Order before 14:00 – granule prescriptions dispatched the same day (mainland UK)

Blog Herbs & formats

Granules or dried herbs? Choosing the right format for each patient

Dried herbs, granules, capsules and tablets each suit a different kind of patient. A practical guide to choosing the format that your patient will actually take.

The best formula only works if the patient takes it. Choosing the right format is often the difference between a prescription that is finished and one that sits in a kitchen cupboard. At Phoenix Dispensary you can prescribe the same formula as traditional dried herbs or as concentrated granules, and granules can also be made into capsules or tablets.

Dried herb prescriptions

Dried herbs remain the classic choice for patients who are happy to decoct at home. Every dried herb prescription is assembled by hand to your instructions, and each pack is individually prepared.

  • Decoction bags: we pack the mixture in non-woven decoction bags, so patients can boil the whole bag in a pan without any mess. The bags keep things clean without changing the taste of the formula.
  • DaoDi quality: our dry herbs are sourced from the regions they are traditionally grown in, and are never sulphur treated.
  • Preparation time: dried herb prescriptions normally take 1–3 days to prepare before dispatch.

Granule prescriptions

Granules are the convenient alternative for busy patients who prefer not to decoct. Our granules are made by the traditional decoction method and then spray-dried, giving a purer, more concentrated product with no added fillers. They dissolve fully in warm or hot water.

  • Over 340 single herbs are available as granules, including 72 Paozhi-processed herbs.
  • Granules are free from added gluten, although a few herbs such as Fu Xiao Mai, Mai Ya and Shen Qu naturally contain it.
  • Granule prescriptions paid for before 14:00 UK time are usually dispatched the same day.

Capsules, tablets and sachets

For patients who dislike the taste, travel a lot or simply want something they can carry, granule prescriptions can be made into:

  • Capsules – size 0 vegan capsules containing 450 mg of granules each.
  • Tablets – 450 mg each, 10 mm in diameter.
  • Sachets – individual daily doses, set by the times per day and number of days you choose on the prescription form.

Tip: capsules and tablets need extra preparation, so allow a little more time than a standard granule prescription.

A quick way to decide

If your patient…Consider
is happy to cook herbs at homeDried herbs in decoction bags
is busy or works long hoursGranules
dislikes the tasteCapsules or tablets
needs exact daily doses, or travelsSachets, capsules or tablets

Whichever format you choose, the price is calculated instantly on the prescription form, so you can see the cost before you confirm. If you are unsure which format suits a particular formula, call the dispensary team on +44 (0)1245 350 822 and we will be happy to help.

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