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An attractive package says nothing about suitability. Learn what to ask about a granule bottle, why the original label matters and when to check in with Christine at the Lane Cove clinic.

Looks can be misleading

Chinese herbal products come in many forms, from capsules and liquid extracts to dried plant material sold for cooking at home. At the Lane Cove clinic, herbal medicine is dispensed as granules in labelled bottles. Whatever the format, an attractive jar or a product that looks familiar tells you nothing about whether it suits you.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, suggests setting appearance aside and focusing on the questions that matter for your health.

What to ask about your bottle

• What does this preparation contain?
• How do I follow the written measuring and storage directions, and where are they?
• When will we review the plan?
• Are there foods, medicines or situations I should be careful with?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, upcoming surgery and existing health conditions are all important to mention, and your GP or pharmacist should know about any herbal product you use.

Keep the original label

It can be tempting to tip granules into a nicer container or a pill organiser. Keeping them in the original labelled bottle is far more useful. If a question comes up later, or another health professional needs to see what you are taking, the label and the written directions hold the details everyone needs. Where something is unclear, check with Christine first rather than borrowing instructions from a different preparation.

Revisiting the plan when things change

Medicines change over time. If a new prescription is started or an old one stopped, check in with Christine rather than assuming her original advice still applies. Likewise, if a new symptom appears and you are unsure whether the granules are involved, ask before changing the amount.

Store bottles out of reach of children, away from heat and humidity, and keep an eye on the use-by date.

Clear herbal guidance in Lane Cove

If you have herbal products at home and are unsure about them, pack them in a bag and bring them along. Christine can read through the labels with you and explain where a new granule preparation might sit alongside what you already use.