A quick way to grasp the ABC's of Kampo --- easy-to-understand answers to the most common questions and more. What are the advantages of Kampo's multiple-herb formulations? As each herb has its particular effectiveness, Kampo's multiple-herb formulations offer a much wider array of active ingredients than single-herb medicines. Moreover, one of the strengths of Kampo is that it makes skillful use of the synergistic relationships between herbs. For example, some herbs that have only weak effectiveness on their own are activated when combined with other herbs in a Kampo formulation. Scientific studies have shown that traditional Kampo formulations maximize the efficacy and minimize the side effects of individual herbal ingredients.   What types of herbs are used in Kampo formulations? Medicinal herbs widely used around the world, such as Glycyrrhiza (Licorice), Ginger, Ginseng, Cinnamon, Rhubarb and Ephedra, are found in Kampo formulations. At the same time, Kampo also uses a number of herbs that are indigenous or distinctive to Japan, such as Japanese Angelica. Comprehensive, detailed information on all the crude herbs used in Kampo formulations -- including plant species, properties and definitive identification methods -- is contained in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia and the Japanese Herbal Medicine Codex (165 items and 83 items, respectively).   How are Kampo extracts produced? Traditionally, raw herbs were decocted in hot water when needed and the liquid extract ingested. In recent years, however, technological advances have made possible to manufacture extract Kampo formulations with high standards of quality, uniformity and stability. Although produced on a commercial scale, these extracts are also decocted, and after concentration, drying and the addition of an excipient, they are made into easy-to-use granules or tablets.