The herbs come in various  formats:
1) dried twigs, roots and leaves, which patient would have to cook at home, like tea;

2) concentrated herbal powders (granules) - herbal extracts, spray-dried in laboratory conditions with strict quality control and sequrely packaged. A spoon of powder is dissolved in hot water, like an instant coffee. 

Both formats are effective and have their own advantages. Powders, for example, are good to take on holidays with you, where cooking facilities are limited, or if you don't have time to cook the herbal tea. The dried herbs have more flavour, they feel more real and vibrant, and full of ancient power - closer to the magical root of Oriental medicine. The dried herbs are more often prescribed for acute conditions.