Herbal Medicines
Chinese herbal medicine has been used in clinical applications for more than 2000 years in Chinese society. Many experiences supplying feedback from clinical applications have been described in the classic publications. Gradually, these experiences were summarized, forming an individual theory of the medical system, named Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which directed the usages against clinical diseases that had been overviewed in the introduction. The development of TCM is in close relationship to historical development over time. Important concepts were proposed in each dynasty that helped in the development of TCM. This review attempts to summarize the important theories of historical aspects that were proposed in each dynasty of the Chinese people. Taken together, without systemic knowledge about the applications of Chinese herbal medicine, that is, with just the experience of folk usage, even that cannot elevate the therapeutic effect for treating complex illnesses.
Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology