Some of the ingredients shown on our site are presented in their processed form, following traditional Chinese herbal preparation methods known as paozhi. Paozhi includes a range of techniques — such as cleaning/purifying, stir-frying or dry-frying, roasting, and steaming — chosen according to the type of material.
These methods are traditionally used to improve shelf stability, temper harsh or undesirable characteristics, and support safer, more consistent use. In classical practice, processing may also refine how an ingredient behaves within a formula—by moderating its intensity, shifting its character, or making it better suited to different preparations and pairings.
As a result, processed ingredients can vary in color, texture, aroma, and surface finish compared to what you may be used to seeing in raw or unprocessed materials.