One form of TCM that has been gaining popularity in recent years is concentrated granules. Concentrated granules are a modern form of herbal medicine that has been developed to offer greater convenience and efficacy than traditional decoctions.
What are Traditional Chinese Medicine Concentrated Granules?
Concentrated granules are a type of herbal medicine that has been developed to offer greater convenience and efficacy than traditional decoctions. They are made by first grinding raw herbs into a powder and then extracting the active ingredients using advanced extraction techniques. The resulting extract is then concentrated and spray-dried to produce a fine powder that can be dissolved in water or taken as a pill.
Concentrated granules offer several advantages over traditional decoctions, including greater convenience, better standardization, and greater concentration.
Convenience
Since the granules are pre-measured, there is no need for the practitioner to spend time measuring out the herbs for each patient, saving time and reducing the chance of error. The granules are also easy to store and transport, making them a popular option for patients who travel frequently.
Concentrated granules, on the other hand, can be dissolved in water or taken as a pill, making them much easier to take.
Standardization
Concentrated granules offer greater standardization than traditional decoctions. Decoctions can vary in their potency and efficacy depending on the quality of the raw herbs used and the length of the boiling process. Concentrated granules are more standardized, which means that each dose contains a consistent amount of active ingredients.
Concentration
Because the active ingredients have been extracted and concentrated, concentrated granules contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than traditional decoctions. It means that they can be more effective in treating certain health conditions.
Longer Shelf Life
Raw herbs are highly perishable and can quickly lose their potency if not stored properly. Concentrated granules have a much longer shelf life, making them a more practical option for practitioners who need to keep a large supply of herbs on hand.
Easier to Swallow and Digest Than Raw Herbs
Traditional Chinese medicine often uses bitter and pungent herbs, which can be difficult to swallow and may cause digestive upset. Concentrated granules are much easier to swallow and can be mixed with water or taken in capsule form.
Additionally, some patients may prefer the experience of drinking tea made from raw herbs, as the process of brewing and drinking the tea can be seen as an important part of the healing process.