Herb absorption? Pill vs Powder

I recall one of my professors, who had a PhD in acupuncture from China, specially mention a few studies that had been done over there to look at the absorption rates of various forms of herbal formula. There are a very, very few people that lack the enzyme to digest the coating used in some of the wan (black ball) versions. There was also some indication that the powered forms tended to be absorbed a little quicker, but based on the blood serum levels they were looking at did not seem to show an overall increase in the amount of herbs absorbed. He did mention that raw herb preparation did show a slightest higher absorption rate than any other form however that was only if very fresh herbs were used. With older or dried herbs the raw preparation was actually lower than other forms.

For what it is worth I personally prefer using either powder or grinding pills into a powder to make tea from.

Even easier just chew them… That’s what I do for most formulas.