Chinese Herbal Medicine- Granulates, Tincture or a Soup?

In contrast to Western medicine, Chinese herbs are rarely used alone, but in combination- in form of a specially made prescription, depending on the patient's condition and individual diagnosis. Chinese herbalists can rely on the accumulated knowledge of over thousands of formulas that have been studied and passed down by Chinese practitioners for centuries. Each prescription consists of a classical composition that provides information about the importance, dosage and function of the herbs within the formula. In this way, a plant can have the function of an emperor, minister, assistant and messenger.

Chinese herbs and formulas can be prescribed and administered in different forms:

• Powder / granules - the dried extract is dissolved in water or taken in combination with other foods, for example in the case of children with porridge.

• Tincture - an extract of plants based on alcohol

• Home cooking of raw plants - the patient boils and filters the raw plants according to the therapist's instructions, leaving only the extract.

Depending on the patient's preferences, the formula is ordered by the therapist from a certified pharmaceutical company that specializes in importing Chinese herbs. The presrcibed drugs have been tested and approved by the Ministry of Health. The therapist can order an already prepared formula, off-the-shelf, based on a classic recipe- or a formula with modifications depending on the patient's personal diagnosis.