Preparation Instructions

What Are Preparation Instructions?

Preparation instructions define the specific steps required to properly prepare an herbal formula. These instructions are critical to ensuring safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and optimal extraction of medicinal compounds.

Preparation instructions may include:

• Form of Preparation

  • Decoction (boiled), infusion (steeped), powdered, pill form, or external application

• Cooking Time

  • Longer cooking times for roots or minerals

  • Shorter cooking times or late addition for aromatic herbs

• Special Treatment

  • Pre-processing methods such as frying, roasting, soaking in wine or vinegar to reduce toxicity or enhance effects

• Order of Addition

  • Instructions such as cook first, add last, or cook ingredients separately

• Dosage and Frequency

  • How much to take and how often (e.g., one cup twice daily)

These instructions are typically customized by a trained herbalist based on the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the formula.

What Is a Preparation Instruction Template?

A Preparation Instruction Template is a standardized structure used to create clear and consistent preparation directions.

Instead of rewriting preparation instructions for each formula, templates allow users to select a predefined instruction set and make adjustments as needed.

Benefits of Using Templates

• Consistency

  • Ensures instructions follow the same structure every time

• Efficiency

  • Speeds up formula creation and patient handout preparation

• Clarity

  • Reduces the risk of missing steps or introducing errors

• Professionalism

  • Provides patients with organized, easy-to-follow instructions, improving compliance and outcomes

Templates streamline communication and free up time for higher-value clinical tasks.

What Is a Variable?

A variable is a customizable element within a preparation template that can change from formula to formula.

Common examples include:

• Cooking time

• Amount of water

• Soaking time

For example, one formula may require herbs to be cooked for 45 minutes, while another requires 60 minutes. By inserting variables, users can quickly adjust these values without rewriting the entire instruction set.

Variables make templates flexible while maintaining consistency.

Creating a Preparation Template

To create a new template:

1. Click Add New

2. Enter a Template Name

3. Enter the Template Instructions

4. Insert Variables as needed (optional)

Practitioner Templates

• Templates created in the Admin area when configuring a formula builder are available to all users within the dispensary

• Practitioners can also create their own custom templates and variables by accessing practitioner Formula Settings within the specific Formula Builder

This approach allows for both standardized instructions and practitioner-level customization.