Pills are probably the easiest way to take Chinese medicinals as it is similar to taking a western pharmaceutical. The advantages over decoctions are obvious as you can avoid the cooking process and the strange taste. The major disadvantage may not be as obvious, but it is significant.

The reason Chinese medicine is so effective is that treatment can be tailored to exactly match the patient’s individual pattern. With Chinese medicinals, this is achieved by blending together a combination of substances that correspond to the presenting patterns. The formula represented in a bottle of prepared medicine is unlikely to perfectly line up with a given patient’s condition. Some parts of the patient’s condition may remain unaddressed, and some parts of the formula may be inappropriate for the patient. This is why prepared medicines are usually used near the end of treatment, in order to “consolidate the treatment effect” by giving mild, long-term treatment directed at the patient’s primary pattern. That being said, some practitioners combine two, three, or even more different prepared medicines to more accurately cover the patient’s presentation.

Granules represent a middle path between decoctions and prepared medicines. These pre-packaged herbs can be combined to fit the patient’s exact pattern. To prepare, the patient simply takes the granule packets, empties them into a cup or container, pours hot water over the mixture, stirs to dissolve, and drinks. This allows a more convenient preparation, and individualized formula design. Though granules are generally thought to be slightly weaker than decoctions, they have become popular due to the ability to offer customized treatment with easy preparation.