Lignite contains over 50 trace minerals as well as natural antibiotics, germicidal and amino acids. A recommended Choice but limited to immediate use. Coats and soothes the throat. Recommended if you intend to store your formula away for latter. Chinese herbal medicine was first drunk as a tea .
Decoction is another method, where herbs are cooked in a special pot to retain the oils.
Usually cooked for 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the formulation, and then strained. Powdered herbs are generally more concentrated than leaf herbs, and are added to tea, decocted, or used as topical ointments when mixed with oil or water . This method is purported to be very effective in stimulating Qi and circulation. Congee is yet another way to take herbal medicine, in which the herbs are cooked with rice until a porridge forms . Raw Herbs are often added to Soups or Stews adding flavor as well as health benefits.