Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac.
Department ChairChinese herbology is the world's most sophisticated medical herbal system. The TCM Herbology curriculum includes extensive training in the identification, categorization and clinical use of the traditional Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia. Six semesters of in-depth herbology study provide you with a solid working knowledge of more than 400 individual herbs and more than 350 classical and modern formulas. Advanced courses instruct you how to modify and enhance classical formulas in response to specific variants in a patient's diagnosed condition. All herb courses are taught using the Pinyin names of herbs.
Course Title | Code | Units | Hours |
[Required Courses] | |||
Introduction to TCM Herbology | FHB 101 | 1 | 15 |
TCM Herbology I, II & III | FHB 200|300|400 | 9 | 135 |
TCM Formulas I, II & III | FHB 500|600|700 | 9 | 135 |
TCM Dietetics | FHB 510 | 2 | 30 |
TCM Patent Medicines | FHB 800 | 2 | 30 |
Herbal-Pharmaceutical Drugs Interactions | FHB 900 | 0.5 | 7.5 |
Introduction to TCM Herbology
This introductory course provides an overview of Chinese herbal medicine and is the foundation of the program’s herbal medicine courses. The course investigates the history behind the development of the tradition of Chinese herbal medicine, with specific references to classical texts. Students learn the basic characteristics of herbs (taste, temperature, trajectory in the body, and toxicity) and the 17 categories of Chinese herbs and their related characteristics. Students are introduced to herbal preparations commonly used in Chinese medicine and the situations that indicate their use.
Prerequisite:
TCM Herbology I, II & III
This three-trimester course sequence provides students with knowledge of TCM herbology, including general theory, treatment methods, categorization, taste, temperature, entering meridians, indications, and the laws of herbal combining. Students will learn over 350 single herbs, including clinical use, contraindications, and methods of preparation and delivery. Current research in the field of TCM herbology will augment lectures. This knowledge will serve as a foundation for the TCM Formula courses.
Prerequisite:
FHB 200/FHB 300/400; FBH 101, Intro to TCM HerbologyTCM Formulas I, II & III
The art of Chinese herbology lies in the practitioner’s ability to combine herbs into a balanced formula tailored to meet each patient’s singular pattern of signs and symptoms. During this three-terms course sequence in TCM formulas, students will implement the previous knowledge they have acquired in the single herbs courses as well as TCM differential diagnosis, into understanding how a formula is designed. Formulas are reviewed in the context of the herbs composing it, their therapeutic function and indications. In addition, the applications of herbal formula prescriptions to specific illnesses will be discussed, as well as how to modify formulas based on the patient specific sign and symptoms.
In the first course, students are introduced to the principles of creating herb formulas through in-depth study of the elegance and economy of classical Chinese herbal prescriptions. The formulas are taught in functionally related categories. Students will study 80 herbal formulas including formula composition, functions, clinical indications, modifications and contraindications. Formulas categories taught are: formulas that Release the Exterior, formulas Clear Heat, formulas Drain Downward, formulas that Harmonize, and formulas that Tonify.
In the second course of a three-part series, students will study an additional 70 traditional formulas, including formula composition, functions, clinical indications, modifications and contraindications. Formula categories covered in this course are: formulas that Expel Dampness, formulas that Warm Interior, formulas that Regulate Qi, formulas that Regulate Blood and formulas Stop Bleeding.
In the third and final course, students will study additional 70 traditional formulas, including their composition of herbs, functions, clinical indications and the theories behind them. Formula categories covered in this course are: formulas that Treat Dryness, formulas that Stabilize and Bind, formulas that Calm the Spirit, formulas that Expel Wind, formulas that Open the Orifices, formulas that Treat Phlegm, formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation, formulas that Expel Parasites and formulas for External Applications.
Upon completion of this course, students will understand the principles of making herbal formulas. Students will also be able to identify herbal formulas, understand their therapeutic indication and be able to prescribe and modify these formulas according to TCM principles.
Prerequisite:
FHB 200|300|400, TCM Herbology I - IIITCM Dietetics
Since the beginning of TCM, great physicians understood the profound influence of diet on human health. This course introduces theories of TCM dietetics and surveys the TCM functions and properties of common foods, the dietary programs appropriate for the treatment of prevalent TCM disharmonies, and their effect on health and longevity. Effective food combinations and recipes are provided for the treatment of common diseases, and to enhance general well being.
Prerequisite:
FHB 200|300|400, TCM Herbology I - IIITCM Patent Medicines
This is an invaluable course for students and every clinician using herbal pills and prepared solutions. The course covers major TCM syndromes and the patent herbs used to treat them. The lectures include the differential analysis of patent herbs used for the same diagnosis, recommended dosages for both adults and children, and contraindications. Much of the information presented is derived from various Chinese texts and clinical expertise, and will not be found in any textbook. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the functions of over 150 prepared Chinese patent herbs and solutions and how to properly prescribe them.
Prerequisite:
Completion of one of the following FHB 500|600|700, TCM Formulas I - IIIHerbal-Pharmaceutical Drugs Interactions
This course addresses the increasing concern among the medical community, including TCM practitioners who prescribe medicinal herbs, regarding toxic biomedical interactions between pharmaceutical drugs and natural products, such as Chinese medicinal herbs. The course reviews the biomedical nature of herbs and the potential interaction between them and commonly used pharmaceutical drugs and nutritional supplements. The course includes the critical analysis of literature and research reports of herb/drug interactions.
Prerequisite:
Completion of one of the following FHB 500|600|700, TCM Formulas I - III and concurrent with FWM 810, PharmacologyElectives
Electives are offered based on faculty availability and student interest.Course Title | Code | Units | Hours |
[Elective Courses] | |||
Herb Walk | FEL 483 | 0.5 | 7.5 |
Herb Walk
Join highly experienced faculty and herbalists on an herb walk at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden or the Henry Cowell Fall Creek State Park in Felton to learn how to identify important medicinal plants used in Chinese medicine. You will walk one to two miles on mostly flat terrain and dirt trails seeing over a dozen medicinal and/or edible species such as: huckleberry, Aralia (a relative of ginseng), nettles, lemon balm, and Asarum, a local variety of Xixin.