THE CONCEPT OF BOTANICAL PLASTICITY
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In the preparation of Himalayan herbal formulas it is common to dynamically adapt the formulas.
The recipes might be altered according to the regional flora or where they may be issues of endangered plant species, unavailability of substances, avoidance of controversial non-herbal ingredients, or difficulties in obtaining a high enough quality of the ingredients. A qualified and experienced doctor may also substitute, add or not use ingredients in order to improve a formula.
The traditional formula names are kept even when ingredients in the remedies are simplified or reformulated.
This botanical plasticity, while retaining the same profile of action, allows the Tibetan medical physician to respond to difficulties in raw material supply as well as to the regional flora and local conditions without altering the essence of the formula.
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