The advantages and disadvantages of different Chinese herbal formulations.
Many people already take pills for a variety of conditions: something for their cholesterol, a pill to help them sleep, or an antacid before or after meals. So they are used to taking capsules, pills or tablets. Some may take a liquid form such as Nyquil or Dayquil or PeptoBismol. And then there are the numerous teas that people enjoy—teas to help lose weight, teas for sleep, teas for coughs and flu.
Chinese herbal medicines are similar to allopathic medicines in that they take a variety of forms: tea, tincture, syrup, capsule, pill, tablet, patch, salve, ointment, and linament, to name a few.
During your first session your Chinese herbalist will probably ask you numerous questions about yourself. He/She covers health issues as well as seemingly unrelated questions about your lifestyle, emotions, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Your herbalist takes your pulse and looks at your tongue. These key diagnostic tools help him/her discover which formula will provide you with the most relief.
After deciding upon a formula, you get the choice of what form it’s going to take, as mentioned above.
E = Effect
T = Taste
F = Flavor
$ = Cost4 letters = most
1 letter = least
Decoction: This is a tea made from the actual herbs. You are given at least one bag (probably 3-4) of strange looking (and strange smelling) herbs that you soak, boil and simmer in special steps to create a very effective tea that is taken 2 to 3 times per day. Usually the most time consuming, most effective, taste factor and least expensive method. TTTT, EEEE, FFFF, $$
Granules: Again, this is a tea made from the actual herbs. However, the herbs have been preprocessed and reduced to powder form. You measure out a specific amount in a cup and add hot water. Almost as effective (possible fillers, depending on manufacturer), more expensive, taste factor and less time consuming. EEE, $$$, FFFF, T
Tinctures: The formula is predecocted and concentrated in an alcohol base. A dropperful is taken alone or with water 2-3 times per day. Almost as effective (alcohol may play a factor), more expensive, taste factor and less time consuming. EEE, $$$, FFFF, T
Pills: The formula is predecocted and made into a pill form. 8 pills (about the size of BBs) are taken 2-3 times per day. Effect felt over time (manufacturers differ in recipe and preparation), less expensive, not as much taste factor, less time consuming. EE, $$, F, T
As you can see, each type of formulation has an effect, cost, taste and time factor. The above information provided will help you decide which formulation works with your lifestyle
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