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Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Clinic, Herbal Formulas, Shop

Eight Treasure Decoction // Ba Zhen Tang

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Eight Treasure Decoction // Ba Zhen Tang
A tonic formula to strengthen and harmonize Qi and Blood. 

Used in clinic many times this last month for people who are feeling energetically and physically drained and vulnerable. We modified this one in clinic for someone with one week of dizziness, fatigue and a heavy downward bearing sensation.  Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Clinic, Herbal Formulas, Shop

Elderberry Elixir Recipe

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Elderberry Elixir Recipe
A classic remedy for preventing and treating an early stage cold or flu.

This formula balances elderberries (cooling) with cinnamon and cloves (warming) to strengthen the immune system. Elecampane and licorice are a pair of expectorants that clear airways, congestion and phlegm. It’s most effective when taken regularly or right at the onset of symptoms. Studies show that elderberry syrup can reduce the duration of a cold or flu by four days. Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Eastern Energetics, Herbal Formulas, Single Herbs

Wind Heat and Wind Cold // Early Stage Cold + Flu

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Wind Heat and Wind Cold // Early Stage Cold + Flu

In Eastern theory, early stage cold/flu is considered an invasion of Wind. Pathogenic Wind draws Heat or Cold into the body, weakening the body’s defenses and triggering cold/flu symptoms.

So when you start to feel sick, determining whether you have more Wind Cold or Wind Heat symptoms will help you choose the right herbs and formulas.

Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Clinic, Herbal Formulas, Single Herbs

Calm Heart, Cool Mind

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Calm Heart, Cool Mind
An herbal tea recipe for self love.

The Heart and Mind connection is a cornerstone of Eastern energetic herbalism. Our Calm Heart, Cool Mind Tea blend speaks to this dynamic by both nourishing and clearing. Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Eastern Energetics, Herbal Formulas, Single Herbs

Blood Nourishing Foods

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Blood Nourishing Foods
Blood tonic herbs are deeply nourishing and help strengthen the body’s defenses against disease.

Blood tonics can be taken at any time and often used in clinic when people are feeling typical signs of blood deficiency— low energy, sleep issues, anxiety, dryness, achy joints, dizziness (see previous posts for more). Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Clinic, Herbal Formulas, Single Herbs

What Are Decoctions?

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
What Are Decoctions?
Decoctions are herbal teas made of the more dense, fibrous plant materials—berries, roots, barks.

This traditional method is how I was taught by my teacher, Dr. Hua Ling Xu, and she always stressed that it is the most potent way to take Eastern herbal formulas. Continue reading
Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Filed under
Clinic, Eastern Energetics, Herbal Formulas

Five-Peel Powder – Wu Pi San

Erin Masako Wilkins
Written by Erin Masako Wilkins
Five-Peel Powder – Wu Pi San
A formula to drain damp.

A formula to drain damp. While it’s a classic for skin edema, I use most often for Spleen Qi deficiency with long term, stubborn damp. It’s a draining formula so it’s often combined with tonic herbs to balance it out for weak constitutions. The formula in this photo was modified for someone with one week of dizziness, fatigue and a heavy downward bearing sensation. Continue reading