Chinese Herbal Medicine can come in many forms.
At Metro Health, in Marie’s practice we are committed to giving you INDIVIDUAL medicine and the best quality which is also in a cost effective way so our patients are able to benefit from the longer-term use of herbal medicine where its needed.
Most of our patients are good to go with granule herbs – you can find out how to take them in the video below.
But, how your herbs are prepared makes a difference to the overall efficacy of the formula which is why we have other options available.
Concentrated granules brings the authentic quality of individual medicine in a convenient way, without barriers between you and the medicine – unnecessary coatings on commercially prepared pills that can reduce the efficacy of the intent of the medicine.
Most of my patients can take their medicine in granule form and its highly effective in that form. But,
Some formulas have to be taken in raw form – boiling up a decoction from the raw sticks and leaves – to have the best efficacy , especially formulas meant to treat acute stages of cold and flu progressions…these are meant to be boiled up.
We stock all kinds of herbs and can work with your time schedule , budget and advise you on whats best for what you are going through right now.
we even have a step in-between the raw(bulk) and the granules where the raw has been ground and you can bring it to the boil on the stove a bit to ‘activate’ the herbs – this is a cheaper method than boiling a bag of bulk herbs every day, but its more effective for cold /flu formulas than granules.
All formulas for our patients are made up individually for each patient, every time.
If you’re not sure whats right for you ask at your next consultation.
– Marie Hopkinson, Chinese Herbalist
How to take Concentrated Granule Herbs
There are two ways to take the herbs.
1) Put the teaspoon of granules on your tongue, towards the back and immediately swallow them down with water. Try to avoid the granules going around your mouth & teeth. This is the best way to avoid tasting the herbs.
2) Dissolve a teaspoon of granules in hot water. Add cool water to make drinkable. Drink down quickly, or sip as a tea if they taste palatable.
Take your herbs by the dosage prescribed, usually ½ hour after or before meals, and AWAY from tea or coffee. Timing of herbs is to aid absorption, and guide them to various parts of the body. If you are on any other medications, vitamins etc., you must tell your practitioner. The general strategy is to take herbs 1 hour away from other medications to avoid any unknown interaction.
If you experience any new symptoms while on the herbs and are unsure whether to continue with your formula, we encourage you to call for your practitioners advice.