Tricks for getting those herbs down

If you're getting acupuncture done, chances are you're taking some form of herbs. They're not always pleasant tasting. They've been described as tasting, depending on the particular formula:

• earthy/dirty/muddy
• bitter/bile-like
• sweet
• sour
• blech/yucky/gross/&$#@!/etc.

Today I'm going to give you a few tricks that I've learned over the years from teachers, patients and through my own trial and error.

If you're taking a bulk formula (one where you're given the raw herbs and you make your own "witch's brew"), try making it a little more concentrated so that you don't have as much liquid to drink in the end. Once you have this smaller amount of liquid, try mixing it with your favorite juice. Many of my patients have found cranberry juice to be the must disguising of them all. Experiment and see what works for you and with your particular formula.

If you're taking a granule formula, you have several more options:

• Put the granules into capsules. Make sure to have your acupuncturist translate the dose of your herbs into number of capsules. There are encapsulating machines that you can find at your local health-food store for relatively cheap. This is a little time-consuming, but you'll be more likely to take your herbs, so you'll be feeling your best in no time flat!
• Put the granules directly onto your tongue and use your favorite juice to get them down. Some people really like this method, they find it's best to just get it done and over with.
• Mix the granules in your favorite juice, much like the bulk formula idea described above. Make sure to not use much juice, or else you'll just be drinking a TON of "off-tasting" juice. "Chase" your herbs with more juice.

If you're taking teapills, just take them ;)

Remember, you've paid for these herbs, you've invested not only your money, but time and your future into becoming healthier. Make sure to take your herbs as prescribed, and you're on your way to THRIVING!

Do you have any other tricks for taking herbs? I'm always looking for more ways to help my patients take their herbs!