Part IV
CHINESE PHARMACY AND FORMULA STUDY
中药学和方剂学
The Chinese Compendium Materia MedicaCompendium Materia Medica 本草纲目">*(a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners) contains descriptions of hundreds of medicinal substances — primarily plants, but also some minerals and animal products — classified by their perceived action in the body. Different parts of plants such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds are used. Medicinals are combined in formulas and given as decoctions*, capsules*, tinctures* or powders.
The following websites may be helpful in learning TCM English concerning Chinese medicinals.