Kampo Herbs and Formulas

The word ‘herb’ usually refers to a medicinal or aromatic plant. In traditional East Asian herbal medicine (Japanese Kampo and TCM), however, ‘herbal’ medicines are not only derived from plants, fruits, or trees but also from rocks,shells, and different parts of animals, such as their skin, bones, or organs. Thus ‘herbal’ medicine must be distinguished from purely botanical medicine.  Read More….

Kampo Herbs

For herb details, please click on each link from the left side menu. Or from this list.

Featured Kampo Herbs – Binroji

Chinese: bing lang

English: areca palm, betel nut

Pharmaceutical: Arecae Semen

Kampo Formulas

For formula details, please click on each link from the right side menu. Or from this list.

Featured Kampo Formula – Unkeito

Chinese: Wen Jing Tang

English: Warm the Menses Decoction

Source: Jinguiyaolue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet)

Pulse: sunken, fine

Tongue: pale body, stasis spots, scanty fur

Abdomen: oketsu, shofukukoman

Indications: This herbal formula has been used for patients with following health conditions and symptoms:

  • Irregular menstruation
  • Infertility
  • Cold extremities
  • Hot palms and soles
  • Hot flashes
  • Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual bleeding)
  • Extended or continuous menstrual flow
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pain, distention, and cold in the lower abdomen
  • Dry skin
  • Dry mouth and lips

There are many other health conditions that may respond well to this herbal formula, in particular patients exhibiting indicative traditional diagnostic signs and symptoms.

Basic and Clinical Research on Unkeito

Health Conditions that are Commonly Treated by Kampo Herbal Medicines: Digestive Problems, Urinary Problems, Female Health and Infertility, Cardiovascular Problems, Pain Conditions and more… (for some conditions, it is recommended to combine the treatment with other Kampo techniques or modalities such as acupuncture, moxibustion, or shiatsu massage).