The origin of the Chinese herbal tradition is said to stem from the legendary emperor Sheng Nong who lived around 3500 BC. The tradition has three important features.

The first is that the therapeutic actions of all formulas and individual herbs are described in terms of the theory of Chinese medicine. This means that a diagnosis, phrased in the language of Chinese medicine, already points to various formulas or individual herbs.

The second is that the practitioner usually prescribes formulas rather than individual herbs. Formulas are groups of herbs working together synergistically. A group of herbs is usually safer and better adapted to deal with a complicated clinical condition.

The third is that the long tradition ensures both the effectiveness and safety of prescriptions given by trained practitioners.

Together these three characteristics give the practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine a deep understanding of the patient's health problems and a safe effective method for treating many ailments, both physical and mental.