1. Soaking before decoction
Generally, soak the herbs in cold water until they are fully saturated before decoction, so that the active ingredients can be easily extracted. Soaking for about 30 minutes is generally sufficient, but it should also be adjusted according to the texture of the herbs, as well as the season, temperature, etc. Flowers, herbs, and leaves can be soaked for 20 minutes; roots, stems, seeds, fruits, minerals, and crustaceans should be soaked for 30-60 minutes. In short, the herbs should be fully soaked.
2. Selection of utensils for decoction
The decoction container is closely related to the quality of the decoction. According to historical records, "silver is the best, followed by porcelain." It is not recommended to use pots made of tin, iron, or other metals for decoction. Some medicinal materials may precipitate and reduce solubility when they encounter tin, iron, and other metals, and may even undergo chemical changes, causing side effects. Currently, it is recommended to use ceramics and clay pots instead of iron pots and copper pots for decoction. It is also best not to use aluminum pots, stainless steel pots, and enamel containers to ensure the efficacy of Chinese medicine.
3. Selection of water for decoction
Water is the most commonly used solvent for decocting Chinese herbal medicine. Generally, clean cold water such as tap water, well water, and distilled water should be used. The amount of water used should be determined based on the weight, volume, water absorption capacity of the medicine, decoction time, heat, and required dosage. Generally, the water should cover the herbs by about half an inch. The amount of water used for decoction should be sufficient at once, without adding water in the middle or re-decocting the dried herbs. Discard the dried herbs.
4. Cooking time for decoction
Decocting Chinese herbal medicine can be divided into "strong fire" and "gentle fire". "Strong fire" refers to rapid boiling, while "gentle fire" refers to slow boiling. Generally, start with strong fire and switch to gentle fire after boiling. Different prescriptions require different cooking times. Sweating and releasing the exterior symptoms of exogenous diseases require a short cooking time, while nourishing herbs for treating deficiency should be cooked for a longer time.
5. Method of administration
Decoctions should generally be taken one hour before meals. Medications that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken after meals, while tonics should be taken on an empty stomach. Sedatives should be taken before sleep, and chronic diseases should be taken at regular intervals. Generally, one dose should be divided into 2-3 administrations per day, with one dose per day. In special circumstances, two doses can be taken in one day to enhance the therapeutic effect. Chinese herbal decoctions are usually taken warm, but can also be taken cold depending on the specific situation.
6. Medication contraindications
Chinese medicine has always had the concept of "eighteen contraindications" and "nineteen precautions". Therefore, one must not use folk remedies or secret prescriptions blindly. Do not act as a "doctor" and brew "bitter wine". It is necessary to formulate and prepare the medicine under the guidance of a doctor. For example, certain drugs have side effects that can harm the fetus or even cause abortion during pregnancy, so they should be considered as contraindications during pregnancy, such as croton, morning glory, Euphorbia, blister beetle, musk, Indian bread, curcuma, and leech. Drugs that should be used with caution during pregnancy include peach kernel, safflower, rhubarb, bitter orange, aconite, dried ginger, and cinnamon.
7. "Taboo" during medication
During medication, avoid consuming foods that are difficult to digest or have irritant odors, such as raw and cold foods or strong-smelling foods. In addition to the common restrictions on the consumption of onions, garlic, radishes, crab meat for Rehmannia and Polygonum multiflorum, vinegar for Poria cocos, and raw onions for honey, specific dietary restrictions should be followed based on individual conditions according to the doctor's instructions.
