Cooking Herbal Formulas
Your herbal formula arrives home with you. Here’s how to prepare it properly for the best results. Because we craft each formula on-site from our pharmacy of nearly 300 pharmaceutical-grade herbs, proper preparation ensures you get the full benefit.
Choose Your Method
Choose the cooking method that works best for you. All methods result in the same herbal decoction. The final preparation steps are the same regardless of which method you use.
Slow Cooker Method
Cook: Place herbs and 7-8 cups of water into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Some water will cook down.
Strain: Once finished cooking, strain the herbs and discard the solid bits. The liquid that remains after straining is your herbal decoction. Go to Final/Preparation Steps below.
Instant Pot Method
Cook: Place herbs along with 7-8 cups of water into the pot. Cook on pressure for 20 minutes. Let pot de-pressurize naturally. Some water will cook down.
If you have a second bag with instructions to add at the end of the cook, add them to the mix after the pot de-pressurizes. Boil the entire mix for 20 minutes. (This boil step is not necessary if there is not a second bag.)
Strain: Once finished cooking, strain the herbs and discard the solid bits. The liquid that remains after straining is your herbal decoction. Go to Final/Preparation Steps below.
Stovetop Method
Important: When cooking your herbal formula, use ceramic or glass. Any container must have a lid. Avoid metal or cast iron pots as the herbs can react with the metals, altering the therapeutic properties of your formula. If you must use metal, use stainless steel only.
Soak: Add enough water to cover the herbs by about one inch. Let herbs soak for at least 30 minutes before the first cook.
First Cook: Once the herbs have soaked for at least 30 minutes, bring the water to a rolling boil, then turn the heat down to a medium/slow boil. Cook for 20 minutes.
Strain: Once cooked, strain the herbal decoction through cheesecloth, a metal strainer, or with the lid of the pot. Set the liquid aside.
Second Cook: Return herbal solids to the cooking pot and cover with water again. Repeat the cooking process: bring the water to a rolling boil, then turn the heat down to a medium/slow boil. Cook for 20 minutes.
Finish: Once the second cook is finished, strain and combine the liquids from both cooks. Go to Final/Preparation Steps below.
Final Preparation
Once cooked, all methods follow the same final steps.
Measure: Measure the amount of decoction left after the cooking process. Add enough water to your decoction to make a total of 7 cups.
Refrigerate: Keep refrigerated.
Daily Dosage: Drink 1/2 cup twice per day for 7 days. Do not drink cold.
Warm Before Consuming: Do not heat decoction directly. Add a bit of warm water to your 1/2 cup dose to bring up the temperature.
Be Consistent: Your formula, if prepared correctly and taken as prescribed, will last you 1 week. If you miss a dose, the herbs are no good after 10 days. Discard any unused decoction after the 10th day. The best results are obtained with consistency.
What do I do with the herbal bits? You can throw them out or add them to your compost pile.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We’re here to support you through each step, ensuring you feel confident and cared for as you prepare your formula.
