Herbal Medicine Guide
Questions & Answers
Practical guidance on how to take granulated herbs and herbal pills, what to avoid, and how to support your treatment through food, rest, and daily habits.
Before You Start
Please follow your practitioner’s instructions. If you feel unwell, stop taking the herbs and seek medical advice when needed.
Granulated herbs are concentrated, water-soluble extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs.
- Boiling raw herbs into a decoction
- Spray-drying the liquid into powder or granules
- Often including a small amount of starch as a carrier
- Convenient alternative to traditional herbal teas
- No long boiling required
- Simply dissolve in hot water and drink
- Measure the prescribed number of flat spoons into a cup.
- Add around 150 ml of hot water. Do not microwave.
- Stir well and drink the mixture.
- It is okay if some granules do not fully dissolve.
- Option 1: Take twice daily, 40 minutes after meals.
- Option 2: Choose any two times: 10 AM, 4 PM, or 9 PM.
- Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Do not take within 1 hour before sleep.
Take the prescribed amount with warm water.
- Option 1: Twice daily, 40 minutes after meals.
- Option 2: Choose two times from 10 AM, 4 PM, or 9 PM.
- Avoid taking herbal pills when hungry.
- Avoid taking herbal pills within 1 hour before sleep.
- Temporary worsening of symptoms
- Mild allergic reactions
- Stomach discomfort or cramping
- Loose stools
- Nausea
- Interaction with medications
- Effects on blood pressure, liver, or kidney function
- Changes in bleeding, clotting, or hormones
- Stop taking the herbs.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are unexpected or severe.
- Eat warm, light, simple, and moderate meals.
- Warm: avoid cold food and drinks.
- Light: reduce salty, spicy, sweet, and sour foods.
- Simple: choose one main dish with one to two sides.
- Moderate: eat until around 70% full.
- Grains
- Vegetables
- Minimal meat
- Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep.
- The recommended routine is to sleep by 10 PM and wake by 6 AM.
Foods to Avoid While Taking Herbs
These foods may be unsuitable during herbal treatment depending on your condition and prescription.
Raw or cold foods
- Raw or cold foods
- Fermented glutinous rice
- Pickles
- Persimmon
Fried & Spicy
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Chili
Poultry
- Chicken head Goose meat
- Goose meat
Seafood
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Hairtail
- Yellow croaker
- Pomfret
- Shellfish
Red Meats & Exotic Meats
- Lamb
- Beef, especially for skin conditions
- Pig head meat
Certain Vegetables & Herbs
- Taro
- Chinese chives
- Mustard greens
- Bamboo shoots
- Eggplantq
Tropical & Hot-Natured Fruits
- Apricots
- Durian
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Bayberry
- Lychee
Alcohol
- Alcoholic drinks
Rest, Lifestyle & Emotional Wellbeing
Herbal treatment works best when supported by steady routines, adequate rest, and calm daily habits.
Rest & Lifestyle
Balance work and rest, avoid overworking, keep warm after sweating, and avoid smoking.
Emotional Wellbeing
Maintain a positive mood, stay calm and relaxed, and avoid anger and stress where possible.