Chinese Herbal Medicine has a very long history of being utilized and due to thousands of practitioners who have documented and expanded on this medicine over the millenia, it remains very much intact as a whole system of diagnostic and prescriptive healthcare.  Unlike pharmaceuticals, Chinese formulas are tailored to each individual's unique pattern of presentation, condition, constitution, and other factors.  Medical conditions involve different factors and organ systems that must equally be taken into account if the best results are to be achieved. 
     Each formula I prescribe will usually contain multiple herbs that are designed to address the whole person in order to provide the best results.  There are an unmentionable amount of traditional formulas from Chinese texts and preserved history that are often the base for my individualized formulas.  Most of my apothecary consists of herbs in granular form.  Granules are basically an evaporated decoction of raw dried herbs.  This remaining powder contains all the medicinal benefits of raw herb, is stronger per gram, instantly reconstitutes in water, travels well, and is easier to store.  I find much higher patient compliance with granular herbs and they are much easier to take then raw herb decoctions.  Granular powder can also be encapsulated or tinctured as needed.  
    All of the herbs I purchase are from the handfull of reputible herbal companies that have been trusted by Chinese practitioners for years.  Their manufacturing facilities meet or exceed FDA or Austrailan GMP standards and the herbs are tested by these companies for quality as well as for contamination from heavy metals and pesticides.