With the increasing popularity of electronic appliances, microwave ovens have also established their position in the heating appliance category. Many people prefer to use microwave ovens to heat food because it is convenient and fast - just a few minutes in the microwave and the food is ready to eat. So, can we use microwave ovens to decoct traditional Chinese medicine? Let's answer this question below.
Whether it is from the heating principle of the microwave oven, the choice of containers, or the cooking time, it is generally not recommended to use microwave ovens to decoct traditional Chinese medicine. Here are several reasons:
1. Degradation of herbal ingredients
The heating principle of a microwave oven is to use microwaves to vibrate the molecules inside the food, generating heat. When decocting traditional Chinese medicine in a microwave oven, the process of the molecules vibrating and generating heat inside the herbal ingredients can cause damage and degradation, resulting in the loss of the original efficacy of the herbs.
2. Different decoction methods
Traditional Chinese medicine often has different textures and properties, so the decoction methods and cooking times can vary. There are methods such as "first decoction, then add other ingredients", "wrap decoction" and so on. When using a microwave oven, it is difficult to accurately determine when the herbal ingredients have been cooked, whether enough water has been added, and it is also inconvenient to stir the herbs during the decoction process.
3. Unsuitable containers
Decocting traditional Chinese medicine requires specific containers. However, the containers used for heating in a microwave oven are usually made of plastic, which does not meet the requirements for decocting traditional Chinese medicine.
4. Difficult to control heat and time
Decocting traditional Chinese medicine requires precise control of the heat and cooking time. If using a microwave oven, it is difficult to achieve this level of control. Decocting traditional Chinese medicine usually involves boiling over high heat and then simmering over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Different herbs require different cooking times. Since microwave ovens heat food rapidly from the inside out, the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine cannot be fully realized.
In conclusion, whether it is the cooking time, heat control, or choice of containers, using a microwave oven to decoct traditional Chinese medicine is not recommended. It is suggested to use dedicated containers for decocting traditional Chinese medicine, which will not affect the efficacy of the herbs and allow for better control of heat and time.
