Some herbs that are especially expensive are powdered to make more efficient use of their properties with the minimum cost. When to take your herbs. Generally, as a rule, it is best to take your herb tea one hour before eating, on an empty stomach. This provides the best absorption of the ingredients of the herbs. If the herbs cause a little stomach upset, drink the herb tea one hour after eating, or drink some fresh ginger juice before taking the formula if the tea causes nausea, or eat some fresh ginger before the formula.
Fresh ginger is the sweet little slices of root often served with sushi.
Tonification formulas are best taken on an empty stomach. Formulas treating ailments above the diaphragm, are best taken one hour after eating. Formulas for heat syndromes can be drunk at room temperature or chilled. If drinking an herb tea at room temperature tastes bad. It should be drunk hot.