Herbal Medicine

Raw Herbs

The most traditional and adaptable form of Chinese herbal medicine: whole or sliced dried herbs, individually selected by our practitioners for your diagnosis and boiled at home into a herbal decoction.

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Background

Understanding Raw Herbs

01
Traditional Background

Dried raw herbs: roots, slices, seeds and fungus

How Did Herbal Decoctions Develop?

The decoction (tang, 汤), a tea made by boiling herbs in water, is the oldest and most widely used way of taking Chinese herbal medicine. Raw herbs are whole or sliced dried plant parts, such as ginseng, astragalus, liquorice or peony root, and they are usually processed before use (炮制, pao zhi), for example by frying or steaming, to adjust their properties.
In TCM theory, herbs in a formula work together: some address the root cause while others ease the surface symptoms or balance the mix. Because each herb is weighed out separately, a raw-herb prescription is the most flexible form of treatment, and your practitioner can adjust it weekly or monthly as you respond.
Selectherbs chosen and weighed for your diagnosis
Processherbs prepared by frying, steaming or other methods
Decoctsimmered in water to make a herbal tea
Adjustthe formula refined as your condition changes
Figure 1. The traditional journey of a raw-herb prescription.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Do Raw Herbs Work?

Boiling extracts water-soluble compounds from the herbs, and the way a herb is prepared can change what ends up in the cup. A famous example is the discovery of artemisinin, now a key antimalarial drug: Tu Youyou’s team was inspired by a 4th-century text that described soaking sweet wormwood (qinghao) in cold water, which led them to a low-temperature extraction method^[1]. It shows both the value of traditional knowledge and why preparation methods matter.
Herbal decoction
simmered for 40–60 minutes
Water extractionSimmering draws water-soluble compounds out of the roots, bark, seeds and leaves.
Many compoundsEach herb contributes many natural compounds, so a formula acts in a complex way.
Quality mattersCorrect identification, clean sourcing and proper processing are essential for safety^[2].
Figure 2. What happens when raw herbs are made into a decoction.
Clinical evidence varies by condition. A Cochrane review of Chinese herbal medicine for eczema did not find conclusive evidence that it reduces severity, and called for better-designed trials^[3]. A systematic review comparing decoctions with concentrated granules found similar results in most trials, although trial quality was low^[4]. Raw herbs can interact with medicines and are not suitable for everyone, so we prescribe them only after a full consultation and ask you to keep your GP informed.

References

Tu Y. The discovery of artemisinin (qinghaosu) and gifts from Chinese medicine. Nature Medicine. 2011;17(10):1217–1220. doi.org/10.1038/nm.2471
Liu SH, Chuang WC, Lam W, Jiang Z, Cheng YC. Safety surveillance of traditional Chinese medicine: current and future. Drug Safety. 2015;38(2):117–128. doi.org/10.1007/s40264-014-0250-z
Gu S, Yang AWH, Xue CCL, Li CG, Pang C, Zhang W, Williams HC. Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;(9):CD008642. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008642.pub2
Luo H, Li Q, Flower A, Lewith G, Liu J. Comparison of effectiveness and safety between granules and decoction of Chinese herbal medicine: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012;140(3):555–567. doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.01.031

Your session

What you need to know

1Before you start

What to Prepare

Raw herbs are prescribed after a full consultation in which your practitioner asks about your health, looks at your tongue and takes your pulse. Bring any medical reports or test results if you have them.
Please list all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, and tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, taking blood thinners, or have liver or kidney problems.
2While taking your herbs

How to Prepare Your Decoction
- Your herbs come with written preparation instructions from your practitioner.
- Raw herbs need to be boiled; they should never be eaten raw or ground up as a substitute.
- Simmering usually takes 40–60 minutes, in a ceramic, glass or stainless-steel pot.
- Drink the decoction warm, at the times your practitioner advises.
- Raw food, cold drinks, spicy food and alcohol may slow your progress; warm, cooked meals are best.
3Ongoing

Follow-up
- Your practitioner will review your progress and may adjust the formula weekly or monthly.
- Many patients notice changes within a few weeks, although this varies from person to person.
- Stop and contact us if you feel unwell, develop a rash or have digestive upset.
If preparing a decoction is not practical for you, ask about our concentrated granules or herbal pills.

Who can benefit

Conditions raw herbs are often used for

Raw-herb decoctions are often chosen for complex or long-standing problems where the formula needs regular fine-tuning. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose them.

Eczema & skin conditions

Persistent itchy or inflamed skin, for which herbs are traditionally used to clear heat and nourish the skin.

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Acne

Recurring breakouts, often linked in TCM to heat and hormonal patterns.

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Digestive problems & IBS

Bloating, discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

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Painful or irregular periods

Herbs are widely used in TCM to support a regular, comfortable cycle.

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Fertility support

Many patients choose herbs to support natural conception, often alongside acupuncture.

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Menopausal symptoms

Hot flushes, night sweats and disturbed sleep.

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Poor sleep

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

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Fatigue & low energy

Ongoing tiredness that TCM links to deficient Qi or Blood.

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Your practitioner will assess whether raw herbs are right for you at your consultation. Herbs are not a substitute for seeing your GP about new or worsening symptoms.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why choose raw herbs instead of granules or pills?

Raw herbs are the most adaptable form of Chinese herbal medicine: each herb is weighed separately, so the formula can be fine-tuned at every review. Granules and pills are more convenient. Your practitioner will help you decide which suits you.

How long does it take to prepare?

A decoction usually takes 40–60 minutes to simmer. Your practitioner will give you clear written instructions.

Can I buy raw herbs myself and make them at home?

We do not recommend it. Medicinal herbs need correct identification and processing, and the right combination depends on your diagnosis. Always speak to a qualified practitioner before taking oral herbal medicine.

Do raw herbs taste unpleasant?

Decoctions often taste bitter or earthy, though some are sweet or sour. Most patients get used to the taste quickly.

Are raw herbs safe with my other medicines?

Some herbs can interact with prescribed medicines, including blood thinners. Tell your practitioner about everything you take and let your GP know you are taking Chinese herbs. Never stop prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.