What are the methods for decocting Chinese herbal medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine is a type of medicine we often take when undergoing TCM treatment. There are so many medicines, and the combinations of traditional Chinese medicines for different diseases are also different. In particular, the time and method of boiling and taking medicines are also different. This depends on the disease being treated and the type of medicine used. However, in normal times, they are basically the same. Here we will introduce the methods of decocting Chinese herbal medicines.

1. Casserole, enamelware, and stainless steel are suitable for medicine containers. Iron containers are strictly prohibited.

2. The medicine should be soaked in cold water for about 20 minutes before decocting. The amount of water used for decocting medicine is generally enough to soak the medicine surface 1-3 cm. For large doses of medicines or medicines that are loose and easily absorb water, the amount of water can be increased appropriately.

3. The duration of medication should be determined according to the properties of the medicine, generally 30 minutes. Antipyretic drugs, heat-clearing drugs, and aromatic drugs should not be decocted for a long time. They should be decocted for 15-20 minutes after boiling. The tonic medicine should be boiled over high heat first, then simmered over low heat for 40-60 minutes. Stir the medicine 2-3 times when decocting it. Each dose of Chinese medicine is generally decocted twice, and the second decocting time can be slightly shorter.

4. Decoction amount: 50-100 ml per dose for children. Adults: 150-200 ml per dose.

Precautions

How to take the medicine:

1. Time to take medicine: Generally, it is best to take it about 1 hour before or after meals. Tonic medicines should be taken on an empty stomach, tranquilizers should be taken before going to bed, and acute illnesses can be taken at any time. Please follow your doctor's instructions on special medication times.

2. How to take the medicine: Decoction is usually taken warm; one dose per day, 2 to 3 times, or as directed by the doctor.

Storage of medications:

1. Medicinal materials should be kept in a ventilated and cool place and should not be stored in the refrigerator, especially precious Chinese medicines. If you need to store it for a long time, you can fill an empty bottle with rice, then place the medicinal materials inside, seal it and store it in a cool and dry place.

2. After boiling, the Chinese medicine should be placed in porcelain, or it can be packed in Chinese medicine bags and placed in the refrigerator, but it should not be kept for too long.

Through the above introduction, we know the method of decocting Chinese herbal medicine. Usually, we usually use high heat to decoct the medicine first, and then use low heat after the medicine boils. However, when decocting, we should pay attention to the decocting time, and the most important thing is not to allow the medicine to become burnt. Such medicine cannot be eaten after it becomes burnt and will be toxic.