In today's era of increasing emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine health preservation, decocting Chinese herbs has become an essential part of many health enthusiasts' routine. However, in order to maintain the optimal therapeutic effect of Chinese herbs, the decoction method is also very important. Let's take a look at some precautions for decocting Chinese herbs.
1. Equipment selection
It is important to avoid using iron or aluminum pots for decocting Chinese herbs; instead, it is recommended to use sand pots, preferably black sand pots.
This is because the tannin and glycoside substances contained in the herbs can react with iron or aluminum, forming tannin salts, which can darken or turn the decoction green, thereby reducing the efficacy of the herbs.
It may even alter the medicinal properties, resulting in a failure to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and potentially worsen the condition. In addition, iron and stainless steel pots conduct heat too quickly, requiring frequent stirring during the decoction process, which can easily lead to scorching.
The main component of a sand pot used for decocting Chinese herbs is silicate, which has stable chemical properties, even heat distribution, slow heat transfer, and less evaporation of water during decoction. This allows the effective ingredients in the herbs to dissolve well, preserving the original efficacy of the decoction.
It is worth noting that a sand pot may crack if suddenly heated or cooled. Therefore, it is advisable not to rinse a recently used sand pot with cold water immediately.
2. Water control
Different Chinese herbs have varying water absorption capacities due to their different textures. Generally, the water-to-herb ratio should be controlled between 5-10 times. The same weight of herbs will have a larger volume if the texture is loose, resulting in a higher water absorption capacity.
If the texture is solid, the volume will be smaller, and the water absorption capacity will be lower. Therefore, when decocting flowers, leaves, and whole herbaceous materials, more water should be added. When decocting mineral or shell-based medicines, less water should be added.
For most Chinese herbs, the usual amount of water added is such that when pressed lightly with a finger after soaking, the water level is about one finger's width above the herbs. Of course, the amount of water added is directly proportional to the duration of decoction. If the decoction requires a long time, a little more water should be added, and if the decoction requires a short time, a little less water should be added.
For tonifying medicinal herbs used to treat weak conditions, more water can be added. The water level should cover the herbs by about 1 inch during the first decoction. For the second and third decoctions, the water level should be determined based on the duration of decoction, generally just covering the herbs. If the decoction time exceeds 25 minutes, water can be added appropriately.
For decocting medicines used to treat colds or promote bowel movements, the amount of water should not be excessive. During the first decoction, the water level only needs to cover the herbs, and during the second decoction, the water level should be at the same level as the herbs.
3. Decoction time
When seeking accurate decoction times, it is important to note that different herbs have different textures, requiring different methods, procedures, and times for decoction. For example, some herbs need to be decocted first before adding others, some need to be decocted separately, and some need to be decocted in a pouch.
The decoction time for some herbs used for relieving superficial symptoms should be shorter. Aromatic herbs such as Huoxiang, Pelan, and Bohe, as well as some fresh herbs, should be decocted for a shorter time, usually added when other herbs are almost done and stopped when the aroma is released.
For some mineral, shell-based, or animal-based medicines, such as raw gypsum, magnetite, raw oyster, and raw stone calamus, which have relatively hard textures, they need to be decocted separately for about 20 minutes before adding other herbs for a joint decoction.
In addition, there are some herbs that need to be decocted in a pouch, such as small-sized seeds, powdery herbs that are easily scorched, or herbs with spines that may irritate the throat or digestive tract. These herbs should be wrapped in gauze before decoction.
