These are primarily plant and mineral substances that are used as medicine to rectify biochemical imbalances in the organs, tissues and fluids. Remedies are typically composed of several to over twenty herbal ingredients that are customized to the patient’s needs and constitution. Traditionally, these ingredients were raw or dried, then boiled into a soup called a decoction. Modern techniques usually use pre-decocted dried ingredients in powder or pill form that are much more convenient. These are typically taken orally with a bit of warm water.