【Misconception about Decoction: Do Not Soak the Herbs in Boiling Water Before Decoction】
In order to enhance the efficacy of herbal decoction, the decoction method of traditional Chinese medicine has always been very particular. Li Shizhen, a Ming Dynasty physician, said: "Although the quality of medicinal materials is excellent and the processing is done according to the correct methods, if the decoction process is done hastily and the temperature of the water and fire is not well controlled, the medicinal properties will be ineffective." Xu Lingtai, a physician in the Qing Dynasty, also said: "The method of decoction should be taught in great detail, as the efficacy of the medicine depends on it."
Some people have the habit of soaking the herbs in boiling water before decoction, thinking that this can shorten the decoction time and allow the active ingredients of the herbs to dissolve as much as possible. However, this is actually a misconception lacking scientific understanding. Herbs should not be soaked in boiling water.
The protein in the herbs will coagulate and harden the cell walls when it encounters boiling water, forming a tight membrane on the surface, which hinders the full dissolution of the internal components. High-molecular-weight substances in the herbs can easily form colloids when exposed to boiling water, which is also not conducive to the extraction of active ingredients. The powder left on the surface of the herbs during cutting and grinding will become gelatinized due to sudden heating, blocking the capillary channels of the herbs and making it difficult for water to penetrate. After the components are dissolved, it is difficult for them to diffuse outward, ultimately affecting the extraction of the ingredients. Aromatic herbs such as peppermint, perilla, agastache, cardamom, and cardamom contain volatile oils and volatile substances, which can easily evaporate when heated. Therefore, not only should these herbs not be soaked in boiling water, but they should also be added later during the decoction process.
Generally speaking, herbs should be soaked in cold water before decoction, for about 30 minutes. However, experiments have shown that the optimal water temperature for soaking herbs before decoction is 40℃ to 50℃. This condition ensures that the herbs are fully moistened and expanded, and improves the extraction rate of active ingredients.
【Two Points to Note When Decocting Chinese Medicine】
1. Clean the Medicine Pot
When decocting Chinese medicine, the medicine juice becomes concentrated due to evaporation of water, and a layer of medicine residue often accumulates at the bottom and around the medicine pot. If the medicine pot is frequently changed without promptly wiping off the accumulated residue before putting in new medicine, the residue will dissolve and interfere with the efficacy of the medicine, and even delay the treatment of the disease. Especially if highly toxic medicine or external use medicine that should not be ingested has been decocted before, it may cause poisoning.
In addition, if the medicine pot is not cleaned immediately after each decoction, the medicine residue at the bottom of the pot will accumulate and become thicker. When decocting medicine again, it is easy to burn the residue and lose the efficacy of the medicine.
2. "Cook Thoroughly" and "Squeeze Dry"
"Cooking thoroughly" means fully releasing the effective ingredients of the medicine, which is the basic requirement for decoction. For herbs with tough texture that are difficult to release the effective ingredients in a short period of time, they can only be fully extracted by repeated decoction, first decoction, or long decoction to make the decoction thick and fully exert the medicinal effect. For herbs with loose texture and light aroma, they do not need to be decocted for a long time. However, for herbs with light weight and large size, they should be stirred frequently to facilitate thorough decoction.
