To Herb or Not To Herb

I started seeing an acupuncturist in December 2005. One of the things that Chinese Medicine practitioners use are herbs.

My first acupuncturist prescribed herbs for my lungs and other aspects of my Qi (energy flow) that were in dire need of substantial assistance.

The herbs looked like this:

To use them, I put the herbs in hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes or longer. The herbs helped my allergies and asthma and were very beneficial. Yes it looks like dirt, and pretty much tasted like it, too. But I faithfully drank cupfuls of it.

My first acupuncturist left the area, and I am now on my third acupuncturist. After my recent treatment with needles, she said she would like to add herbs to help my lungs. I haven't had herbs in over a year, so I agreed.

I was expecting something similar to the above.

However, when I picked up my concoction, what I received were two brown bags. One held this:

And the other this:

I am not sure what all of this is. Pieces of trees, for sure. Bark.  Vine, maybe grape vine. I have no idea what the white squares are. Chalk or rock?

To use these herbs, I have to cook them in water for a long time (30 minutes or so, depending on the bag), strain them, and then divide the liquid up for drinking.

So far I have looked at these items, sniffed them, and felt them. I confess I am not keen on making a tea out of them and drinking it. I think I prefer the bag of dirt as opposed to the bags of sticks.

I am pretty daring and don't mind trying new things, but for some reason this seems a bit much for me. I will have to think about this for at least another day.