Formulas at the Teahouse: A Pattern-Based Series

This article series presents classical Chinese herbal formulas through the lens of pattern identification and clinical reasoning rather than symptom-based prescribing. Each entry introduces a formula’s historical source, composition, dosage, and core pattern of disease, with emphasis on key diagnostic features that help practitioners recognize when the formula is truly indicated. The intention is to provide a clear, practical foundation while reserving more advanced discussions—such as pathological mechanisms, modification strategies, dosage refinement, and related formulas—for structured courses and case-based teaching. Together, these articles reflect a pattern-centered approach to herbal medicine that remains faithful to classical sources while staying relevant to modern clinical practice.