Herbal medicine

Unlock Wellness with Ancient China's Herbs!

How Does Chinese Herbal Medicine Work?

Chinese herbal medicine works by restoring balance in the body rather than just targeting symptoms. It focuses on three key principles:

1️⃣ Regulating Qi (Vital Energy) – Herbs help unblock stagnant Qi, boost energy, and improve circulation.

2️⃣ Balancing Yin and Yang – Some herbs cool the body (Yin), while others warm it (Yang). The goal is to restore harmony.

3️⃣ Supporting the Organs – Herbs nourish different organs (e.g., the liver, spleen, kidneys) to help them function optimally.

Unlike Western medicine, which often uses single active compounds, Chinese herbal medicine combines multiple herbs in a formula to:

✔ Enhance effectiveness

✔ Minimize side effects

✔ Treat both symptoms and root cause

How Often Should I Take Herbal Medicine?

This depends on your condition, but general guidelines are:

✔ Acute conditions (colds, flu, indigestion) – 2-3 times per day for a few days to a week.

✔ Chronic conditions (fatigue, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues, joint pain) – 1-2 times per day for weeks to months.

✔ Maintenance & Prevention – Some people take herbal formulas seasonally or once a day to strengthen the body.

🔹 How long should I continue?

The length of treatment varies:

✔ Short-term conditions: A few days to 2 weeks.

✔ Long-term conditions: 1-3 months or longer, depending on progress.

✔ Some herbal formulas (like tonics) can be taken for long-term health maintenance.

🔹 Can I stop when I feel better?

It’s best to complete the full course of herbs, even if symptoms improve early. This ensures the root cause is fully addressed and prevents relapse.

What Happens After You Drink Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Short-term effects vary depending on the formula, but you might notice:

✔ Improved digestion (if the formula targets digestion)

✔ Better energy levels (if it’s a Qi-boosting formula)

✔ Detox symptoms (some people experience mild headaches, fatigue, or changes in bowel movements as the body adjusts)

✔ Sweating or warmth (if the herbs promote circulation)

Long-term effects depend on your health condition. Some people notice results in a few days, while chronic conditions may take weeks or months.

After drinking the herbs, it’s important to:

✔ Stay hydrated – Herbal medicine can stimulate detoxification, so drink plenty of warm water.

✔ Eat light and nourishing foods – Avoid cold/raw foods, greasy foods, or strong stimulants (like coffee or alcohol).

✔ Listen to your body – If you feel discomfort, inform your TCM practitioner for adjustments.

How to Prepare Chinese Herbal Medicine (Decoction)
– A Step-by-Step Guide

Chinese herbal medicine is often prepared as a decoction, meaning the herbs are boiled in water to extract their active ingredients. This process ensures that the medicinal properties are fully absorbed by the body.

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools & Ingredients

Before you start, gather everything you need:

✔ Herbal Medicine – Pre-mixed herbs from your TCM practitioner.

✔ Cooking Pot – Use a ceramic, clay, glass, or stainless steel pot. Avoid aluminum or cast iron, as these can react with the herbs.

✔ Water – Use filtered or spring water for a purer taste.

✔ Strainer – A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the herbs from the liquid.

✔ Measuring Cup – To control water levels accurately.

Step 2: Soak the Herbs (30 Minutes)

Why? Soaking softens the herbs, allowing better extraction of active compounds during boiling.

🔹 Place the herbal mixture in the pot.

🔹 Add 500ml to 1L of cold water, depending on the amount of herbs. Ensure the water level is about 2-3 cm above the herbs.

🔹 Let the herbs soak for 30 minutes before heating.

Step 3: First Boil – Extracting the Essence (30-45 Minutes)

🔹 Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil over medium heat.

🔹 Once boiling, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes (or as instructed by your practitioner).

🔹 If the water evaporates too quickly, add a little more warm water.

🔹 If instructed, remove aromatic herbs (e.g., mint, tangerine peel) at this stage to prevent loss of essential oils.

📌 Special Cases:

✔ Tonic Herbs (e.g., ginseng, deer antler) – Should be double-boiled or simmered separately for 1-2 hours at low heat.

✔ Mineral & Shell Herbs (e.g., oyster shell, gypsum) – Require longer boiling (1-2 hours) for full extraction.

✔ Fragile Aromatic Herbs (e.g., mint, tangerine peel) – Should be added in the last 5-10 minutes to preserve their properties.

Step 4: Strain the Liquid & Prepare for the Second Boil

🔹 Turn off the heat and let the decoction cool slightly.

🔹 Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the herbs.

🔹 Pour the liquid into a bowl or cup – this is your first dose.

🔹 If instructed, proceed to the second boil using the same herbs.

Step 5: Second Boil – Maximizing Potency (Optional, 20-30 Minutes)

Many Chinese herbal formulas require a second boil to extract additional active compounds.

🔹 Re-use the same herbs and add half the original amount of water.

🔹 Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

🔹 Strain the second decoction and mix it with the first decoction for a stronger formula.

Step 6: Drink the Herbal Medicine

🔹 Dosage: Usually twice a day (morning and evening) or as prescribed.

🔹 Temperature: Drink warm to enhance absorption and digestion.

🔹 Timing: Best taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals).

🔹 Flavor Adjustment: If too bitter, you can chase it with warm water, or add honey, red dates, or goji berries (if allowed).

Additional Considerations & Special Adjustments

1. Cooking Adjustments for Different Herbal Types

🔹 Ginseng & Gelatin-Based Herbs (e.g., deer antler, ejiao 阿胶) – Simmer separately using a double-boil method.

🔹 Powdered Herbs (e.g., pearl powder, some minerals) – Do not boil. Simply dissolve in warm water before drinking.

🔹 Herbal Teabags & Granules – Mix with hot water, no boiling needed.

2. Storage & Reheating

✔ Fresh decoctions are best, but if needed, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

✔ Reheat on the stove or using a hot water bath. Avoid microwaving, as it may reduce potency.

3. Combining with Western Medicine

✔ Take herbal medicine at least 1-2 hours apart from Western medications to avoid interactions.

✔ Always consult your practitioner before combining with other treatments.

FAQs (Common Patient Questions)

1. Why does my herbal medicine taste so bitter?

Many detox and cooling herbs (e.g., huang lian, ku shen) are naturally bitter. To help:

✔ Sip slowly in small amounts.

✔ Chase with warm water or a red date.

✔ If allowed, add a small amount of honey.

2. Can I prepare multiple doses at once?

Yes! You can make 2–3 days’ worth and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before drinking.

3. Can I mix different herbal formulas together?

Not unless your practitioner recommends it. Mixing formulas may change their effects.

4. What if I feel discomfort after drinking herbal medicine?

Some people may experience mild side effects as the body adjusts (e.g., changes in digestion, sweating, mild headaches). If symptoms are severe, stop and consult your practitioner.

Final Thoughts

✔ Preparing Chinese herbal medicine correctly ensures maximum effectiveness.

✔ Always follow your TCM practitioner’s instructions for dosage and preparation.

✔ Adjust boiling times based on the type of herbs used.

✔ Be patient—TCM works by restoring balance, and results may take time.