Capital Chinese Medicine

Are herbal granules simply dried herbs ground into smaller pieces?
Not quite. A ground herbal powder is produced by milling the herbal material. Concentrated extract granules go through additional processing: ingredients are extracted, and the extract is concentrated, dried and formed into granules.
They may look similar from a distance, but their preparation and concentration can differ.
That’s why a spoonful of one product should not be assumed to equal a spoonful of another. The product name and prescribed directions matter more than how the contents look.
This is one of the less visible details behind Chinese herbal medicine.
Curious about your own preparation? Ask your practitioner to explain the label and how your particular product should be used.

What is a decoction?
The word describes a liquid preparation made by simmering medicinal ingredients in water. In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, a prescribed combination of herbs may be prepared this way, with the liquid separated from the remaining material.
The dried ingredients and the finished liquid can look completely different: recognisable slices, peels and stems become a cup of herbal preparation.
Preparation is specific to the prescription. Some ingredients require different handling or timing, so there is no single cooking method suitable for every formula.
Although our clinic provides granules, understanding decoctions offers useful background to this modern format.
Save this introduction if you’ve ever wondered what people mean when they talk about “brewing Chinese herbs”.

A small scoop of granules may look simple, but there is more to it than meets the eye.
Herbal granules can vary in colour and texture, depending on the ingredients and product. Once mixed with water as directed, they form a preparation that may have a distinctive herbal aroma and taste.
For people unfamiliar with Chinese herbal medicine, this format can be a surprise: no loose leaves to strain and no pot of herbs simmering on the stove.
At Capital Chinese Medicine, your consultation is the starting point for discussing whether an herbal prescription is appropriate.
Already have a prescription? Follow its preparation instructions, and ask our team if anything is unclear.
What would you like to know about granules?

What does Chinese herbal medicine actually look like?
You might picture dried roots, curled peels and leaves. These are recognisable forms of herbal ingredients, traditionally prepared by simmering a prescribed selection in water.
Concentrated herbal granules look different. They are made from herbal extracts processed into a dry form, ready to be mixed with water according to the supplied instructions.
The difference is in the preparation, not simply the appearance. Granules can remove the need to simmer herbs at home, making preparation more convenient.
At Capital Chinese Medicine, we provide herbal medicine in granule form following consultation.
Throughout October, we’ll explore these different forms and introduce some of the plants behind them. Follow along for a closer look.

Don't throw away that fruit peel!
Chen Pi is aged tangerine peel. Unlike most ingredients that spoil over time, Chen Pi gets more effective (and significantly more expensive) the longer it sits.
20-year-old aged peel is treated like fine w**e in herbal circles!

Why does peppermint actually make you feel cooler?
In herbal logic, plants have inherent "temperatures."
Bo He (Field Mint) is classified as a "cool" herb. It doesn't just taste refreshing—it literally helps vent heat out of the upper body, making it a natural internal air conditioner on hot or stressful days.

Why does Ginseng look like a tiny wooden person?
In Chinese, Ren Shen literally means "Man Herb" because its roots naturally grow into the shape of human arms and legs!
Traditional herbalists believed that because it looks like a whole person, it nourishes the body as a whole system.

Ever wonder why Chinese Grandma’s soup tastes so good AND feels so healing?
In TCM, we believe in "Yao Shi Tong Yuan （药食同源）" — Medicine and Food share the same source.
Herbs like Goji berries, Red Dates, and Ginger aren't just delicious ingredients; they're daily prescriptions for balance and vitality.

Coffee crash getting you down?
Meet TCM’s natural energy booster.
Before espresso, there was Huang Qi (Astragalus)!
Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for boosting Qi (energy) and supporting immune health, this root gives you a smooth, sustained lift without the afternoon jitters or crash.

Your Neck Deserves Better-Invest in Your Neck
Hours at a desk, looking down at your phone and daily stress can all contribute to neck stiffness and tension. Over time, limited movement may begin to affect your comfort at work, your sleep and even your concentration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on supporting healthy circulation, relieving muscular tension and restoring balance throughout the body. Looking after your neck before discomfort becomes persistent is an investment in your long-term wellbeing.
Healthy movement starts with small, consistent care.