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The Essential Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine Identification and Safe Dosage

Introduction: Identifying Chinese Herbal Medicine

Identifying Chinese Herbal Medicine is a foundational skill in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Accuracy in identification, combined with precise dosage calculation, ensures patient safety and therapeutic success.

Key Considerations for Chinese Herbal Medicine Dosage:
To prescribe effectively, practitioners must analyze these core factors:

Patient Profile: Adjust based on body weight, age, and gender (e.g., lower doses for children, seniors, or during menstruation).
Condition Severity: Acute conditions may require higher doses, while chronic cases favor smaller, sustained amounts.
Climate & Season: Environmental factors like humidity and temperature influence how pungent or drying herbs affect the body.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Form: Decoctions typically require higher dosages than concentrated powders.

Texture & Quality Guidelines:

Plant Parts: Flowers and leaves are lighter (smaller doses), while minerals and shells are heavy (10-30g).
Standard Range: Non-toxic plants generally range from 3-10g.
Wild vs. Farmed: Wild-crafted herbs are often more potent and require smaller doses.

Safety & Duration:
Prescriptions should be monitored closely, especially when using herbs that promote circulation or elimination.

The 7-Day Rule: Limit initial prescriptions to 1 week unless you are deeply familiar with the patient’s long-term response. Stop or reduce dosage once symptoms improve to maintain balance.