The present invention relates to a process for preparing pharmaceutical compositions and other herbal products derived from herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including Radix astragali (Milkvetch Huang Qi) Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) Radix angelicae sinensis (Chinese Angelica Dang Gui) and Radix polygalae (Thinleaf milkwort Yuan Zhi). The process includes a single extraction of the TCM herbs by heating in a hydro alcoholic solvent wherein the alcohol may be ethanol. Figure 2 provides an overview of one embodiment of the process. The invention also relates to products of the process of the invention and their use in the treatment of stroke and various neurological disorders.