One: Pre-soaking before decoction
Usually, soaking the herbs in cold water until fully saturated before decoction can help extract the active ingredients more effectively. Generally, soaking for about 30 minutes is sufficient, but it may vary depending on the texture of the herbs, the season, and the temperature. Flowers, grass, and leaves can be soaked for 20 minutes; roots, stems, seeds, fruits, minerals, and shellfish herbs should be soaked for 30-60 minutes. In short, soak the herbs until they are fully saturated.
Two: Selection of utensils for decoction
The choice of decoction container is closely related to the quality of the medicinal liquid. Historical records suggest that "silver is best, followed by porcelain," and do not recommend using pots made of tin, iron, and other metals for decoction. Some medicines may undergo precipitation and reduce solubility when they come into contact with tin, iron, and other metals, and even cause chemical changes and side effects. Currently, it is recommended to use ceramic or earthenware pots instead of iron pots, copper pots, aluminum pots, stainless steel pots, and enamel containers to ensure the efficacy of Chinese medicine.
Three: Selection of water for decoction
Water is the most commonly used solvent for decocting Chinese herbal medicine. Generally, clean cold water such as tap water, well water, and distilled water should be used. The amount of water used should be determined based on factors such as the weight, volume, water absorption capacity of the medicine, decoction time, heat, and required dosage. Generally, the water should cover the herbs by about half an inch. The amount of water for decoction should be sufficient in one go, without adding water multiple times in the middle, and the dried herbs should not be re-boiled with added water. Discard the dried herbs.
Four: Decocting time
Decocting Chinese herbal medicine can be divided into "strong heat" and "gentle heat." Decocting with high heat is called "strong heat," while decocting with low heat is called "gentle heat." Generally, start with high heat and switch to low heat after boiling. Different prescriptions require different decocting times. For treating exterior syndromes with sweating and dispersing pathogenic factors, the decocting time should be short, while for nourishing herbs used to treat deficiency syndromes, the decocting time should be longer.
Five: Proper administration
Decoctions should generally be taken one hour before meals. Medications that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken after meals, while nourishing herbs should be taken on an empty stomach. Sedative herbs should be taken before sleep, and medications for chronic diseases should be taken at regular intervals. Generally, one dose should be divided into 2-3 administrations per day, with one dose per day. In special circumstances, two doses can be taken in one day to enhance efficacy. Chinese herbal decoctions are usually taken warm, but depending on the specific situation, they can also be taken cold.
Six: Medication contraindications
Traditional Chinese medicine has always had the concept of "Eighteen Adverse Reactions" and "Nineteen Avoidances." Therefore, it is important not to blindly use folk remedies or secret formulas and avoid acting as a "doctor" to make "bitter medicine." It is necessary to formulate and prescribe medicines under the guidance of a doctor. For example, during pregnancy, certain drugs have side effects that can harm the fetus or even cause abortion. Therefore, they should be considered as contraindications during pregnancy, such as croton, morning glory, euphorbia, blister beetle, musk, sanguisorba, curcuma, and leeches. Drugs that should be used with caution during pregnancy include peach kernel, safflower, rhubarb, aurantium, aconite, dried ginger, and cinnamon.
Seven: Dietary restrictions during medication
During medication, it is necessary to avoid consuming foods that are raw, cold, fishy, or difficult to digest. In addition to the common restrictions, such as avoiding scallions, garlic, and radishes when taking Rehmannia and Polygonum multiflorum, avoiding crab meat when taking Poria, and avoiding vinegar when taking honey, specific dietary restrictions should be followed according to the specific condition and medical advice.
