Is it better to boil Chinese medicine for a longer time? Are there any taboos when boiling medicine? These are common concerns people have when boiling Chinese medicine at home.
Before boiling the medicine, soak the herbs in cold water for about 20-30 minutes to allow the herbs to fully absorb water. This facilitates the dissolution of the active ingredients. Then, add water and start boiling. During the boiling process, it is common to bring the medicine to a boil using high heat and then simmer it with low heat. Typically, the medicine is boiled twice, and the two batches are mixed together to make a total volume of about 300-500 milliliters. The medicine is then divided into two portions, with one portion taken in the morning and the other in the evening.
Due to the different textures of herbs, the methods, procedures, and boiling times may vary. For example, some herbs need to be boiled before adding others, some need to be boiled separately, and some need to be wrapped before boiling. The boiling time for herbs that release the exterior should be shorter. Fragrant herbs such as Huoxiang, Peilan, and Bohe, as well as fresh herbs, should also be boiled for a shorter time. They are usually added when other herbs are almost done boiling and their fragrance can be smelled. On the other hand, minerals, shells, and animal-derived herbs such as Shengshigao, Cishi, Shengmulu, and Shengshijueming, which have harder textures, need to be boiled for about 20 minutes before adding other herbs to be boiled together. Additionally, some herbs need to be wrapped before boiling. This includes small seeds, powdered herbs, and herbs that are prone to burning or irritating the throat or digestive tract. They should be wrapped in gauze before boiling.
The common practice now is to take one dose of Chinese medicine twice a day, on an empty stomach before breakfast in the morning and before bedtime after dinner. However, it is also important to be flexible. For example, if the medicine is known to be irritating to the stomach and intestines, it is better to take it after a meal. Sleep-inducing medicine should be taken before bedtime. For patients who have difficulty taking Chinese medicine, they can take small amounts multiple times. In case of acute or severe illness, the timing of medicine intake is not restricted.
