Many people believe that the longer the time it takes to decoct traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the better. However, they are unaware that this not only destroys the original medicinal properties but also causes varying degrees of harm to the body. So what are the precautions to be taken when decocting TCM?
Misconceptions about Decocting TCM
Some people add more herbs to make the decoction more concentrated, which may lead to overdose and adverse reactions.
Others believe that the longer the decoction time, the higher the concentration.
Firstly, this can easily cause the decoction to burn, and in severe cases, even damage the pot.
Secondly, when the TCM decoction reaches a certain point, the concentration of active ingredients reaches a balance.
At this point, further decocting will not dissolve more active ingredients, but non-active ingredients (such as resins, gums, pigments, etc.) will continue to dissolve. Although it may appear "more concentrated", it does not increase the efficacy of the medicine. Instead, it can exacerbate the bitterness and affect the taste, and some people may experience nausea and vomiting after consumption.
Lastly, excessive decocting can destroy the already extracted medicinal components due to high temperature, thus affecting the efficacy of the medicine.
How to Properly Decoct TCM
1. Soak the Herbs in Water Before Decoction
Soak the herbs in cold water for 50-60 minutes. If the herbs have a loose and soft texture, such as flowers, leaves, or grass, soak for about 50 minutes. If the herbs have a harder texture, such as roots, stems, seeds, or bark, soak for about 60 minutes.
Sufficient soaking allows the active ingredients in the herbs to dissolve quickly into the water.
2. Use a Sand Pot for Decoction
Sand pots have slower heat conduction, more even heating, and better heat preservation.
Avoid using metal utensils, as they can easily evaporate water and may undergo chemical reactions with the ingredients in the herbs, producing toxins that can harm the body.
3. Use Appropriate Amount of Water
The amount of water should exceed the herbs by about 3-5 centimeters. The resulting decoction should be around 200 milliliters. Adding too much or too little water will affect the efficacy of the medicine.
4. Control the Heat
Use high heat (strong fire) before the decoction boils, and switch to low heat (small fire) after boiling to maintain a gentle boil. This allows the maximum dissolution of active ingredients in the herbs into the water, facilitating the efficacy of the medicine.
5. Decoct Twice
It is necessary to decoct the herbs twice. The first decoction is called the "initial decoction" and can dissolve about 45% of the effective ingredients. The second decoction is called the "secondary decoction" and can dissolve about 35% of the effective ingredients. The two decoctions are then mixed together, and it is recommended to take them in the morning and evening for optimal efficacy.
Fire and Time for Decocting TCM
Normally, for the first half of the decoction, high heat can be used. After the TCM boils, switch to low heat for a slow boil to maintain the boiling state of the herbs.
The initial decoction should be boiled for an additional half an hour after boiling. The second decoction can be extended by 5-10 minutes.
However, different types of TCM have different requirements for fire and time. For example, diaphoretic herbs and aromatic herbs can be boiled with high heat for 10 minutes after boiling, while shell-like drugs and tonics require a long simmer with low heat.
