How to Prepare Chinese Herbs: Complete Guide to Teas, Decoctions, Tinctures & More
If you’ve ever wondered, “What do I actually do with these herbs once they arrive?”—you’re not alone. Proper preparation is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of using Chinese herbs successfully. The same herb can produce very different results depending on whether it’s prepared as a tea, decoction, tincture, capsule, or topical preparation.
This page brings together everything you need to know in one place. You’ll learn the two timeless foundations—infusions and decoctions—along with modern preparation options like tinctures, syrups, powders, capsules, salves, and compresses. You’ll also find helpful measurement tools, steep time calculators, and preparation guides so you can use your herbs safely, correctly, and with confidence.
Whether you’re making your first herbal tea or refining a traditional formula, these step-by-step guides will help you get the most from your herbs—while avoiding common mistakes that reduce effectiveness.