Since the Han Dynasty, numerous renowned prescriptions have accumulated, with the number of formulas recorded in classical texts reaching tens of thousands. The term "prescription" (方) refers to direction or guidance, and by extension, it serves as a reference or model. Sun Simiao, revered as the "King of Medicine" during the Tang Dynasty, once said, "After studying prescriptions for three years, one may believe that there is no disease that cannot be treated; after using prescriptions for three years, one realizes that there are no prescriptions that can be universally applied." Why is it said that "there are no prescriptions that can be universally applied"? Because clinically, few patients present with illnesses that perfectly match the structure of established formulas. Diseases not only vary from person to person but also change with the times and environmental conditions.

Those who study prescriptions learn the principles behind their formulation; those who use prescriptions must adapt them according to the clinical presentation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the formulation and application of prescriptions are entirely tailored to the patient's current condition (state), rather than being based solely on symptoms or applied uniformly. Clinical presentations are infinitely variable—how can they be addressed by merely hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of prescriptions? TCM treats patterns (证候), rarely targeting symptoms directly. If one does not modify the ingredients or dosages of a prescription according to the patient's pattern but rigidly adheres to the original formula, it contradicts the spirit of TCM's pattern identification and treatment (辨证论治), and the treatment is unlikely to be effective.

In this database, the dosages of medicinals are listed in both grams and the original classical units. It is important to note that the actual weight of each unit in the original texts varies depending on the dynasty in which it was recorded. For example, one tael (liǎng) in the Eastern Han Dynasty was approximately 15.6 gm, and one Han liter (sheng) was about 200 ml. Furthermore, the dosage of clinical prescriptions must be flexibly adjusted based on the patient's age, body size, current condition, and even the climate, and the dosages provided here are for reference only.

The content of this database is intended for academic reference only and should not be used for commercial purposes. If you are ill, please seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Non-TCM practitioners should not prescribe or take medications without proper authorization.