Raw Chinese herbal medicine is prepared differently from many Western medicines. Your prescription may contain herbs that need different cooking times or preparation methods. Please follow the instructions provided by your practitioner, as they take your individual prescription into account.
Unless your practitioner has given you different instructions:
Place the prescribed herbs in a clean pot and add approximately 2 bowls (about 500–600 mL) of cold water, or enough water to cover the herbs well.
Allow the herbs to soak for 15–30 minutes before cooking. If you are short on time, they can generally be cooked without soaking.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and gently simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until about 1 bowl (200–250 mL) of liquid remains.
Strain the liquid and drink it warm, unless your practitioner has instructed you otherwise.
The amount of water and cooking time may vary depending on the prescription. If your practitioner has given you specific instructions, please follow those instructions rather than the general guidelines above.
Certain herbs require additional preparation to make them suitable for use.
Pre-decoction: Some hard or mineral substances, such as oyster shell or magnetite, may need to be boiled for 30–60 minutes before the other herbs are added.
Late addition: Aromatic herbs, such as mint or cinnamon twig, may need to be added only during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking to preserve their desired properties.
Other herbs may have specific preparation requirements.
Do not change the cooking method yourself. Your prescription will be prepared or labelled according to the specific requirements of the herbs it contains.
A ceramic, glass, or suitable stainless-steel pot（less recommended） can generally be used for preparing Chinese herbal medicine. A traditional clay pot is also suitable.
The most important thing is to use a clean cooking vessel that is free from oil, food residue, or other contaminants.
A regular stovetop, electric cooker, or slow cooker can be used when appropriate. A microwave is generally not the preferred method for initially decocting raw herbs, because it does not provide the same controlled simmering process. However, it may sometimes be used to reheat an already prepared decoction in a suitable microwave-safe container.
After cooking, rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry.
The best time to take your herbal medicine depends on your prescription and your individual condition.
Unless your practitioner has given you different instructions, many herbal formulas can be taken about 15–30 minutes after a meal.
Your practitioner may instead recommend taking the medicine before meals, between meals, at bedtime, or at another specific time. Please follow the timing recommended for your prescription.
If you take prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or other herbal products, please let your practitioner know. Some herbs may interact with medications or other health products. Health Canada also recommends discussing natural health products with a healthcare professional when prescription medications are being used.
As a precaution, unless your practitioner has advised otherwise, it is reasonable to leave about 1–2 hours between your Chinese herbal medicine and other medications.
Avoid drinking large amounts of strong tea, coffee, or alcohol immediately around the time you take your herbal medicine unless your practitioner has advised that they are appropriate.
Chinese herbal medicine is individualized. Please do not share your prescription with another person or change the dose on your own.
Tell your practitioner if you:
are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding;
are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications;
have a significant medical condition;
are preparing for surgery;
have known allergies or have previously reacted to herbal products.
Children, older adults, and people with significant medical conditions may require special consideration when using herbal medicines.
Some herbs require particularly careful preparation and dosing. For example, certain forms of aconite must be properly processed and prepared according to the practitioner's instructions. Never add aconite or other herbs to a prescription yourself.
Most people tolerate appropriately prescribed herbal medicine well, but unwanted reactions can occur.
If you develop a rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, severe nausea or vomiting, significant dizziness, or another unusual or concerning symptom, stop taking the medicine and seek appropriate medical attention. For a mild or uncertain reaction, contact your practitioner for advice before taking another dose.
If your symptoms become worse, do not simply continue the medicine hoping that the reaction will pass.
Health Canada recommends discussing suspected adverse reactions to natural health products with a healthcare professional and encourages reporting significant adverse reactions.
If you prepare several doses at once:
Allow the decoction to cool before refrigerating it.
Store it in a clean, covered container.
Keep it refrigerated unless your practitioner or dispensing instructions say otherwise.
Reheat only the amount you are going to take.
Do not leave prepared herbal medicine at room temperature for an extended period.
If it develops an unusual smell, appearance, or taste, do not take it. Contact your practitioner or clinic.
The instructions above describe a general method for preparing traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Your prescription may require a different amount of water, cooking time, temperature, or method of administration.
Your practitioner's instructions always take priority. If you are unsure about how to prepare or take your medicine, please contact the clinic rather than guessing.
Chinese herbal medicine is individualized, and a small difference in preparation can sometimes be important. We are happy to help you with any questions about your particular prescription.
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