Dosage for Golden Flower
Chinese Herb Tablets
In dosing Golden Flower Chinese Herb tablets one should consider numerous factors. Two important factors are the individual’s constitution and the patient’s pattern of disharmony. A normal dosage for our herbal tablets is two tablets three times a day. Larger or smaller dosages may be taken.
Most commonly our patients suffer from either acute external conditions or chronic internal ones. Acute conditions require strong immediate attention. For example, with initial invasion of wind-heat it is appropriate to take Yin Chiao Formula at the rate of about 2 or 3 tablets every 2 hours. If this is done at the very first sign of wind invasion, the patient should experience quick relief. Other types of acute problems should be addressed aggressively and quickly as well.
In cases of acute insomnia, for example, the person can take up to 6 tablets 1 hour before bedtime, with formulas like Zizyphus Formula, Bupleurum D Formula, or Restful Sleep Formula. In some cases, it will be more effective to take the formula just one time before bedtime. During the daytime, a formula to address the presenting constitutional issues can be taken.
With chronic conditions a steady approach is required. People will sometimes forget to take their midday dose. For this type of patient you can ask them to increase the other two doses. Thus, supplementing formulas such as Women's Precious Formula or Nourish Essence Formula can be prescribed to be taken 3-4 tablets two times a day.
Formulas that affect the digestive process are best taken with meals. These include formulas like Sea of Qi Formula, Six Gentlemen Formula, Bupleurum and Tang Kuei Formula, Ginseng and Astragalus Formula, Stomach-Harmonizing Formula, or Earth-Harmonizing Formula.
It is sometimes wise to take advantage of the yin and yang energy of the planet. Since morning is the yang part of the day, it can be advantageous to use yang tonics in the morning. Since nighttime is the yin time of the day, yin tonics will be able to be more deeply utilized at night.
The size and age of the patient are also important considerations. Smaller doses should be given to children, the elderly, and patients with a fragile constitution. Larger patients may require a larger dose. Some individuals are more sensitive by nature and may respond better to a smaller dose. To determine the optimal dose it is sometimes advisable to begin with a small dose and gradually increase it.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a formula for an extended time. Patients may have constitutional weaknesses that require support for months and sometimes years. Occasionally, a patient will decide to take a reduced dose, perhaps because of cost, convenience or some other factor. It is important to inform them that they will achieve a better result taking the appropriate dose for the appropriate time span. For some conditions, it can actually be cost effective to take a higher dose for a shorter time. Of course, it is necessary to monitor the patient to confirm that the formula they are using remains appropriate.
Herbs work on physical and energetic, gross and subtle levels. Taking herbs can affect a person physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Some practitioners suggest using a smaller dosage to treat symptoms that are primarily psychological or spiritual. Sometimes it is useful to have patients experiment with dosage levels to determine whether taking a lesser dose is effective.