Granules
THE MOST WIDESPREAD FORM OF CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE IN THE WEST
Extract granules are a patient-friendly alternative to raw herbs. Because of their convenient application, granules have prevailed among the majority of our clients. In Europe, granules are the most widely used form of Chinese medicine; an estimated 75-80 percent of all prescriptions are given as granules. LIAN has more than 500 granulate products in its range to meet the needs of the experienced TCM therapists and doctors in Switzerland and the EU.
Behind the granules is a complex, highly-technical and delicate production process. Its aim is to obtain the full spectrum of action of the substances as far as possible. Most of the single granules and all traditional formulas are traditionally decocted with water in Taiwan, concentrated and processed into granules using excipients (corn starch, MCC). Minerals, animal products, fungi and some herbal products are, in certain cases, not decocted with water, and are finely ground instead.
HOW TO TAKE GRANULES
Taken directly, or as tea, capsules or tablets
Here in the west, granules are most often drank as a tea. The granule formula is added to warm water, stirred and taken. Since most granules have a carrier substance of corn starch, they do not dissolve completely; a cloudy sediment remains, which must be stirred before drinking. Some therapists recommend adding the whole daily dose of granules in a small thermos so that they are not forgotten while working or when you are on the road and can be taken more conveniently.
In Taiwan, the most widely used method is to pour the herbal granules directly in your mouth and follow them with a drink of water. Since the Taiwanese granules have good flow properties and do not clump, this method work well with them. However, it takes some getting used to. The granules can usually be rinsed and swallowed with water without difficulty, but sometimes the powder can stick to the palate and more liquid is neededmto swallow it completely.
For people who can not take granules because of their taste, it is possible to take them in the form of capsule or tablets. The advantage of capsules and tablets, in addition to the almost complete lack of taste, is the ease of use when working or traveling.
The External Application of Granules
Directions for making a Chinese herb compress
- Make a paste with the herbal powder by adding a small amount of water (note: only a very small amount of water is needed). Create just enough paste to be able to cover the area that you need to have treated and keep the rest of the powder to be used for subsequent days.
- Spread the paste onto the affected area and cover with a cotton gauze or a suitable clean cloth (caution: the herbs may stain).
- Cover with a second cloth layer and then secure by wrapping or taping. Leave it on for at least an hour, or as instructed by your practitioner.
- After each application the leftover materials may be discarded with the household trash.
- Repeat daily or as instructed by your practitioner.
Granules can also be used for external application. Our instructions for making compresses with granules can be selected when ordering in the online order system (OOS), we will send them with your prescription for your patient.
