What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking herbs in decoction, granule, or pill form?
In general, herbs taken in decoction form have the strongest effect. In this method, the dried herb material is cooked for a period of time, usually about one hour, then strained and drunk as a tea. The disadvantage with this form of administration is the time it takes to cook and prepare the tea, and the relatively strong smell and taste. Herbs in concentrated granules are slightly less potent than decoctions when taken at the standard recommended dosage. However their convenience often outweighs this disadvantage. There is no need for cooking as they easily dissolve in fluid, and are therefore time saving and relatively easy to take at home or away. Granules, like decoctions, can be prescribed in individualized formulas that are custom tailored for each person’s specific constitution and health concerns. Both decoctions and concentrated granules are more potent than herbs in pill form, when taken at the usual recommended dosage. Pills are suitable for conditions where slow, steady he
