How to take liquid herbal medicine

If your practitioner has given you liquid herbs as part of your treatment, here’s how to take them safely and without heartburn.

How to take liquid herbal medicine

1. With the measuring cup you received with your herbs, after shaking your herbs a little, fill up the prescribed amount into the measuring cup.
2. Top up to the 30ml mark with water.
3. Shoot it like tequila, all at once.
4. Have a glass of water or something to drink right after to wash the taste out of your mouth.

DO NOT TAKE HERBAL MEDICINE STRAIGHT!

If you’ve been prescribed liquid herbs, you may be wondering how to take care of your bottles and how to take them without gagging.

HOW TO TAKE HERBS PROPERLY

• Always SHAKE WELL! Not all herbs are created equal in terms of their weights, so some will sink to the bottom. To ensure every dose is equal measures of each herb, as prescribed, shake gently to combine the ingredients. No need to rattle or foam.
• Measure out your doses carefully. Your herbs have been crafted with exact amounts to last a certain number of days of treatment. Don’t free pour unless you’re a supremely good shot.
• If the taste is terrible, mix with another strong flavoured liquid and make it as small as possible, then rinse down with water or another chaser afterwards – the flavour doesn’t linger, thankfully.
• Storage – your herbs come in a dark bottle and are not sensitive to temperature or light changes, but they survive best when kept in a cupboard (dark, with cap on tight) and not overheated. No need to store in the fridge. Don’t attempt to freeze, it won’t work!
• Travelling with herbs – avoid switching containers from the amber (dark) glass, but you can put some into smaller travel bottles, even plastic, if need be. Avoid storing in clear plastic containers for long.
• Contains alcohol – if for some reason this won’t agree with you, check with your practitioner to see if you can get your herbs in glycetracts, which still contain some alcohol, but only a fraction compared with alcohol extracts.
• If you’re not sure about your safety, check with your practitioner, especially if you forgot to mention medication you are on, or check online for herb-drug interactions.
• Follow your practitioner’s instructions and ask them a question if you get stuck!