Chinese classic herbal formula

Chinese classic herbal formulas are a form of Chinese herbology. They are the basic herbal formulas that students of Traditional Chinese medicine learn. Later these students will adapt these classic formulas to match the needs of each patient.

History
Many of these formulas were created by the pioneers of Chinese medicine and are quite old. For example, "Liuwei dihuang wan" (六味地黄丸 liùwèi dìhuáng wán) was developed by Qian Yi (钱乙 Qián Yǐ) (c. 1032-1113 CE). It was published in the "Xiao'er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue" (also known as "Key to Therapeutics of Children's Diseases" 小儿药证直诀 xiǎoér yào zhèng zhí jué) in 1119 by Qian Yi's student. 

Modern Usage
Many of these formulas are still made in the form of Chinese patent medicine. These formulas are also used in kampo (traditional Japanese medicine). In Japan, herbalists do not create medicine for each patient. Instead the herbalist will choose an herbal formula that has been standardized by the Japanese government. These formulas are based on the Chinese classic herbal formulas. They often vary slightly, however. Sometimes Chinese plants are substituted for plants found in Japan. Or the proportions of the formula are changed slightly.

Chinese classic herbal formula list
There are hundreds of Chinese classic herbal formulas. Many are slight variations of other formulas, however. It is difficult to define which of these formulas are the most common. The two leading brands to export Chinese classic herbal formulas in the form of Chinese patent medicine from China are Mín Shān (岷山) and Plum Flower (梅花). These are the formulas made by these 2 brands.