Acupuncture Healing Center · Patient Instructions

Cooking Your Raw Chinese Herbs

Follow these steps each time you prepare your formula. Check off each step as you go.

Prepared for

Date

Practitioner

Instructions

1.If you have a pre-cook packet, add those herbs to the pot first, then add 6 cups of water and cook on HIGH for the time labeled on the packet — usually 15–60 minutes. If not, skip to step 2.
2.Add 1 packet of main herbs to the pot.
3.Add 6 cups of water, or the amount your practitioner recommends. If you completed step 1, you may need to add more water depending on how much evaporated.
4.Set stove to HIGH. Cook for 45 minutes, or as recommended by your practitioner.
5.If you have a late-addition packet, add it during the time listed on that packet — for example, 15 minutes before cooking finishes.
6.Turn off the stove and let the liquid cool.
7.Strain the liquid into a bowl.
8.Drink the entire serving, or as directed by your practitioner.

Optional: You may save the herb dregs after the first boil to re-cook. Start again at step 3 using the same dregs.

Herb type	What to do
Regular herbs	Boil together for 45 min
Fu Zi 附子 (Aconite)	Pre-cook packet: boil alone for 60 min minimum before adding main herbs
Long Gu 龙骨 / Mu Li 牡蛎	Pre-cook packet: boil alone for 30–45 min before adding main herbs
Packet marked "Add Last"	Add during the final minutes listed on packet — do not boil long

Tip: tap the boxes to check off steps as you go. Press Ctrl/Cmd + P to print a clean copy.