Chinese classic herbal formulas (simplified Chinese: 经方; traditional Chinese: 經方) are combinations of herbs used in Chinese herbology for supposed greater efficiency in comparison to individual herbs. 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.

Many of these formulas were created by the pioneers of Chinese medicine and are quite old. For example, "Liu Wei Di Huang Wan" (六味地黄丸; liùwèi dìhuáng wán; liu-wei ti-huang wan) 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; Hsiao-erh yao cheng chih chüeh) in 1119 by Qian Yi's student.^[1]

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. However, they often vary slightly. Sometimes Chinese plants are substituted for plants found in Japan, or the proportions of the formula are changed slightly.

The top 5 manufacturers in Taiwan

• Sun-ten (順天堂)
• Chuang Song Zong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (莊松榮)
• Shen Chang (勝昌)
• Kaiser (港香蘭)
• Ko-da (科達)

There are hundreds of Chinese classic herbal formulas. Many are slight variations of other formula 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). Some of these formulas are made by these 2 brands.

• Kampo, Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine
• Kampo list
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Chinese patent medicine