One of the three main techniques employed in chinese medicine, herbal therapy involves the combination of herbs and medicinal substances into formulas. Available as teas in a variety of forms, the formulas can be brewed from bulk herbs, or prepared with hot water from granules or extracts. Modification tailors the herbal treatment to address a particular state of a patient\'s condition at a particular time, and minimizes side effects. Herbal formulas are effective in treating all TCM syndromes and western conditions ranging from the common cold, cough, insomnia, anxiety, digestive difficulties, as well as various side effects of western meications.