You might be interested in reading Michael Rossoff
http://www.michaelrossoff.com/macro-articles.htm
He has some wonderful ideas in recreating mb.
Very stimulating thoughts. I thought he might appeal to you as he teaches Chinese Medicine and makes mention of herbs.
Generally herbs are not in a strict mb diet - one because they have very specific effects that people need to be educated of, and two, most are considered too yin.
Somehow in my path, my teachers have discouraged herbs. That could be Michio's influence. Again, it's wonderful to re-think things for ourselves, but also wonderful to learn from others.
Michael's article in the Macrobiotics Today (January/February 2005) caused quite a stir in the macrobiotic world. Herbs is just one part of his "let's have a new look" at everything approach. Wondering if others were influenced by his article.
Klara