Herbal formulas prescribed by an acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner often need to be decocted, or cooked on the stove in water before drinking. This is because many Chinese herbs are very fibrous or dense, and therefore require heat to break open cell walls and release plant actives into the water.
Before preparing your herbs, make sure to clarify with your practitioner if there are any special cooking instructions for your formula, how many times per day you should take it, if it's best consumed at a certain time of day or with food, and for how many days you should continue with it.
Chinese herbal formulas often have a very strong flavor; keep in mind that tasting the herbs prompts your body to release the proper enzymes that break down the botanical constituents, so the taste is a part of the healing experience.
Herbs should not cause a worsening of symptoms. If you feel worse in any regard while taking a formula, discontinue using and consult your practitioner.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Open up your herbal packet, and check for any smaller packets inside. These smaller packets usually contain more delicate herbs to add at the end of cooking, so set them aside.
2. Find a small saucepan that will hold at least 2 quarts (8 cups) of liquid, and that has a fitted lid. Add your herbs (aside from any small packets) to the pot.
3. Cover the herbs completely with water, plus an extra inch. Don't fret too much about the exact water quantity as it's less critical than you might think.
4. Add the lid to the pot, and set the heat to a medium low (about 3 out of 10, if 10 is the highest possible heat).
5. Keep an eye on the pot; lower the heat if it starts to boil. Allow the herbs to gently simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. If you have herbal packets set aside for the end of cooking, add them within the last 5 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes of simmering, use a sieve to strain a cup of liquid from the pot. Ensure that it's cool enough before drinking.
7. Store the pot with herbs in the fridge in between uses. Follow the steps above to re-simmer the herbs as needed, either once or twice per day, for up to 5 days.
8. Spent herbs can be composted or discarded after 5 days, or sooner if they no longer produce a flavorful tea.
Questions? Contact the herbalist at herbalist@indigoelixirs.com