"The method of decoction should be thoroughly studied, as the effectiveness of the medicine depends on it." It is important to have the correct method for decocting traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in order to ensure the efficacy and achieve better therapeutic effects.
Beware of excessive cleaning
It is generally not recommended to wash the herbs before decoction. Washing them can cause loss of water-soluble components and some processed auxiliary materials, as well as wash away some powdered or small seed-like herbs, which may affect the effectiveness of the formula.
If the herbs do need to be washed, it is important to avoid soaking or soaking for too long. Instead, choose to quickly rinse them under a suitable intensity of flowing water or gently wash the surface of the herbs. Use gauze or a filter to filter the cleaning solution to prevent the herbs from being in contact with water for too long or loss of small particles.
Choose the right water
In ancient times, the choice of water for decoction was highly valued by TCM practitioners. Various types of water for decoction were recorded in ancient medical books, such as flowing water, swift-flowing water, and sweet clear water.
Modern people have limited options for water, but with the improvement of living standards, there are various types of water available at different prices, which can make patients feel conflicted when choosing water for decoction. In fact, any water that is clean, transparent, and meets drinking standards can be used for decoction.
It is worth mentioning that it is not recommended to choose mineral water with high metal ion content or distilled water without any metal ions. Some high concentrations of metal ions may react with glycosides, alkaloids, tannic acid, and other components in TCM, affecting the effectiveness of the medicine. Completely metal-free distilled water is also not conducive to the extraction of TCM ingredients.
Stir appropriately during decoction
During the decoction process, the concentration of the solution gradually reaches an equilibrium state with the solute, and a thick layer of gas film forms on the surface of the herbs. Stirring them appropriately helps to evenly distribute the heat to the herbs, promotes concentration balance, prevents local high concentrations, reduces the efficiency of dissolution, overcomes the influence of the gas film, promotes the extraction of active ingredients, and prevents the herbs from sticking to the pot. It is generally recommended to stir once every 5 minutes. Too little stirring is not conducive to the dissolution of herbal ingredients, while too frequent stirring may cause loss of heat and volatile oil components.
Do not forget to filter and press
Generally, decoction machines can achieve filtration and pressing after decoction. However, during the decoction process at home, the step of pressing the decoction liquid is often overlooked, resulting in loss of the liquid's components. After the herbs are decocted, the tissues continuously expand, and the intercellular gaps are filled with the solvent. It is important to filter the decoction liquid while it is still hot and use appropriate tools to fully press the herbal residue, in order to maximize the filtration of the liquid and avoid waste.
Reheat with hot water for the second decoction
For home decoction, it is recommended to decoct the herbs at least twice. After the first decoction, the temperature of the herbs' surface is relatively high and the tissues are expanded. Adding cold water will cause a sudden contact of the hot herbs' surface with the cold water, resulting in the coagulation of proteins and the formation of a coagulation film, which affects the continuous dissolution of active ingredients. Therefore, it is advisable to add hot water that is not lower than the temperature of the herbs' surface for the second decoction.
Decoction may seem trivial, but it requires deep knowledge. In addition to following the conventional decoction process and methods for home decoction of TCM, the above-mentioned details should not be overlooked. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the medicine will be greatly reduced. It is also important to remind everyone that TCM emphasizes a holistic approach and individualized treatment. It is important not to self-prescribe or use herbal medicine without consulting professionals, especially for special populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and children. Professional advice from doctors or pharmacists should be sought before using herbal medicine.
