[How to Decoct Traditional Chinese Medicine]
According to the traditional Chinese medicine, there are certain methods for decocting medicine. Generally, "explosive medicine" is primarily used for its aroma, so it is suitable to use high heat for rapid decoction. Medicinal herbs for tonification are primarily used for their taste, so it is suitable to use low heat for slow decoction. There are also methods where the main medicine is decocted first and then other medicinal herbs are added, as well as methods where certain herbs are decocted first and then others are decocted later. Some medicines are first decocted as a soup before other herbs are added and cooked together. There are techniques where decoction is divided into two parts, with the second part being decocted later. Some methods involve removing the foam after initial decoction and using the second decoction. These methods all have practical significance and must be followed according to the instructions of the physician.
The amount of water added when decocting medicine should be determined based on the patient's age, the size of the medicinal formula, and the nature of the medicine, and cannot be generalized.
Generally speaking, each dose of Chinese medicine is suitable for decoction twice. The amount of water added for the first decoction is 500-700 milliliters, and for the second decoction is 300-350 milliliters. The medicine is first decocted with high heat and then with low heat for about 30 minutes. Approximately 200 milliliters of the decoction is taken. However, it should be noted that if there is another package of medicine, there may be differences in the order of decoction, addition, dissolution, and oral administration. Medicinal herbs that require first decoction should be decocted for 20-30 minutes before being decocted together with other herbs. Medicinal herbs that need to be decocted later should be added after the other herbs have been boiled and cooked together for about 15 minutes. Dissolving herbs should be steamed with a small amount of water and then mixed into the decoction for simultaneous consumption. Herbs for oral administration should have their powdered form added in portions to the decoction, and then consumed simultaneously.
Nowadays, people often do not pay attention to the choice of water for decoction, but the ancients had great attention to it. They believed that the quality of water varied, with different properties and thickness of taste, often varying by region.
[Which Type of Water is Best for Decocting: Surface Water or Groundwater]
Surface water is widely available and not limited by seasons and climate, making it the most commonly used. This includes flowing water, known as "eastward flowing water," "thousand-mile water," or "sweet and clear water," which refers to rivers and streams used to decoct Chinese medicine for conditions such as post-illness weakness, insufficient spleen and stomach function, and post-exertion yin deficiency. Upward flowing water refers to water in rivers that flows against the current and can be used to decoct Chinese medicine for conditions such as stroke, sudden fainting, wind headache, and malaria. In fact, whether it is flowing water or upward flowing water, the key is to obtain fresh and clean water with active flow.
Groundwater is mostly rich in minerals and has inherent therapeutic effects, such as hot spring water. This type of hot spring water is also known as hot spring bath, and it can be used to treat scabies, rheumatic joint pain, hemiplegia, and other conditions through bathing or soaking. Newly dug well water also falls into this category and is commonly used in rural areas for decocting Chinese medicine for conditions such as dysentery, nourishing yin, clearing deficient fire, as well as vomiting and polydipsia. Well water is clean and hygienic, making it an ideal choice for decocting medicine.
