Chinese Phytotherapy Course

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Methods for Herb Selection

Covers the four TCM diagnostic pillars—inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation—as they guide herbal prescribing. Links pattern identification to therapeutic strategy.

Lesson 2 • Core TCM Theoretical Framework

Introduces Yin-Yang, Five Phases, and Qi dynamics as applied to herbal therapy. These models underpin all herb selection and formula design.

Lesson 3 • History and Philosophical Roots

Traces the evolution of Chinese herbal medicine from classical texts to modern practice. Provides historical context that informs current therapeutic frameworks.

Lesson 1 • Four Natures and Five Tastes

Defines the thermal natures (cold, cool, warm, hot) and five tastes (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty) of herbs. These attributes determine therapeutic action and clinical application.

Lesson 2 • Herb Identification and Quality Assessment

Teaches organoleptic and basic laboratory methods for authenticating and grading herbs. Accurate identification prevents substitution errors and ensures therapeutic efficacy.

Lesson 3 • Toxicity, Cautions, and Contraindications

Addresses herb toxicity grades, pregnancy contraindications, and incompatibility rules. Establishes safety awareness essential before clinical application.

Lesson 4 • Herb Actions and Functional Categories

Surveys major functional categories: releasing the exterior, clearing heat, tonifying, moving Blood, and more. Students map categories to clinical indications.

Lesson 1 • Tonifying and Nourishing Herbs

Studies Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang tonics with emphasis on distinguishing deficiency patterns. Prepares students for complex tonic formula construction.

Lesson 2 • Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Herbs

Examines herbs that clear Heat, drain Fire, cool Blood, and resolve toxicity. Distinguishes subcategories and their specific indications.

Lesson 3 • Exterior-Releasing and Wind Herbs

Covers herbs that dispel Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat from the exterior. Students learn key actions, dosages, and distinguishing features within this category.

Lesson 4 • Calming, Anchoring, and Digestive Herbs

Reviews herbs that calm the Shen, anchor Yang, and regulate digestion. Completes the core materia medica survey needed for formula study.

Lesson 5 • Herbs for Dampness and Phlegm

Covers herbs that transform Phlegm, drain Dampness, and resolve accumulations. Links herb selection to Spleen and Lung pathology.

Lesson 1 • Herb Combination Principles

Covers the seven combination relationships: mutual reinforcement, assistance, restraint, suppression, antagonism, incompatibility, and solo use. Guides safe and effective pairing.

Lesson 2 • Formula Categories and Clinical Mapping

Surveys the major formula categories aligned with TCM treatment strategies. Maps each category to the clinical patterns it addresses.

Lesson 3 • Dosage, Ratio, and Modification

Addresses how dosage ratios shift formula emphasis and how modifications adapt classical formulas to individual patients. Builds flexible prescribing skills.

Lesson 1 • Granules, Powders, and Pills

Examines concentrated granules, raw powders, and pill forms as alternatives to decoctions. Addresses convenience, compliance, and potency trade-offs.

Lesson 2 • Dosage Calculation and Adjustment

Provides systematic methods for calculating and adjusting doses based on patient age, constitution, and condition severity. Ensures safe and effective dosing across populations.

Lesson 3 • Tinctures, Wines, and Topical Forms

Covers alcohol-based extractions, medicated wines, and external preparations including plasters and washes. Expands the practitioner's therapeutic toolkit.

Lesson 1 • Exterior and Harmonizing Formulas

Studies formulas that release the exterior and harmonize Shao Yang. Emphasizes distinguishing presentations that guide formula selection.

Lesson 2 • Tonifying and Nourishing Formulas

Covers major Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang tonic formulas with emphasis on pattern precision. Prevents over-tonification errors through careful differentiation.

Lesson 3 • Calming and Stabilizing Formulas

Studies formulas that calm the Shen, anchor Liver Yang, and stabilize leakage. Completes the classical formula repertoire for clinical practice.

Lesson 4 • Heat-Clearing and Purging Formulas

Examines formulas that clear interior Heat, drain Fire, and purge accumulation. Distinguishes mild, moderate, and aggressive purging strategies.

Lesson 1 • Prescribing for Special Populations

Adapts prescribing strategies for pregnant women, children, elderly patients, and those with chronic illness. Ensures safe application across diverse patient groups.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Pattern Identification Process

Establishes a step-by-step clinical reasoning process from symptom collection to pattern diagnosis. Reduces diagnostic errors through structured methodology.

Lesson 3 • Complex and Mixed Pattern Prescribing

Addresses simultaneous deficiency-excess, Hot-Cold, and interior-exterior patterns. Teaches prioritization and layered formula strategies.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring, Follow-Up, and Formula Adjustment

Covers patient reassessment protocols, response evaluation, and iterative formula modification. Closes the clinical loop from prescription to outcome.

Lesson 1 • Professional Standards and Continuing Education

Defines competency standards, professional conduct expectations, and pathways for ongoing development. Prepares students for long-term professional growth.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control and Sourcing Standards

Examines good agricultural and manufacturing practices, heavy metal limits, and pesticide standards for herbal products. Ensures practitioners source safe, authentic materials.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks

Surveys international regulatory approaches to herbal medicine, scope of practice, and informed consent. Grounds professional conduct in ethical and legal awareness.

Lesson 4 • Adverse Effects and Toxicology

Covers known adverse effects, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic herbs, and management of toxic reactions. Builds a safety-first clinical mindset.