Below are a list of some frequently asked questions.

1) When to take your herbs?
Generally, as a rule, it is best to take your herb tea 30-60 minutes before breakfast after having slept on an empty stomach. This provides the best absorption of the ingredients. If the herbs cause an upset stomach, drink the tea 30-60 minutes after eating.

2) How to drink the herbal tea?
It should be drank warm or at room temperature. If the taste is so unpalatable that you can’t drink it, water it down a bit. This helps a lot. Also, it seems that after time the body begins to crave a certain formula, especially one that is well suited. The taste will become more palatable.

3) How to cook Chinese Herbal Medicine?
The most suitable pot is clay or glass. It is important that your pot has a lid. Materials to avoid include aluminums and Teflon coated. Stainless steel is better than other metals.

Cooking Techniques -
a) Soak the Herbs in water for 30 minutes or more. The water should overlap the herbs by about an inch.
b) Bring the herbs to a boil and immediately turn down to a low simmer. Cook the herbs for 40 minutes with the lid on. At the end of cooking approximately 1 mug (200--250ml) of liquid remains.
c) Strain the liquid into a mug.
d) Repeat: Leaving the herbs in the pot, add another one pint of water. Repeat the above cooking method: bring to the boil, and then simmer again for another 20-30mins until about one mug of liquid remains. Strain the tea again.
e) Mix the two shares together, and then divide into two equal portions to take twice a day. The volume taken each time should be 200-250ml (about 7 fl.oz.) or a little more is ok.

4) I have just been told I have Type 2 diabetes. What do I eat now?
Chances are you'll still be able to eat the foods you enjoy. The basics of healthy eating are more or less the same whether you are a diabetic or not. You'll be eating balanced meals every 3-4 hours that are lower in fat and sugar and higher in fibre. Watching portion sizes will be important in following a diabetic diet as well. There may be some changes needed to your eating habits that can improve your control over diabetes.

5) I have diabetes, can I still eat cake?
Yes. You can definitely eat occasional treats such as cake. No food is taboo on a diabetic diet, even sugar. Just try to keep foods such as cakes, cookies and ice cream to once a week or less. Keep the portion small and eat the cake with a balanced meal. More often, choose a healthy dessert such as fresh fruit, low-fat pudding or yogurt; and when you do have cake or cookies take the time to enjoy every bite!

6) Where can I buy specialty products for people with diabetes?
There is no need to buy specialty food products for people with diabetes. They are often more expensive and if you only chose these products you would be limiting the variety of foods you eat – and that's no fun! You can buy everything you need at your regular grocery store. Whether you have diabetes or not, the same advice applies for making healthier choices at the grocery store.