Where are you located? How do I get there?

Our retail store and dispensary are located at 211 Grand Street (between Mott and Elizabeth Streets) on the border of Chinatown and Little Italy. Look for our green awning on the South side of the street.

Directions by subway (in order of proximity):

Take the B or D (orange, express) to Grand Street Station. Exit the subway and walk west on Grand Street.

Take the J, M, or Z (brown, local or express) to Bowery Station. Exit the subway and walk south on Bowery to Grand Street. Turn right and walk west on Grand Street.

Take the 6 (green, local) to Spring Street Station. Exit the subway and walk south on Lafayette Street to Grand Street. Turn left and walk east on Grand Street.

Take the N, R, Q, or W (yellow, local or express) to Canal Street Station. Exit the subway and walk north on Lafayette Street to Grand Street. Turn right and walk east on Grand Street.

How can I contact you?

We may be reached by email, phone or fax:

Email
Dispensary Orders (Custom Formulas, KPO)
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Online Store Orders (Ready-Made Products, Supplies, etc.)
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Account Registration & Password Recovery (KPO, Online Store)
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Practitioner Profiles & Tours
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Employment Opportunities
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Phone
212-966-6370
212-925-2338
212-941-4676

Fax
212-226-4717

What services does Kamwo provide?

Online Store: Our Online Store offers many of the products available at our retail store. We maintain a large inventory of teapills and Chinese patent medicines, liniments, acupuncture clinic supplies, and more. We are also constantly adding new products and product lines; if you don't see what you are looking for, please send us a request and we will be happy to place the product online. With our Online Store, products are available for purchase 24 hours a day.

Dispensary: Kamwo provides practitioners custom formula filling services, with an option to choose from ready-made and customizable herbal formulas in granules, raw herb form and/or precooked vacuum packs. We also offer a powdering and encapsulation service for formulas.

Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO): This is our HIPAA compliant, web-based program that allows practitioners to order custom prescriptions online. Our program makes it easy to reorder and maintain patient records; KPO also sends automated email or text message confirmations when orders are completed. You can see how much your formula will cost immediately and will have the option to charge to your practitioner account or to bill patients directly.

Needle Disposal Service: Kamwo's needle disposal service offers practitioners a safe way to dispose of used acupuncture needles. Practitioners can drop off their full sharps containers for a small fee (depending on the size of the container). For more information please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tours: As a prominent herbal dispensary in Chinatown, we are proud of our comprehensive pharmacy. We offer tours of our facilities for classes, practitioners, patients and other groups. To schedule a tour, please submit our online request form.

Consultations: In addition to our pharmacy, Kamwo houses the Grand Meridian clinic where you can see a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner. We recommend consulting a TCM practitioner before taking any herbal products. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic directly at (212) 965-1503. Alternatively, our Find a Practitioner search engine within the Patient Resources section of the site allows you to search for practitioners in your area.

Do you dispose of used acupuncture needles?

Yes, Kamwo's biohazard needle disposal service offers practitioners a safe way to dispose of used acupuncture needles. Practitioners can drop off their full sharps containers for a small fee (depending on the size of the container.) Kamwo only accepts biohazard sharps containers for disposal:

a) if they have been purchased at our establishment and are clearly labeled with Kamwo sticker or,

b) if you are purchasing an equal or greater number of containers at the time of drop off/exchange.

Please keep us in mind when considering your biohazard disposal needs. For more information please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Does Kamwo only sell Chinese herbs? What other products do you carry?

In addition to our comprehensive Chinese herbal pharmacy, Kamwo also sells acupuncture supplies, books, clinic supplies, teas, liniments, plasters, massage tables, medicinal soups, skin care creams and many other items related to Chinese Medicine. Visit our Online Store to see a full list of our products.

What kinds of herbs does Kamwo carry? How do they differ?

Kamwo carries the largest and most comprehensive selection of Chinese herbs available on the East Coast. Generally, herbal formulas come in four main forms:

1. Raw Herbs (uncooked or vacuum packed): When you visit our store, you will see our Chinese Medicine pharmacists filling formulas ordered by herbalists across the country. These are customized raw herb formulas that may contain anywhere from two to twenty herbs. Raw herb formulas are specifically created for individual patients based on their specific pattern of disharmony, which is assessed during an herbal consultation with their practitioner. Raw herb formulas are generally considered the strongest method of herbal treatment. Once the formula is filled, it is either given to the patient with instructions on how to cook it at home, or it is sent to our vacuum pack facility where it is cooked and packaged into ready-to-drink single dose packs. Vacuum packing is a great option for patients who do not have the time or desire to cook the formula themselves, and is one of the unique services that Kamwo offers.




2. Granules (powder or capsules): We carry hundreds of single herb granules as well as premade granule formulas. At our granular herb dispensary, our specialists measure and combine granular herbs into customized formulas in much the same way that raw herb formulas are filled. Granular herbs do not need to be cooked, just mix them with hot water and they are ready to drink. Granules can also be encapsulated.




3. Ready-Made (teapills, and/or 'patents'):
   At Kamwo, we also carry a full line of Meridian Classic™ 'patent' teapills. These are traditional herbal formulas that have been manufactured following strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). While these formulas are not customized, they offer a convenient and cost effective treatment for more mild or chronic conditions. We also carry many of the traditionally used herbal patents from China. Stop in to see our comprehensive selection or visit our Online Store for some of our most popular products.




4. External Applications: We carry herbal preparations for external use including liniments and plasters as well as Zheng Gu Tui Na products.

Note: While the majority of herbs require a prescription for purchase and use, there are some Chinese herbs that are safe for everyday use. These health-promoting herbs are commonly used by Chinese people in soups, congees (rice porridge) and teas. Examples include Gou Qi Zi (goji berries), Ju Hua (chrysanthemum flower), Dang Shen (codonopsis) and Huang Qi (astragalus). These and many others are available in the glass jars in the middle of retail store - just ask a Kamwo employee for help. Common kitchen recipes using Chinese medicinals can be found on our Epicure, Kitchen page within this site.

Do you have a catalog? How do I get on your mailing list?

Though we do not have a print catalog, a complete list of our products and ordering information can be found on our Online Store You can easily search for products by category or by typing in what you are looking for in the search field. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please call us at (212) 966-6370.

What is your discount policy? I am not a practitioner or student; can I still get a discount?

Only licensed health care professionals and students in an accredited Oriental Medicine program have access to discounts, with practitioner and student pricing visible upon signing in. Discounts vary by product. Whether you shop at our Online Store or retail store location, we offer the same low prices, well within competitive rates for Chinatown. You can also take advantage of discounted products with our monthly specials.

How do I redeem my coupon code?

After selecting your items, please enter the first code in the COUPON CODE FIELD located at the bottom of the page in your shopping cart. Then click “Submit.” 

Who can order?

US federal law restricts the sale of acupuncture needles and certain devices to or on the order of qualified practitioners as determined by individual states. While most of our herbal products are available to the public, we strongly recommend consulting a trained herbalist before taking any Chinese herbs. Locating a local practitioner is easy with our Find A Practitioner search engine. Visit our retail store in Chinatown or search our Online Store to purchase pills, acupuncture supplies and other ready-made products.

How can I place an order for acupuncture supplies and herbal products?

For all acupuncture supplies and Chinese ready-made medicine (including premade granule formulas for your private dispensary), please visit our Online Store.If you are in Chinatown, NY, visit our retail store located at 211 Grand St. Our Customer Service representatives are always available by phone (212-966-6370) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it should you have any questions or concerns.

For custom-made herbal formulas, the best way to order is through Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO), our web-based dispensary (sign up here). More on the benefits of using this program can be found under Advantages of KPO. Alternatively, we also accept orders by fax, email and phone; however, these ordering methods offer a limited spectrum of services compared to those of KPO:

What happens if some or all of the Online Store products on my order are out of stock?

While we always try to ship complete orders, occasionally back orders do occur. We will notify you if and when this occurs. Short-term back orders (less than one week) will be filled as soon as they become available. If an item is on long-term back order it will need to be reordered.

I have a KPO account. Do I have to register separately with Online Store to purchase products?

Yes. While Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)—our web-based dispensary—and the Online Store are separate systems, sign up is easy for both. If you have been approved for either, your approval is guaranteed for the other. We recommend using the same Username and Password for both programs. Should you have any trouble, don’t hesitate to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at (212) 966-6370 Monday thru Friday, 10a-5p.

I’m a practitioner, how do I start shopping with my discount?

First, you will need to register with our Online Store. Under "Sign up for membership", be sure to select ‘practitioner’ or ‘student’. We will then approve you based on your license number (provided by you) and will email you your login information. Please note that account approval takes 24 to 48 hours, Monday thru Friday.

Is the ordering process secure?

Yes. All communication between your computer and our servers is encrypted using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 256-bit.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes. Your personal information is confidential and encrypted using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL). With the exception of our merchant service (required for billing purposes only), we do not share your information with any third party. For detailed information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Will you send an order confirmation by email?

Yes, once your order has been received, we will send out an order status email indicating that your order has been received or is pending further information. A second email will go out confirming that your order has been shipped.

What should I do if I have a problem with my order?

If you have any problems with your online store order, please contact us at (212) 966-6370 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (For concerns regarding custom formula orders, please contact our dispensary's Customer Service directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .)

What is the difference between Kamwo’s Online Store and Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)?

Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO) is our web-based custom formula ordering program. This service is for practitioners only. This is where practitioners can order herbal formulas and manage patient information. To learn more, click on Advantages of KPO.

Kamwo’s Online Store: Visit the Online Store to purchase any of our ready-made herbal products and/or acupuncture supplies. Accounts are available to students, practitioners and non-practitioners alike. (Discounts are available to practitioners and students.) Please note: US federal law restricts the sale of acupuncture needles and certain devices to or on the order of qualified practitioners as determined by individual states. To register, click here.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards including Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express.    

Can I be billed for my orders?

No, for Online Store orders, payment is required at the time of purchase. We accept all major credit cards including Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Is it safe to use my credit or debit card online?

Yes, your information is confidential. All communication between your computer and our servers is encrypted using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 256-bit.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your card will be charged when your order is shipped

What is vacuum packing?

Vacuum packing technology has been utilized by Chinese and South Korean TCM facilities for many years. It allows the packing of prepared herbal teas to be preserved for an extended period of time without the use of preservatives or chemicals.

This is a unique service that Kamwo offers to its customers. Our vacuum pack facility is officially registered with the FDA (reg. #13371813558) and strictly complies with new Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Once the herbs are decocted they are packaged into vacuum pack pouches that do not require refrigeration and can be shipped anywhere in the country. Herbal formulas are cooked in a closed unit stainless steel pressure vessel where volatile oils cannot escape and therefore are not lost in the cooking process as in conventional cooking on a stovetop.

Is vacuum packing of herbal decoctions new technology?

This technology has been widely used for many years in TCM hospitals for inpatients. It has proven to be safe, effective, and very popular in many TCM settings in Asia.

Which are stronger, granules or precooked vacuum packs?

It is conventional TCM wisdom that raw herbs are stronger than granules. An analogy would be comparing instant coffee to fresh brewed coffee. Vacuum packs are raw herb decoctions and therefore have the benefit of being both stronger and convenient; granules are also convenient and effective but not as strong tasting. Everyone is different; it’s best to take herbs in a form that will facilitate the most compliance.

What is the point of having my herbs vacuum-packed?

Vacuum-packed formulas are precooked for you which means you will not need to cook the herbs at home. They are also easily transported and can help facilitate taking herbs when you are on the go. The vacuum pack process will save you time and improve compliance.

Will chemicals leech from the vacuum pack bags into the medicinal tea?

No, our vacuum packing material is FDA approved for food contact at high temperatures. The temperature of the tea when packed is approximately 90-94 degrees Celsius, which is well below the safe temperature limit for the packaging material.

What is the shelf life for vacuum packs?

When kept at room temperature, they can be preserved for thirty (30) days. When kept in a refrigerator, they can be preserved up to sixty (60) days.

How are vacuum-packed herbal formulas cooked?

Vacuum-packed herbal formulas are cooked in a closed unit stainless steel pressure vessel from which volatile oils cannot escape. This marks one advantage of vacuum packing over conventional cooking with a stovetop.

When ordering precooked vacuum packs, how are herbs that require special preparation handled in the cooking process, e.g. Bo He (last 5 min.)?

Since the formulas are cooked in a closed unit stainless steel pressure vessel, no volatile oils can escape. As such, all herbs within a formula are cooked together for the same duration. Formulas cook for a minimum of 1.5 hours, so precooking is also unnecessary.

How many vacuum packs should I use for my patient?

Most practitioners recommend two (2) vacuum packs per day for their patients. Keep in mind for ordering that one (1) package of raw herbs yields two (2) vacuum packs. Practitioners can change this ratio by special request as needed.

What are granules and how are they taken?

Granules are a concentrated herbal powder made by decocting raw herbs using a standardized process. The cooked herbs are formed into a dissolvable dried substance that can be mixed with water to form an ‘instant tea’ of sorts. They are convenient and stronger than teapills and are a commonly used method of taking Chinese herbs.

Are your granular formulations cooked together or separate?

Manufacturer formulations consist of herbs that are cooked and extracted together as a formula. They are not cooked separately as individual herbs and then put together as a formula. Alternatively, you may choose to have single herbs added together to a custom formula.

What is the difference between custom granules and ready-made granules?

Ready-made granules are single herbs and formulas that are available directly from the manufacturer. At Kamwo, in addition to selling these ready-made products, we also offer a compounding service that allows practitioners to combine multiple ready-made products together to create an individualized formula for their patient.

Do you encapsulate? Are your capsules vegetarian?

In addition to carrying many premade formulas in capsule form, we also offer an encapsulation service for any custom formula. We use both vegetarian and non-vegetarian capsules for our in-house encapsulation. If you have a preference, please specify when you place your order.

Which are stronger, granules or precooked vacuum packs?

It is conventional TCM wisdom that raw herbs are stronger than granules. An analogy would be comparing instant coffee to fresh brewed coffee. Vacuum packs are raw herb decoctions and therefore have the benefit of being both stronger and convenient; granules are also convenient and effective but not as strong tasting. Everyone is different; it’s best to take herbs in a form that will facilitate the most compliance.

What is the proper dosing for granules?

Our granules are five (5) times more concentrated than raw herbs. If you are writing a raw herb formula, add up the total number of grams in the formula and divide by five (5) for the daily dose. If you use one (1) bag for two (2) days, then cut the dosage in half and use over two (2) days.

For Example: Xiao Yao San - Raw Herb Dosage for one day supply

Raw Herb Daily Total: 60 g

So the daily Granule Dosage would be: 60 g/ 5 g = 12 grams per day since granules are 5 times more concentrated than raw herbs.

This dose could be divided for morning and evening times for example; 12 grams total = 6 grams 2x/day. One of our manufacturer spoons measures roughly 1.5 grams. The average dosing of granules is about 10-12 grams per day.

How do I combine single herbs and/or premade formulas to create a custom formula?

Practitioners may choose to mix 1) premade formulas with single herbs; 2) single herbs with single herbs; and/or 3) two or more premade formulas together. If a typical dose is 10 grams (g) per day, it is recommended that each single herb’s dose equal approximately 0.5-2.0 g per day. Herbs with low dosing such as Fu Zi can be dosed at 0.5 g per day and herbs with high dosing can be dosed at 1.5-2.0 g per day. Most herbs can be dosed at 1 g per day. Calculate the total grams of single herbs based on the desired length of administration (i.e. 1-2 weeks).

Premade formulas can be added for the remainder of the custom formula or solely single herbs can be used depending on each formula and on the treatment goals. To create custom formulas through Kamwo, you need to be a practitioner and may either register on Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO), our web-based formula filling service, or may order through our retail store’s dispensary

How many grams are in one manufacturer spoon?

The spoon provided with your granule formula measures roughly 1.5 grams. Please dose accordingly.

Are your raw herbs safe? Are they tested for heavy metals and pesticides?

Kamwo employs Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories, an independent US testing facility in New Orleans, to test our herbs for heavy metals (such as Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium), as well as for over 60 pesticide residues, including DDT and BHC.

Eurofins is a worldwide leader in the bio-analytical market, with 40 state-of-the-art laboratories across the globe. They employ over 10,000 reliable analytical methods to ensure herb, food and pharmaceutical safety. Through voluntary testing and sourcing sulfur-free medicinals whenever possible, we are helping to raise the industry standard in ensuring that patients receive only the finest quality herbs.

What technology is used to control standardization of herbs?

Laboratory testing including Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are also used to confirm identification, ensure potency and to test for active constituents when necessary.

Where and who manufactures your granules? Is it a GMP-certified manufacturer?

Our line of New Meridian granules is manufactured by Tian Jiang Pharmaceuticals in Jiangyin, China. To insure we have a complete formulary we also include some herbs from Kaiser Pharmaceutical Company (KPC).

Are granules tested for heavy metals and pesticides?

Our granules are manufactured by Tian Jiang Pharmaceuticals in China. It is an internationally GMP-certified granular manufacturing facility. All raw materials are carefully selected and laboratory tested using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify standardization of all herb identification. Each New Meridian Granule is tested for heavy metals such as Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Arsenic. Further, microbial testing is done to ensure that harmful bacterias such as Salmonella and E. Coli are not present. New Meridian Granules are also tested for pesticides such as organochlorine pesticides using only the most stringent certified testing techniques. All testing standards exceed the required standards of China, Taiwan, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for heavy metals.

Certificates of Analysis are provided to us by the manufacturer. We voluntarily confirm these findings with an independent laboratory.

How do I order formulas from the dispensary?

For all raw herb, vacuum pack or granule formulas, the most efficient way to order is through Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO), our secure web-based program that allows practitioners to order herbal formulas and manage patient information online. Other options include fax (212 226 4717), phone (212 966 6370) or in person at 211 Grand St, NYC. To stock your institution’s pharmacy or that of your private practice, purchase premade formulas from our Online Store.

What are the advantages of using Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)?

KPO allows user to:

What is the difference between Kamwo’s Online Store and Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)?

Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO) is our web-based custom formula ordering program. This service is for practitioners only. This is where practitioners can order herbal formulas and manage patient information.

Kamwo’s Online Store: Visit the Online Store to purchase any of our ready-made herbal products and/or acupuncture supplies. Accounts are available to students, practitioners and non-practitioners alike. (Discounts are available to practitioners and students.) Please note: US federal law restricts sale of acupuncture needles and certain devices to or on the order of qualified practitioners as determined by individual states. To login, click here.

Can anyone order herbs from Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)?

Only healthcare practitioners, TCM students, and health-related businesses can purchase custom formulas from KPO. We require proof of student ID, licensure or certification. Our Online Store, however, is open to anyone. While many of the products are available to the general public, we always recommend that you consult an herbalist prior to using any Chinese herbal products.

Is the ordering process secure?

Yes, our Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) secures all online communication by enabling an encrypted connection between your computer and our servers with a strong-encryption length of 256-bits.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, your personal information is confidential and encrypted using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL). We do not share your information with any third party, except our merchant service for billing purposes only. For detailed information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

What happens if some or all of the herbs and/or formulas on my order are out of stock?

Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO) , our web-based formula ordering program, tracks your orders so you can have updated order status information every step of the way. If your order is out of stock, we will contact you to see if you would like a replacement product or to have the item placed on our backorder list. Once the item is back in stock it will be shipped out at no cost to you. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards including Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express.

Can I be billed for my orders?

For Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO), practitioners can set up accounts with us. This requires a credit card be held on file, charged upon request. Alternatively, practitioners can request that their patients be billed directly.

For institutions interested to set up an account, please go to our Contact Us page and select “Billing” under the subject line or call (212) 966-6370 for details.

Is it safe to use my credit or debit card online?

Yes, your information is confidential. All communication between your computer and our servers is encrypted using the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption key length of 256-bit.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your card will be charged when your order is shipped.

What are my shipping options? What will it cost?

Kamwo ships via UPS. The cost depends on what service is chosen and the weight of the packaging. Real-time shipping quotes are an estimate only and may vary for some products. United Stated Postal Service (USPS) is available for some orders weighing less than a pound.

Is there a minimum for shipping on the Online Store?

We offer FREE UPS Ground shipping for granule orders over $200.00 in the contiguous United States; some restrictions apply. For all other orders, UPS Next Day, 2 Day, and 3 Day Select shipping are available for your convenience. Cost is dependent on shipping class and package size. Real-time shipping quotes are an estimate and may vary for some products. USPS (United Stated Postal Service) may be available for some orders weighing less than one pound.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we can ship internationally to most countries. Before selecting “International Shipping” in your order form, please call us at (212) 966-6370 to verify international shipping and custom fees.

Can I pick up my purchases at Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy?

Yes. Please call us ahead of time to ensure your order is ready. If your order is scheduled to be shipped and you would prefer to pick it up at the pharmacy instead, please inform us the very same day the order is placed. During checkout, select the option for in-store pickup. The shipping and handling charge will not be refunded after orders have been shipped.

Can I have an order shipped directly to my patient?

Yes, we can ship orders to any address. Please keep in mind that UPS does not ship to post office boxes.

How are vacuum packs shipped? How much does it cost?

Orders for herbal formulas received prior to 10am EST are shipped out UPS the same business day. Orders placed after 10am are shipped the following business day. Vacuum packs cost $7.95 to be shipped (within 1-2 business days) for delivery to the Greater New York Metro area. An additional charge may be applied for any package weighing over eight (8) lbs.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Orders are typically shipped within1-2 business days. If for any reason the processing of your order is delayed, we will contact you as soon as possible.

Will you send a confirmation by email once my order has shipped?

Yes, in addition to the initial confirmation email we send you when your order has been received, we also send a confirmation email when your order has shipped.

What happens if some or all of the Online Store products on my order are out of stock?

While we always try to ship complete orders, occasionally back orders do occur. We will notify you if and when this occurs. Short-term back orders (less than one week) will be filled as soon as they become available. If an item is on long-term back order it will need to be reordered.

What happens if some or all of the herbs and/or formulas on my KPO order are out of stock?

Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO), our web-based formula ordering program, tracks your orders so you can have updated order status information every step of the way. If your order is out of stock, we will contact you to see if you would like a replacement product or to have the item placed on our backorder list. Once the item is back in stock it will be shipped out at no cost to you.

What is your return policy? How do I return items?

Returns can be made in-store or by mail within 30 days of purchase. Merchandise must be unused and in saleable condition (i.e. in original, unmarked, and undamaged packaging) and must include an invoice or receipt. To expedite your return, first call or email our Customer Service department at (212) 966-6370, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for return approval and assistance. All customized formulas are non-refundable.

Can I cancel my order?

If you need to cancel an order before UPS delivery, please call our Customer Service department at (212) 966-6370. If the order has already been shipped, you will be responsible for the shipping costs.

I’m having trouble logging in, what should I do?

Be sure to determine whether you are trying to log into Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO) or the Online Store; you may be logging into the wrong account. We have two separate systems each requiring a separate login. If you are still having trouble please call our technical department at (212) 966-6370, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I forgot my username or password, what should I do?

If you already have an account, but forgot your username/password, please contact our Customer Service department for assistance (212) 966-6370. If you do not have an Online Store account, sign up here. If you would like to start ordering custom formulas online, sign up for a Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO) account.

Which web browsers are recommended for viewing Kamwo Practitioners Online (KPO)?

We recommend using the popular and free Firefox web browser. If you do not have it installed, please download the browser by going to Mozilla Firefox and selecting the appropriate version and language. The KPO software is not as compatible with Safari.

I have a technical concern with this web site. What should I do?

For all technical issues, please call our technical department at (212) 966-6370, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine has evolved over the past several thousand years as people looked to the natural world for answers to their health concerns. In ancient times herbal medicine and acupuncture were the primary form of health care for the Chinese people. Today these traditional therapies are used alongside biomedicine in hospitals throughout Asia.

There are thousands of substances in the Chinese Materia Medica, but a typical practitioner will usually select and be familiar with a few hundred. Some of these are well known to the English-speaking world, such as ginseng, astragalus, reishi mushroom and goji berries, while other substances are more obscure. At Kamwo, we carry over 500 herbs and have our own pao zhi department, where the herbs are processed in a traditional manner to accentuate their desired characteristics or to reduce their toxicity

What can I expect during a visit to a TCM herbalist?

In order to determine the right formula for you, a TCM herbalist will obtain a thorough health history and conduct a physical examination, which will include some traditional techniques such as pulse diagnosis and tongue inspection. Many herbalists are trained in acupuncture as well; these two modalities complement each other nicely. If you are receiving acupuncture in addition to herbs, expect the first visit to last about an hour and a half; subsequent visits usually run about an hour. The herbs recommended by your practitioner may be raw herbs (which are then cooked at home and made into a tea), ready to drink vacuum-packed teas, custom granule formulas, encapsulated granules, raw herb powder, or manufactured 'patent' teapills. To find a practitioner in your area, use the Find a Practitioner search engine.

What is a raw herb formula and how do I take it?

'Raw herbs' are the herbs you see in our store. They are plant roots, stems, tubers, dried berries, leaves, seeds, shells, minerals, and some animal products. Each herb and medicinal substance has its own unique properties, which are enhanced when combined together to create a formula. Unlike Western herbalism, in which one herb may be used alone, Chinese herbs are almost always taken as formulas, in which the herbs work synergistically to combat disease, repair tissue, and heal the body and mind. If you prefer not to ingest animal products, talk to your herbalist so they can ensure that your herbal formula is vegetarian. Watch our How to Cook Chinese Herbal Teas: A Guide for Patients video for helpful tips on preparing your formula. Always follow the directions given to you by your practitioner if they differ from our video presentation.

Why is there taste variation among precooked vacuum-packed formulas?

Taste variation can often be normal and explained by change in patient’s taste perception as his/her medical condition evolves. For example, bitter herbs may not be as bitter for someone with internal heat at first; but as the person’s heat clears, the herbs may start to seem more bitter. Furthermore, since herbal teas are decocted from natural plants and mineral sources, taste and color may vary from batch to batch. With that said, if taste or color differs greatly, please notify Customer Service at (212) 966-6370 and Kamwo will send a replacement order right away.

My granular bottle is not full? Should it be full?

Granules are prescribed based on weight (measured in grams). Typically practitioners prescribe a 100 gram formula, which does not fill up the entire container. Granule containers are designed to accommodate 175 grams of powder and 100 grams of capsules.

My formula tastes bad, what should I do?

Some practitioners suggest adding a bit of honey or sweetener to the herbs. Additionally, you can eat something sweet, such as raisins, after taking the herbs to mask the taste.

What are teapills, and why do I have to take so many?

Teapills, also known as ready-made or patent herbs, are a specific blend of Chinese herbs, which have been made into pill form. They offer a convenient way to take Chinese herbs, and are especially useful for common ailments. Teapills are not the same as concentrated pharmaceuticals. They are a processed version of an herbal formula, not a single compound that has been highly concentrated; as such, teapill dosing is much higher. For example, the usual dosage for Meridian Classic™ is eight teapills three times a day. Teapills are generally most effective when taken consistently over a week or so; this gives the formula a chance to gradually build up in your system.

I want to try making a soup using Chinese herbs. Should I consult with a practitioner first?

Herbs that are safe for everyone, and commonly used in cooking, are available for purchase by the pound. You are welcome to come into our store with a recipe; our knowledgeable staff can help you find the herbs you need. Herbs that have stronger properties or may be inappropriate for certain conditions, are kept behind the counter for dispensing to professionals only. These herbs would most likely not be included in soup recipes