The weekly study of herbs and formulas throughout the first year complements the observation of herbal clinical practice. Students actively work with the raw herbs, preparing formulas for patients in clinic and studying the properties and functions of the herbs and formulas in the classroom. Over the year some 300 herbs and 150 herbal formulas are covered. The use of herbs and foods as therapy is presented in cincert with the important pharmacological properties of herbs and methods of preparation. In addition to the classes listed below, herbal therapy is taught as an integrated part of theory, diagnosis and language courses.

This course introduces the herbal strategies used in outpatient settings to provide a foundation for working with experienced herbalists in the school's teaching clinic in the first year. The course also includes clinically relevant botanical information and orients the student to practice and safety in the school herbal pharmacy.

The formulas studied in this course sequence are drawn from classical sources, primarily the Shäng Hán Lùn and the Jïn Guì Yào Lüè. Each of these courses covers approximately 50 formulas and the herbs in each; with properties, functions, indications and contraindications for each herb and formula.  The herb study occurs concurrently with courses studying the classical texts and with work in the herbal dispensary and clinical preceptorship where the formulas are utilized.

The formulas studied in this course sequence are drawn from sources used frequently in modern China herbal practice.  Each of these courses covers approximately 50 formulas and the herbs in each; with properties, functions, indications and contraindications for each herb and formula. The herb study occurs concurrently with courses studying the relevant diagnostic approaches and with work in the herbal dispensary and clinical preceptorship where the formulas are utilized.

This course provides information on the functions of foods according to traditional Chinese medicine and recipes for improving health that combine foods and certain herbs or spices.