During the process of decocting Chinese herbal medicine, two changes occur: the dissolution of active ingredients and the chemical reactions of various physiological components in the medicine. Therefore, there are many special considerations in the preparation of decoctions.
Is it better to decoct Chinese herbal medicine for a longer time? What are the taboos during the decocting process? These are common confusions when people decoct Chinese herbal medicine at home.
Before decocting the medicine, soak it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes to allow the medicine to be fully penetrated by water. This facilitates the dissolution of active ingredients. Then, add water and start decocting. During the decocting process, the medicine is usually brought to a boil with high heat, and then simmered with low heat. A dose of medicine is usually decocted twice, and the two decoctions are mixed together, totaling about 300-500 milliliters. Then, divide it into two bowls and take one bowl in the morning and one bowl in the evening.
Since the texture of different medicines varies, the methods, procedures, and time for decocting the medicine also differ. For example, some medicines need to be decocted first before adding others, some need to be decocted separately, and some need to be wrapped and decocted. The decocting time for some medicines that relieve surface symptoms should be shorter. Aromatic medicines like Huoxiang, Perilla, and Peppermint, as well as some fresh medicines, should also be decocted for a shorter time. They are usually added when other medicines are almost done and the fragrance is noticeable. On the other hand, minerals, shells, or animal medicines such as Gypsum Fibrosum, Magnetitum, Ostreae Concha, and Mantis Egg-case are relatively hard and need to be decocted first for about 20 minutes before adding other medicines to decoct together. Additionally, there are some medicines that need to be wrapped before decocting, such as seeds with small volume, powdered medicines that are prone to burning, and medicines with thorns or irritating the throat or digestive tract. They should be wrapped in gauze before decocting.
Editor's tips: Nowadays, it is generally recommended to take Chinese herbal medicine twice, once before breakfast on an empty stomach, and once before sleep after dinner. However, it is also important to be flexible. For example, medicines that may stimulate the stomach and intestines are better taken after meals, while medicines for insomnia should be taken before sleep. For patients who have difficulty taking Chinese herbal medicine, they can take small amounts multiple times. In cases of acute or severe illness, timing is not a factor for taking the medicine.
