How long should Chinese medicine be boiled?

Compared with Western medicine, Chinese medicine needs to be taken for a longer time, but because it does not cause side effects to the body, many patients still insist on taking Chinese medicine to regulate their bodies and treat diseases. Then it is necessary for everyone to understand the relevant knowledge of decocting Chinese medicine. How long is the most appropriate time to decoct Chinese medicine? This issue is very important, because only by properly mastering the decoction time can the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine be fully exerted.

Generally speaking, Chinese medicine only needs to be decocted twice, the first time for 30 minutes and the second time for 20 minutes. Mix the two decoctions and take them in two times (one day's amount). If there are toxic drugs or mineral drugs that need to be decocted for a long time, you can decoct them for 1 hour and then add other drugs to decoct together to achieve the effect of reducing toxicity and increasing efficacy. If it is an antipyretic medicine, such as honeysuckle, the first decoction is 15 to 20 minutes, and the second decoction is 10 minutes.

The decocting time should be determined according to the nature and effect of the medicine. For example, tonic medicines are thick, greasy and turbid in nature, and contain a large amount of nutrients that are not easy to be boiled thoroughly, so the boiling time should be longer. The first juice is usually simmered for 40 to 60 minutes after the water boils, and the second juice is simmered for another 30 minutes after the water boils. For example, diaphoretic and antipyretic drugs are dispersing in nature and contain a lot of volatile oils, so they should not be decocted for a long time. After the first water boils, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. After the second water boils, simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. For general treatment, boil the first juice of the medicine for 30 minutes after it is boiled, and boil the second juice for another 20 minutes after it is boiled.

I believe everyone already knows the question of how long it is most appropriate to boil Chinese medicine. Different ingredients and effects of Chinese medicine will directly determine how long it takes to boil it. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to consult a doctor, who will give a clear answer as to the time required for decoction based on the specific situation. In addition, everyone must pay attention when taking Chinese medicine. It is most effective to drink it while it is hot.