Creating Medicinal Herb Formulas

Perhaps one of the more difficult aspects of herbalism to teach is the art of medicinal formulation. Part of creating an effective medicinal formula is instinctual; you have to have a sense, an inner knowing or knack, of herbs, and an ability to recognize how they harmonize with one another.

In addition, it is critical to be attuned to the individual the formula is being prepared for as well as having an understanding of the particular imbalance or illness the person may have. Understanding illness, how the disease effects the body, and symptoms of the illness are important when formulating as well. It is no simple task to teach and takes a while to master. However, formulating your own blends is a valuable and necessary craft of the herbalist and there's no time like now to begin to master it.

The first step, understanding the unique properties of the individual herbs, is fairly simple. You've been doing this throughout your herbal studies. By reading, researching, and experimenting with the herbs, you're acquiring the necessary information about each herb that allows you to understand its energetics and how it works.

Discovering "how" herbs harmonize and work together is a bit more challenging. Everyone wants a book that gives this information. But it's not that simple. There are so many factors that effect how herbs blend and their synergistic effects on one another. I can always tell a reader of "Back to Eden" or any other of the numerous old herb books by the list of herbs they intend to blend together in to 'formula'. If it's a cold they are creating a formula for, the tendency is to look up "cold" in Back to Eden and write down a list of the most familiar herbs. This is not what makes a good formula. A formula consists of several different herbs or components that are well matched though may have actions quite different than one another. However, when blended together, they create a synergistic harmony.

Though most people are able to formulate quite effectively by "instinct", by that 'knack' or inner knowing of how herbs work together, as a 'student' of herbalism, it is helpful to understand this process. I've included a technique I adapted from a technique I learned from William LeSassier many years ago and have used successfully to teach others how to create effective medicinal herbal formulas. Making an herbal formula is an intuitive process refined and developed to understand the essence and the physical manifestation of plant life in relationship to human life. The more we understand herbs as a way of life the better our ability to combine, blend and create formulas.

Things to Consider When Creating a Formula

(1) Do not get carried away by adding too many herbs into the formula just because you don't know when to stop. A few herbs wisely selected will be more effective than a collection of herbs haphazardly thrown together. However, a good formula can just as well be created from 25 herbs as 5 if you know why and where to include them in the formula.

(2) It is best not to mix roots and leaves together in a medicinal formula, as they require different methods of preparation. Please note there are exceptions to this rule.

(3) It is important when using this technique to realize that all the herbs must harmonize not only among themselves but be directed towards Point One of the formula. Don't lose sight of this when formulating.

(4) An herb can occupy any space in a formula, depending on what the formula is for. For instance, ginger is often seen as a Point Three herb but it can be included as a Point One herb if the formula is for morning sickness, motion sickness, or jet lag.

(5) Remember, formulas will change as the person recovers and/or the disease changes.

(6) More than one herb can occupy each of the points; just be sure you know why you are including them in the formula.

(7) The following technique serves only as a guideline. Proportions in each point are for guidance only and can be adjusted for individual preference.

(8) Before beginning to formulate write out in specific terms what you're creating the formula for and what you want it to do. This is important because your statement decides which herbs go into Point One of the formula.

We combine herbs for greater effectiveness and potency. The three major factors comprising a formula are:

(1) Focus on primary area of concern (Point One).

(2) Tone, build and fortify the entire body (Point Two).

(3) Stimulate, activate both the body organs and the herbs in the formula (Point Three).

A good formula will have herbs representing all three of the above points. I use the following diagram to help clarify this:

Point 1: Primary or Specific Herbs contains the primary herbs Most directly addresses the statement about the formula 70-80% of Formula

Point 2: Builders/Nourishing tonics Soothes Buffers effects of harsher herbs 10-15% of formula

Point 3: Catalyst Activators Gets things moving Stimulants Eliminators, such as Diuretics, Laxatives, Diaphoretic Warming, breaks up congestion, improves circulation 10-15%

Point 1: Primary or Specific Herbs These herbs represent 70 to 80% of the formula and are aimed at the specific problem. The other herbs in the formula (Point Two & Three) support the primary action of these herbs. These herbs are the most concentrated and the most specific for the particular problem the formula is created for. Almost any herb can be a primary herb in the formula; this is determined by the particular formula. The specific or primary point can be and usually is more than one herb.

Point 2: The Supporters, Builders, Nourishers The herbs in Point 2 of a formula tone the system being worked on. They can soothe and buffer the effects of the stronger primary herbs. Often demulcents, tonics and astringent herbs are used here. These herbs are chosen to tone the body and/or the specific system the formula is created for. More than one herb can be used in this point. They usually comprise 10-20% of the formula.

Point 3: Catalyst Activators These herbs serve to activate both the specific body organ and to catalyze the action of the other herbs in the formula. They can perk up the organs, provide heat, break up congestion, and help the body eliminate. Herbal groups often used here are laxatives, diuretics, diaphoretic, stimulants, and expectorants. They comprise 10-20% of the formula.

Examples of formulas using the above technique:

(1) Statement: Respiratory infection - acute stage of infection, congestion, liquid in the lungs, painful coughing.

Point 1 Golden Seal (organically cultivated), Pleurisy Root (organically cultivated), Elecampane

Point 2 Comfrey Root, Licorice Rt

Point 3 Ginger

(2) Cystitis - acute symptoms: painful urination, scanty, scalding, fever.

Point 1 Uva Ursi, Buchu, Dried Cranberries

Point 2 Cornsilk, Marshmallow root, Chickweed

Point 3 Cleavers

Examples to practice on:

Anti-Infection Formula contains echinacea, golden seal, usnea, propolis, myrrh gum, garlic.

Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Echinacea 40% Usnea 10% Garlic 5% Golden Seal 30% Myrrh 10% Propolis 5%

Arthritis Formula - Devils claw, alfalfa seed, burdock seed, kelp, ash bark.

Atherosclerosis Formula - Calendula flowers, hawthorn berries, blessed thistle, garlic, ginger.

Blood Pressure (for regulating) - Siberian Ginseng, hawthorn berries, valerian root, garlic, and yarrow flowers.

Detox Formula - Chaparral, red clover, echinacea, burdock root, thyme, prickly ash bark.

Heart Tonic - Hawthorn berries, motherwort, valerian root, cayenne pepper.

You can also get a bit more practice in using this technique by reviewing Michael Tierra's formulas in "The Way of Herbs" pages 144 to 153.

After all this, what I can perhaps share that is most meaningful is that as your confidence builds in yourself and your relationship with the plants continues to grow, they will guide you best, directing your questioning fingertips, your wandering mind, with the power that they are. Trust and find great joy as this work unfolds for you.

Reprinted with permission from author.
Rosemary Gladstar has been practicing, living, learning, teaching and writing about herbs for over 30 years. She is the author of nine books including the popular Herbal Healing for Women. She is the founder.director of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, Founder of United Plant Savers, The international Herb Symposium, and the director of the NE Women's Conference. Along with creating community and loving people, herbs are her passion and joy in life.

Go Back from Herb Formulas to the Home Page