Herbal care can be the main focus of your consultation or part of a broader plan. Lia personalizes recommendations around your concerns, medicines, preferences and budget—with capsules, granules and decoctions available.
If you are unsure about side effects, heavy metals, cost or taking herbs every day, bring those questions to the consultation. Lia can discuss whether herbal care is suitable and which format is practical for you.
Choosing not to take herbs does not prevent you from discussing acupuncture and other treatment options.
Capsules, granules or a custom decoction?
Capsules may suit people who prefer to avoid the taste of a liquid formula. Granules offer a powdered format, with preparation instructions for the selected product.
Decoctions are liquid herbal preparations that can be customized. Format, ingredients and instructions are selected individually; these options are not automatically interchangeable at the same dose.
Important to know
Side effects and medicine interactions
Herbs can cause adverse effects and interact with medicines. Bring every medicine and supplement you use, and mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney conditions, fertility treatment and cancer treatment.
If you suspect a reaction, stop the product and contact the clinic or your medical clinician; severe symptoms require urgent medical care.
A closer look
Open the topics that matter to you.
Thoughtful sourcing and preparation
Quality and safety guide the selection of raw herbs, finished products and preparation partners. Lia considers manufacturing and quality-control standards alongside the suitability of the recommendation for you.
Ask about the ingredients, product source and available documentation for the preparation you will receive.
Manufacturing standards and product testing
Raw herbs are sourced from Korean suppliers using GMP manufacturing standards. These standards concern manufacturing and quality control; they are not a guarantee that every finished preparation is suitable for everyone.
Product-specific or batch-specific testing information should be reviewed separately when available.
A simpler daily herbal option
A lower-cost daily herbal line is available in small-pill form. This may suit some patients who want a simpler routine or a lower-cost option.
It is selected according to your health history and current medicines. Ask which product fits your needs, its ingredients and how much is supplied.
How a recommendation is personalized
The conversation includes your main symptoms, daily patterns, health history, medicines, allergies and goals. Lia considers which formula or product, format and schedule may fit.
Custom formulations can be discussed when appropriate; an existing daily formula may instead be selected for its suitability. Follow-up is a chance to report tolerance and decide whether to continue or adjust the plan.
Questions about quality and heavy metals
Ask which manufacturer supplies a product and whether documentation is available for that specific product or batch. Useful questions include testing for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, as well as microbes and pesticides.
“Natural” does not mean contaminant-free. A general quality statement should not be mistaken for a test result for the product you will take.
Make cost and daily use part of the decision
Tell Lia what you can comfortably spend and what you can realistically take. Before purchasing, ask about the total cost, how long the supply lasts, preparation or storage instructions and the follow-up plan.
Product prices and consultation charges should be confirmed with the clinic.
From consultation to a practical herbal plan
Start by discussing your health history, current medicines and priorities. If herbal care is appropriate, Lia selects or customizes the recommendation and explains the format and use.
Capsules, granules, decoctions and small herbal pills offer different routines. Report both changes in symptoms and any difficulty taking the product; review timing depends on your progress.
Common questions
Can I use herbs during IVF or cancer treatment?
Do not add herbs without review by the medical team managing that treatment. Potential interactions and your treatment goals must be considered first.
Do I have to drink a bitter herbal tea?
No single format is required. Capsules, granules and decoctions are available. Tell Lia about taste, swallowing or preparation concerns so a suitable option can be discussed.
Is every formula custom blended?
Recommendations are personalized, but that does not always mean custom blending. A custom formula or a suitable existing daily product may be recommended depending on your assessment and preferences.
Are all your products tested for heavy metals?
Ask about the exact product and available manufacturer or batch documentation before purchasing. This website does not make a blanket claim that every product or batch has been independently tested.
Can I have herbal care without acupuncture?
Herbal medicine can be the main focus of care when appropriate. Call to ask about a herbal consultation, its fee and what information to bring.
When will I need a follow-up or reassessment?
Timing depends on your treatment progress. Lia reviews your response and current needs to decide when to reassess, adjust the plan or arrange another visit.
Where can I review herbal options and request a consultation?
Use the Herbal consultation & preparation page to review formats, supply durations and pricing, then call Rio Acupuncture to request a consultation with Lia. The clinic confirms the appropriate appointment format before arranging care.