1. Boil medicine with boiled water
People nowadays tend to be lazy when boiling medicine and just use tap water directly. However, it is important to let the boiled water cool down before using it for boiling medicine. In some places, tap water is often disinfected with chlorine, which may leave some residue. Moreover, tap water contains a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, which can react with compounds in the herbs and affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
2. Choose the right utensils
It is recommended to use a sand pot for boiling medicine. If possible, a purple clay pot is the best option, followed by enamelware. However, do not use metal utensils such as iron or aluminum pots.
3. Cover volatile medicine while boiling
Whether to cover the pot while boiling volatile medicine is not just a matter of personal habit. The effect can vary depending on different types of medicine. If volatile medicine is boiled with the pot uncovered, the active ingredients will evaporate into the air along with the steam, leading to a significant reduction in effectiveness. It is easy to identify volatile medicine, as they are usually pungent or aromatic herbs that dispel exterior pathogens or resolve dampness, such as peppermint, perilla leaf, and patchouli. These herbs should not be boiled for too long.
4. The right amount of water for boiling medicine
The amount of water for boiling medicine should be enough to cover the herbs by about half an inch. The water should be added all at once and not in multiple additions. Boiling the medicine until it is dry and then adding water again for a second boil is not recommended. Discard the medicine if it becomes dry.
The "333 method" is a scientific approach to boiling and taking Chinese herbal medicine that addresses some of the shortcomings of long-term consumption. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have proposed this new method.
The specific boiling method is as follows:
First, place the herbs in a container and soak them in cold water for 30-60 minutes to facilitate the extraction of active ingredients.
It is recommended to boil the herbs twice. The first boil should be done with high heat until it boils, then switch to low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Filter out the liquid. During the boiling process, minimize opening the lid to prevent the loss of medicinal aroma. For the second boil, add water and boil for another 15-20 minutes. Filter out the liquid and combine the two batches of liquid to a total of approximately 250ml, to be consumed in multiple doses.
A single long boil should not be used as a substitute for two separate boils. Different herbal prescriptions require different boiling times.
5. Boiling time for medicine
When seeking the accurate boiling time for Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to note that different herbs have different textures and therefore require different boiling methods, procedures, and times. For example, some herbs need to be boiled first before adding other ingredients, while others need to be cooked separately or wrapped in cloth. The boiling time for herbs that dispel exterior pathogens should be shorter, and aromatic herbs like patchouli, perilla leaf, and peppermint should also be boiled for a shorter time. They are usually added when other herbs are almost done boiling and the fragrance can be smelled. On the other hand, minerals, shells, or animal-based herbs like gypsum, magnetite, oyster shell, and fossilized bone require a preliminary boil of about 20 minutes before adding other herbs to be boiled together. Additionally, there are certain herbs that need to be wrapped in gauze before boiling, such as small seeds, powdery herbs that are prone to burning, or herbs with thorns that may irritate the throat or digestive tract.
