Your Chinese herbal medicine is provided as pre-measured herbal granules. The granules have already been prepared and combined according to your prescription, so there is no need to boil or decoct the herbs at home.

How to take your herbal granules

One sachet = one day's dose.

1. Empty the entire contents of one sachet into a clean cup.
2. Add approximately 200 mL (about ¾–1 cup) of hot water.
3. Stir well until the granules are mostly dissolved.
4. Allow the drink to cool to a comfortable warm temperature before drinking.
5. Drink the entire preparation at one time, unless your practitioner has specifically instructed you to divide the dose.
6. Take one sachet per day, following the timing recommended by your practitioner.

What temperature should the water be?

Use hot water, but it does not need to be actively boiling.

Water that has just boiled can be allowed to stand for a few minutes before being added to the granules. Very high temperatures are generally unnecessary and may make the drink difficult to swallow.

If using an electric kettle, approximately 80–90°C (175–195°F) is suitable. The goal is simply to provide enough heat to dissolve the granules comfortably.

Do not use boiling-hot liquid if you are drinking it immediately. Allow the prepared medicine to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature.

What if the granules do not completely dissolve?

This is not necessarily a problem.

Some herbal granules contain naturally occurring plant fibers, fine particles, minerals, or other components that may not completely dissolve in water. A small amount of sediment at the bottom of the cup can therefore be normal.

If this happens:

• Stir the medicine thoroughly before drinking.
• If there is a small amount of residue remaining, you may drink it together with the liquid.
• You can add a small amount of warm water to the cup, swirl it around, and drink the remaining material.
• Do not discard the sediment simply because it has not dissolved.

If the preparation contains a large amount of material that does not disperse, has an unusual appearance or odor, or you are unsure whether it has been prepared correctly, please contact the clinic before taking another dose.

When should I take it?

Unless your practitioner has given you different instructions, take the herbal granules 15–30 minutes after a meal.

Your practitioner may recommend a different schedule depending on your prescription and your individual condition. For example, some formulas may be better taken before meals, between meals, or at bedtime.

Your practitioner's instructions take priority over these general guidelines.

Try to take your medicine at approximately the same time each day. Consistent use makes it easier to follow the treatment plan.

Can I take it with other medications?

Please tell your practitioner about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and other herbal products you are taking.

Some Chinese herbs can interact with medications or other natural health products.

Unless you have been given specific instructions, it is generally prudent to leave approximately 1–2 hours between your Chinese herbal medicine and other oral medications.

If you are taking an important prescription medication and are unsure whether it can be taken with your herbal medicine, ask your practitioner or pharmacist rather than assuming they are compatible.

What should I expect after taking the medicine?

Chinese herbal formulas are individualized, and people may respond differently.

Some patients notice gradual changes in their symptoms over several days, while others may notice changes sooner. The absence of an immediate sensation does not necessarily mean that the medicine is not working.

You do not need to feel a strong or unusual sensation after taking the medicine.

If you notice a mild and unexpected change in your symptoms, contact the clinic if you are unsure whether it is related to the herbal medicine.

What if I experience an unpleasant reaction?

Stop taking the herbal medicine and contact the clinic if you develop a significant or persistent unusual reaction, such as:

• significant nausea or vomiting;
• persistent diarrhea;
• unusual dizziness or weakness;
• a new or worsening rash;
• significant abdominal discomfort;
• palpitations or other unusual symptoms.

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, severe allergic symptoms, fainting, or another medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.

Do not continue taking the herbal medicine simply to “push through” a concerning reaction.

Important precautions

Please inform your practitioner if you:

• are pregnant or trying to become pregnant;
• are breastfeeding;
• are taking prescription medications;
• have a significant medical condition;
• are scheduled for surgery;
• have known allergies to herbs, foods, or medications.

Do not change the dose, add other herbs, or use someone else's herbal prescription without consulting your practitioner.

Storage

Keep unopened sachets dry and at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Keep the sachets in their original packaging and out of the reach of children.

Once a sachet has been opened, use the entire dose as directed rather than storing partially used granules for another day.

If you have questions

Your herbal prescription has been prepared specifically for you. Preparation and dosing instructions may therefore differ from the general instructions above.

If your prescription label or your practitioner gives you different instructions, please follow those instructions.

If you are unsure how to take your medicine, how much water to use, or whether a reaction is normal, please contact the clinic before changing or stopping your treatment.