Oriental medicine thrives on recognizing the relationships between formula ingredients. There is a hierarchy of ingredients in a balanced Chinese herbal formula. Imperial ingredients constitute the major active herbs that bring about the desired effects of the formula. Next in the hierarchy are Ministerial ingredients designed to support the imperial actions and to counter or ameliorate any toxic or harsh effects. A hierarchy of Helper or Servant herbs follows and is designed to smooth the effects of the entire formula.  If done properly, the effect can be profound.

One of the most familiar Chinese herbs is ginseng. It has a reputation that includes increasing sexual prowess and athletic performance. In some circles, it is considered a strong stimulant and something to be avoided in conditions of anxiety and heart hyperactivity. Because it is a “warm” or even “hot” herb, depending on its grade, the wrong conclusion about its use in Cold Snap may be reached. Looking at the list of ingredients, some may say, “No, I can’t take this formula. It’s way too ‘hot’ for me. It has ginseng in it, and I’m already a ‘hot’ person.” This somewhat simplistic view lacks the insight of the concept of we are discussing here.

The power of the ginseng in Cold Snap lies in the synergy between it and the other ingredients that produce effects that the individual herbs do not produce by themselves. In a balanced formula, any unwanted negatives that the individual herb inherently produces would be reduced. In Cold Snap, for instance, ginseng is not excessively stimulating. It does not have the extreme action it would have if taken by itself. Balanced with other herbs, it is led to the areas of the body/mind system that need strengthening, and the areas that can be overheated are cooled and guarded against the build-up of toxins. Existing toxins are routed out of the system and are eliminated.

Tang kuei is another of the individual ingredients that has been severely misunderstood in this country. Its reputation is for influencing hormonal shifts in women and is available on many health food store shelves. Used by itself, tang kuei is generally too harsh, especially for women of certain constitutions. For example, large doses of the individual herb during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause the loss of the fetus. For this reason and others, tang kuei is very seldom given by itself. However, if mixed properly with other “sister” ingredients, it very effectively prevents the fetal loss and is often prescribed for women who habitually abort.

The result of synergy is that Chinese formulas can work with a variety of complex systems — physical, emotional, and energetic. This trait often makes them an effective adjunct for hard-to-treat diseases that the magic bullets of Western medicinals often miss completely. The results are often fast, complete, and long lasting. The herbs are the catalyst and it’s the body that does the work. Herbs can restore, nourish, or move stagnant energy. Balanced formulations are magic.