Mastering the Heat: Decocting Chinese Herbal Medicine with Precision

December 16, 2023

When decocting Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to pay attention to the heat and duration of decoction. The mastery of heat should also be based on the nature of the medicine. For dispersing exterior pathogenic factors, aromatic herbs with volatile oils are often used. Prolonged decoction can cause excessive loss of these volatile oils. In general, a strong fire and quick decoction method should be used, with a short decoction time. The first decoction should be boiled for 15 minutes, and the second decoction for 10 minutes. For tonifying herbs, which are often oily and heavy, a longer decoction is needed to extract the essence. It is recommended to start with a strong fire and boil the herbs, then switch to a gentle heat. After the first decoction boils, simmer it over low heat for 20-30 minutes, and simmer the second decoction for 30-40 minutes. For herbs with a long decoction time, it is necessary to stir 2-3 times during the process to prevent the herbs at the bottom from scorching. It is inappropriate and even dangerous to re-decoct the herbs with water if they have been burnt. This can cause qualitative changes in the medicine.

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