Abstract
Most of the prescriptions currently used by Korean medicine institutions to treat patients are delivered in the form of decoctions. The author reviewed the five-viscera section (五臟門) of Euibangyoochui (醫方類聚), which is composed of theory, medicinals, diet, taboo, acupuncture and moxibustion, and exercises. The medicinals cover a total of 1,144 prescriptions cited from 14 medical books, and provides a wide range of prescriptions and delivery options, including decoctions, powders and pills. Of the 1,144 prescriptions, the author notes that among them, 577 prescriptions which use powders (41%) are the most popular; 444 are pills (31%) and are the second most popular; 329 decoctions (23%) are the third most popular, and 64 other prescriptions are 5 percent. Expanding treatment options and delivery of medicinal prescriptions presented in the five-viscera section (五臟門) of Euibangyoochui (醫方類聚), is beneficial to both patients and doctors. The author suggests that expansion of herbal treatment options will provide opportunities to overcome current treatment limitations in the Korean medical service industry.