Traditional Chinese medicine is perhaps the oldest system of health care in the world—and one of the safest and most effective. This first easy-to-use pocket guide provides everything readers need to know to explore Chinese herbal medicine for themselves. The book includes: • A brief overview of the basic terms and concepts of traditional Chinese medicine. • Simple instructions on how to prepare herbal formulas at home. • An illustrated guide to 108 of the most widely used Chinese herbs, with descriptions, therapeutic effects, preparation methods, and dosages. • A guide to dozens of readily available prepared herbal formulas for common ailments. • An index of symptoms and ailments. • Listings of mail-order houses for herbs, herbal formulas, and other supplies. • Suggestions for further reading.