One of the most common discussion topics in the world of granules relates to the importance of cooking herbs together versus mixing extracts from singles.  While this topic is complex and has been covered in our blog before, definitive answers are hard to come by.  Where can we look to evidence to directly compare their efficacy? In Taiwan, granules and raw herbs are prescribed with different formulation styles and the doses used are not equivalent due to the regional prescribing style and the dosage limits imposed by their insurance system. In mainland China, the formulation style is similar and the dosage equivalent concept is more prominent, but the article that I posted the other day was the first meta-study to really assess all the smaller Chinese studies in terms of their validity and conclusions. Many of us have a smattering of anecdotal evidence from our clinics but this is not scientific, and the scientific research that has been done is too limited for definitive conclusions.

The complexity of the topic is such that there are more questions than answers.  This paper (once again, in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology) doesn't have all the answers, but it does ask some of the important questions.  While the article is slightly technical, it is fascinating for the inner herb nerd in each of us.  Check it out at the link below!

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874112000633