of your prescribing?

….

29/04/2026

Treating the same condition doesn’t mean treating it the same way.

In Chinese medicine, the stage and pattern guide the decision.

An acute presentation may require something fast and direct.
An early-stage condition may call for a lighter approach.
A long-standing deficiency often needs something slower and more sustained.

Same symptom on the surface.
Very different treatment underneath.

This is where clinical thinking matters.

Form isn’t just a matter of convenience.
It’s part of the strategy.

-

If you’re working with herbs, it’s worth refining how you choose form.

29/04/2026

Not all herbal medicine works the same.

In Chinese medicine, form isn’t just delivery - it’s part of the prescription.

Each format carries a different function:

• Sans (powders) – light, dispersing, faster acting
• Wans (honey pills) – slow, nourishing, sustained
• Tangs (decoctions) – fast, direct, precise

Choosing the right form can change how a formula moves, how quickly it acts, and how deeply it works.

This is why classical prescribing isn’t just about what you give - but how you give it.

If you’re working with herbs, it’s worth understanding the role of form more deeply.
And if you’re taking them, it’s worth asking why a certain format has been chosen.

—

If you have questions, feel free to reach out or speak with your practitioner.