[Why is a clay pot a better choice for brewing traditional Chinese medicine]
When brewing traditional Chinese medicine, the choice of utensils is very important. The clay pot and earthenware pot are the preferred options, followed by enamelware and stainless steel pots. It is best to avoid using iron or copper pots. Clay pots and earthenware pots have stable chemical properties, heat evenly, and have slow heat transfer, which makes it difficult for the water to evaporate during the process of brewing the medicine.
Stainless steel pots conduct heat too quickly, so when brewing medicine, it is necessary to stir frequently to prevent the herbs from sticking to the pot, as it is easy to burn the pot if not careful. Chinese medicine experts remind everyone that iron and copper pots should never be used to brew medicine. This is because iron and copper are reactive elements that can easily react with the various chemical components in the medicine, producing toxic side effects.
[Tips for using a clay pot for brewing medicine]
It is important to note that a clay pot may crack if suddenly heated or cooled. When brewing medicine, the pot should be gradually heated and not heated suddenly over high heat to prevent cracking.
After brewing medicine in a clay pot, do not immediately rinse it with cold water. Let it cool on a dry wooden board or rack before cleaning the residue. The oil stains on the clay pot should not be soaked in detergent to prevent the dirty water from seeping into the pores. Instead, they can be wiped with leftover tea leaves or soaked in rice water to remove the stains and then brushed with a brush.
[How to remove the odor from a clay pot]
First, clean the clay pot with water and remove any oil stains on the surface to prepare for the next step of odor removal.
The second step is to cook rice porridge in the clay pot. Add more water to the pot and put in two handfuls of rice (the rice does not need to be washed, as the porridge is used to "absorb" the odor in the clay pot, not for consumption). Heat it up and boil for 20 minutes.
Keep stirring to prevent sticking, and finally wash the clay pot to remove the odor.
[Maintenance of utensils for brewing medicine]
1. When using a clay pot for brewing medicine, pay attention to the instructions for use.
2. Pay attention to the condition of the power plug when using the clay pot, ensuring safety during use.
3. After using the clay pot for brewing medicine, pay attention to cleaning it thoroughly, as it is a medication and must be kept clean and hygienic.
4. After use, make sure to wipe the clay pot clean to prevent the growth of bacteria.
