How to Prepare Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs are known to offer many different health benefits. Some may promote weight loss, stop joint or muscle pain, or even increase longevity, according to traditional wisdom. Although you can take a supplement to obtain the health benefits of Chinese herbs, it is also possible to purchase natural Chinese herbs. Research individual herbs and determine which are best for you, or consult with a practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine. Here are some tips on how to prepare Chinese herbs.

Things You'll Need

• Chinese herbs
• Pot
• Stove to cook herbs on

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose the right type of pot for cooking the Chinese herbs. Glass or ceramic pots are the best choice. Avoid cooking Chinese herbs in metal or cast iron, as the metal can cause chemical reactions which may lessen the health benefits of the herbs. Be sure to use a lid when cooking the herbs.

• 2

  Fill the pot with water and soak the Chinese herbs in it. The water should cover the herbs by about an inch. Allow them to soak for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Once the herbs have soaked in the pot, bring the water to a boil.

• 3

  Simmer the Chinese herbs in the pot. Keep in mind that the time will depend on the specific herb that you are using. Some may be cooked from twenty to thirty minutes, while others cannot be cooked for more than fifteen, and some may require forty minutes of cooking time. After the Chinese herbs have finished cooking, you will need to strain the tea.

• 4

  Drink the Chinese herbs as a tea. Many people will not be able to drink the tea straight due to the awful taste. You can adjust the taste by adding honey or lemon. The Chinese herbs can also be added to another type of tea, such as green tea. You could add the herbs to vegetable soup to obtain some of the health benefits, but keep in mind that this is less healthy than drinking it as a tea, which is absorbed better.