Chinese patent medicines
Pre-made formulae are available as pills, tablets, capsules, powders, alcohol
extracts, water extracts, etc. Most of these formulae are very convenient
because they do not necessitate patient preparation and are easy to take. These
products are usually not as potent as the traditional extemporaneous
156 | Traditional medicine
Figure 6.10 The ingredients of a CHM prescription.
Figure 6.9 Herbal dispensary, Yunan, China.