How to take Chinese herbs?
Herbal formulas are most
often designed to take as an herbal tea.
Directions:
mix a bag of
prescribed herbs in two cups of boiled water for two day usage. Take twice daily
and a half cup each time, either 30 minutes before a meal or an hour after a meal.
If
the taste of the tea is difficult to tolerate, sugar, honey or a natural sweetener
such as Stevia extract (which is in health food stores) can be added in small
amounts.
Herbs that are for targeting specific conditions may have specific
directions on timing of the dose. For example, tonic herbs should be taken before
eating. Herbs that can irritate the digestive system should be taken after a meal.
Herbs that aid in sleep should be taken before bed. Herbs that are aimed at the
menstrual cycle, PMS, or menstrual cramps, should be started 7-10 days before
the menstrual cycle begins and continues through the end of menstruation.
When
taking herbs for an acute condition, it may take 2-3 days to notice an improvement
in symptoms. When taking herbs for chronic conditions, it may take 2-3 weeks to
notice an improvement in symptoms.
Precautions:
If you are taking or take
any western medicine, prescribed or over the counter, it should be taken 1-2 hours
apart from your herbal formula. While taking herbal formulas you should avoid
cold, raw, spicy, and oily foods, or foods that are difficult to digest. Salads
are acceptable. Also avoid drinking ice water, cold drinks, or acidic juices at
the same time as the herbal formula.
With external applications, if itching
and burning should occur, these may be signs that you are having an allergic reaction
to the herbs. Discontinue the herbs.
If a patient is taking a tonic formula
and becomes ill, he/she should stop taking the herbs. Resume when health improves.