Directions:

mix a bag of prescribed herbs in two cups of boiled water for two day usage. Take twice daily and a half cup each time, either 30 minutes before a meal or an hour after a meal.

If the taste of the tea is difficult to tolerate, sugar, honey or a natural sweetener such as Stevia extract (which is in health food stores) can be added in small amounts.

Herbs that are for targeting specific conditions may have specific directions on timing of the dose. For example, tonic herbs should be taken before eating. Herbs that can irritate the digestive system should be taken after a meal. Herbs that aid in sleep should be taken before bed. Herbs that are aimed at the menstrual cycle, PMS, or menstrual cramps, should be started 7-10 days before the menstrual cycle begins and continues through the end of menstruation.

When taking herbs for an acute condition, it may take 2-3 days to notice an improvement in symptoms. When taking herbs for chronic conditions, it may take 2-3 weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms.

Precautions:

If you are taking or take any western medicine, prescribed or over the counter, it should be taken 1-2 hours apart from your herbal formula. While taking herbal formulas you should avoid cold, raw, spicy, and oily foods, or foods that are difficult to digest. Salads are acceptable. Also avoid drinking ice water, cold drinks, or acidic juices at the same time as the herbal formula.

With external applications, if itching and burning should occur, these may be signs that you are having an allergic reaction to the herbs. Discontinue the herbs.