How to Buy Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs are available from a wide range of sources. Whether you buy your herbs from a Chinese pharmacy or local traditional Chinese medical practitioner, from a local Asian grocery, from a local natural market, or from an on-line supplier, once you know what herbs you want, they are very easy to get. Chinese herbs are often available as an extract, powdered in capsules, or as dried herbs.

Things You'll Need

• A list of herbs

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with a traditional Chinese medical practitioner, if one is available locally.

• 2

  Take your list of herbs or the list of herbs given to you by the Chinese doctor to a Chinese pharmacy. Many Chinese doctor's offices also have an herbal pharmacy.

• 3

  Go to a large Chinese grocery or natural market if you don't have access to a traditional Chinese pharmacy. If you can locate the Chinese name, common name, and scientific name, including genus and species, it will make locating some herbs at natural markets or herb stores easier.

• 4

  Research on-line sources for herbs. Good sources for herbs usually have information about the herbs posted on their sites. Look for a site that has a customer service telephone number.

• 5

  Call the customer service telephone number of the site you are thinking about ordering from and ask for advice about the herbs you are planning on ordering. This will establish their level of knowledge about their products. Ask how long it will take them to ship after receiving your order and how long the shipment will take to arrive.

• 6

  Order your herbs.