Chinese Medicine Granules vs. Raw Herbs: A Simple Comparison

Chinese medicine offers various forms like granules and raw herbs, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.

Granules, known as “scientific concentrated Chinese medicine” in Taiwan or “decoction-free granules” in mainland China, and raw herbs provide different approaches to herbal treatment. This guide explores their origins, pros, cons, and tips for choosing the right form for your needs.

Origin of Chinese Medicine Granules

Chinese medicine granules were invented in 1956 by Japanese pharmacist Otozo Nagakura.

The process involves boiling, extracting, filtering, and concentrating single or combined herbs, then forming them into granules.

This technology was introduced to Taiwan by Hsu Hung-yuan of Shuntendo Pharmaceutical and later spread to Hong Kong, revolutionizing herbal medicine delivery.

Chinese Medicine Granules vs. Raw Herbs

Chinese Medicine Granules: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Convenience: Like instant coffee, granules dissolve in hot water for quick consumption, ideal for travel or busy schedules.

• Portability: Easy to store and carry compared to bulky raw herbs.

• No Residue: Unlike ground herbal powders, granules dissolve well, leaving minimal sediment.

Disadvantages:

• Excipients: Starch or dextrin is added to form granules, which may affect blood sugar in long-term use, a concern for diabetic patients.

• Reduced Interaction: Combining single-herb granules into a prescription skips the chemical reactions of co-decocting in traditional decoctions, though research on efficacy differences is limited.

Tips for Use:

• To improve dissolving, pour hot water, add granules, wait 3–5 minutes, then stir. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes if residue persists.

Raw Herbs: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Personalization: Raw herbs allow tailored prescriptions, with specific herbs added, subtracted, or decocted differently (e.g., boiling oyster shells first or adding mint later).

• Synergy: Co-decocting herbs preserves chemical interactions for potentially stronger effects.

• No Excipients: Ideal for long-term use, especially for patients with blood sugar concerns.

Disadvantages:

• Time-Consuming: Requires soaking, boiling, and straining, taking 1–2 hours per batch.

• Inconvenient: Bulky to store and hard to prepare while traveling or in spaces without a stove.

• Residue: May leave sediment if not strained well.

Chinese Medicine Granules vs. Raw Herbs

Choosing Between Granules and Raw Herbs

Your choice depends on lifestyle, health needs, and practitioner advice:

• Choose Granules:

  • If you’re traveling or lack time to decoct herbs.

  • If your living space doesn’t allow decoction (e.g., no stove).

  • For convenience and portability during short-term treatment.

• Choose Raw Herbs:

  • For personalized treatment, as prescriptions are tailored to your condition.

  • When specific herbs require unique decoction methods (e.g., boiling dragon bone first or melting donkey-hide gelatin).

  • For long-term use, especially if you have high blood sugar, to avoid excipients.

  • To preserve the synergistic chemical reactions of co-decocting herbs.

Q&A: Practical Tips for Chinese Medicine

1. How to take granules?Pour hot water first, add granules, wait 3–5 minutes, then stir for better dissolving.

2. How to prepare raw herbs for decoction?Rinse larger herbs (leaves, stems) directly; place small seeds in a mesh bag to avoid loss. Soak herbs for 30 minutes before boiling. Use a clay or stainless steel pot, boil on high for 10–15 minutes, then simmer on low for 30–45 minutes. Follow instructions for herbs needing early or late addition.

3. When to take Chinese medicine?Unless specified, take when half-full (e.g., 10 AM or 4 PM). For qi-tonics, take during the day; for calming herbs, take 2 hours before bed. Most are taken warm unless directed otherwise.

4. Are raw herbs better than granules?Not necessarily—it depends on the condition and lifestyle. Raw herbs offer customization and synergy, but granules are more convenient.

5. Does reheating decoctions reduce efficacy?Avoid stirring or overboiling, as some herbs lose potency with prolonged heat. Reheat gently by steaming or boiling, not microwaving.

6. Can decoctions be refrigerated?Yes, store in the fridge and reheat gently when needed.

7. Can Chinese medicine be taken with supplements?Take supplements 1–2 hours after Chinese medicine to avoid interactions.

Why This Matters

Chinese medicine granules and raw herbs offer distinct paths to healing. Granules provide convenience and portability, perfect for modern life, while raw herbs deliver personalized, synergistic treatment through traditional decoction. Consult a registered TCM practitioner to choose the best form for your health, ensuring safety and effectiveness tailored to your needs.