Chinese Herbology has been traced back even farther than acupuncture. Over the past 5,000 years the study of herbs (plant, animal and mineral substances) have been gathered, compiled, formulated and tested. This information was then handed down to the next generation. Today the Herbologists that study Chinese Medicine still use this information to treat a variety of medical conditions.

The Chinese Pharmacopeia is vast with over 1,800 individual herbs. Students learn over 400 of the most widely used herbs. These herbs are categorized according to their energetics (i.e.: temperature and taste), functions, different channels/organs they go to and the disharmonies the herbs address. Individual herbs are compiled into a "formula" or "herbal tea" in accordance with the ailments of the patients. It is due to the combination of the single herbs into these "formulas" that enhance the effects and safety of the individual herbs.

King:
Strongest effect and works directly against the main symptom/disease.

Minister:
Aids the King in treating the main symptom/disease and is the main ingredient aimed against a secondary symptom/disease.

Assistant:
Helps the King and Minister in addressing the symptoms/disease, influences the less important factors of the main pattern and corrects any side effects that the King and Minister might have.

Envoy:
Guides the functions of the other herbs to a specific region of the body or organ and harmonizes the actions of all the other herbs.