Storage and decoction of traditional Chinese medicine have different considerations in different seasons. Now that we have entered summer, the decoction of medicinal herbs should not exceed half an hour, and it is best not to store herbs for more than a month in summer. Let's take a look at the three important points to note when decocting Chinese medicine in summer.
1. Soaking herbs for no more than half an hour
Soaking the herbs before decoction helps to dissolve their effective ingredients, resulting in better efficacy. However, it is important to note that different types of herbs require different soaking times. Flower and herb herbs such as safflower and Houttuynia cordata only need to be soaked for 15-20 minutes. Rhizome herbs such as Zhebei mother and Chinese yam, due to their high starch content, require a slightly longer soaking time. However, a prescription usually contains multiple types of herbs, so a "compromise" principle should be adopted. The herbs can be roughly classified, taking into account the characteristics of the majority of the herbs. In addition, the soaking time for herbs also varies with different seasons. For example, in spring and autumn, the soaking time is generally 30-60 minutes, in winter it should not exceed 60 minutes, and in the hot summer, the herbs should not be soaked for too long, usually within 30 minutes.
2. Storing herbs for a maximum of one month
In a damp and humid environment, herbs are prone to moisture and pests. Small packages of herbs can be placed in a well-ventilated and cool place, while fresh plant herbs and animal herbs should be individually packaged and stored in the refrigerator. Turtle oil, commonly known as "snow clam paste" in Guangdong, may deteriorate at room temperature in summer and should be stored in the freezer. Ginseng and other herbs can be wrapped in rice paper and placed in a rice jar for storage. In general, herbs should not be stored for more than one month in summer.
3. "Heating through" refrigerated Chinese medicine
When heating, the herbal liquid should be steamed in a steamer or rice cooker with water, rather than heated in a microwave oven. After taking out the packaged Chinese medicine from the refrigerator, it can be soaked in about 500ml of boiling water in a slightly larger container for 5 minutes, then the water should be changed, allowing the herbal liquid to "heat through".
When decocting Chinese medicine in summer, pay attention to the three points mentioned above, and control the soaking time of the herbs, as well as the correct storage of Chinese herbs.
