traditional herbal medicine

Cooking Herbal Formulas

One aspect of Chinese Medicine that often gets overlooked is the value a customized herbal formula can add to our healing process. When herbal remedies are layered in with the acupuncture plan, it can certainly enhance the work we are doing.

At Jing Shen Healing Arts, we can blend and customize remedies for each patient directly from our on-site herbal pharmacy. We are proud to be the only clinic in the valley with a dedicated herbal pharmacy with almost 300 ingredients. On-site so we can be confident that we are only using the highest quality ingredients, maintaining the integrity of the medicine.

So, how do you turn this herbal formula into medicine once you get it home? This guide will walk you through each step, helping you feel confident as you prepare your formula. Whether you’re new to herbal medicine or have been with us for a while, these detailed instructions will ensure you get the best results from your preparations with the support and expertise you’ve come to trust from us.

See the process below, and do not 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 explore the benefits of your herbal preparation.

Raw Herbal Formula

Cooking Instructions

Choose your Method of Cooking

NOTE: The FINAL/PREPARATION STEPS are the same for all options

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Method

  1. 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.
  2. STRAIN: Once finished cooking, strain the herbs and discard the solid bits. The liquid that remains after straining is your herbal decoction.
  3. Go to FINAL/PREPARATION STEPS

Instant Pot Method

  1. 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. BOIL step is not necessary if there is not a second bag.
  2. STRAIN: Once finished cooking, strain the herbs and discard the solid bits. The liquid that remains after straining is your herbal decoction.
  3. Go to FINAL/PREPARATION STEPS

Stove Top Method

When cooking your herbal formula, choosing the proper cooking container is important. It is recommended to use ceramic or glass. Any container chosen must have a lid. AVOID metal or cast iron pots as the Chinese Herbs can react with the metals altering the therapeutic properties of your formula. If you must use a metal container, use stainless steel.

 COOKING PROCESS: TWO COOK PROCESS to make the decoction

  1. SOAK: ADD enough water to cover the herbs by about one inch. Let herbs soak for at least 30 minutes before the first cook.
  2. 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.
  3. STRAIN: Once cooked, strain the herbal decoction through cheesecloth, a metal strainer, or with the lid of the pot.
  4. PREPARE FOR 2nd COOK: Set the liquid aside later, return herbal solids to the cooking pot, and cover with water again.
  5. SECOND COOK: 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).
  6. FINISH: Once 2nd cook is finished. Strain 2nd cook and combine liquids from both cooks.
  7. Go to FINAL/PREPARATION STEPS

Final/Preparation for Cooking Herbal Formula

Once Cooked, all instructions are the same…

  1. MEASURE: Measure the amount of decoction left after the cooking process. Add enough water to your decoction (tea) to make a total of 7 cups.
  2. REFRIGERATE: Keep refrigerated.
  3. DAILY DOSAGE: Drink 1/2 cup twice per day for 7 days. Do not drink cold.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. There should not be any leftover decoction if taken faithfully. 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.