In some countries, it is common for consumers to prepare their own medicines from raw materials. In such cases, as for instance stated by the Department of Health in Hong Kong SAR, China (see Annex I), it is important that patients have some knowledge about the preparation of TM/CAM medication therapies. A recipe for the particular formula is always important. The consumer needs to be informed about how much material to use for a certain amount of water; in which order to put in the ingredients; how long to boil/simmer/steep the ingredients; and for how long it can be used after preparation.

Ideally TM/CAM practitioners should provide this information. However, it is useful for public information initiatives to bring up these issues and to provide general directions in some form (e.g. through brochures) for the preparation of TM/CAM medication therapies.