As the pace of urban life accelerates, many professionals are busy with work, and some cannot boil Chinese medicine due to environmental constraints. Therefore, powdered Chinese medicine is used, and one can simply use an electric kettle to brew it with hot water.Generally, powdered Chinese medicine refers to Chinese herbal powders, which can be taken in various ways: directly, brewed with hot water, or mixed with other substances.1. Direct consumption: For example, Wu Bei San (Five-Ingredient Powder) is a powdered formula made from three herbs: Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Hai Piao Xiao (Cuttlefish Bone), and Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), which are ground together into a powder and packaged. Most powdered Chinese medicines can be taken directly, providing corresponding regulating and therapeutic effects. However, the taste of powdered Chinese medicine can be unpleasant and irritating, making it difficult for many patients to accept direct oral intake.2. Brewed with hot water: This method is suitable for patients who cannot tolerate direct consumption. Brewing with hot water can improve the taste of the powdered medicine and reduce its irritability. However, patients should pay attention to controlling the water temperature and quantity to avoid affecting the medicinal efficacy.3. Mixed consumption: A common clinical practice is to mix the powdered medicine with Huang Jiu (Yellow Wine) or add honey to the powder. This method significantly reduces the irritability and unpleasant odor of the powdered medicine, making it more palatable and easier for patients to tolerate.
Although powdered Chinese medicine can be taken in the aforementioned ways, different medicines have different consumption methods, with brewing in hot water being the most common. It is recommended that patients strictly follow medical advice to avoid altering the method of consumption, which may affect the efficacy of the medicine.Additionally, taking powdered medicine directly with hot water does not lead to a loss of efficacy; in fact, this method can enhance the medicinal effects and increase the concentration of the medicine.Some powdered herbs can be swallowed directly without brewing, such as San Qi (Notoginseng) powder and Tian Qi (Tianqi) powder. However, some herbs should not be powdered, such as Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) and Cordyceps, which need to be soaked in hot water to exert their effects. Moreover, some herbal residues are not meant to be consumed and do not need to be powdered. Therefore, it is best to conduct a TCM diagnosis before using the medicine and then apply the appropriate treatment.With the improvement of living standards, more and more people are paying attention to health and wellness. They develop good lifestyle and dietary habits and often consume foods beneficial to health, especially those with dietary therapy effects. At this time, Chinese medicine is also being utilized, and many people are consuming powdered Chinese medicine. So, should powdered Chinese medicine be taken with hot water or warm water?1. Powdered Chinese medicine should be brewed with hot water and then cooled to a suitable temperature for consumption, as this aids in the absorption of the medicine.2. Generally, warm water is used for brewing, which helps with digestion and absorption, while some may prefer hot water, as this can enhance the medicinal effects more than the former.3. The effect of decocting powdered Chinese medicine is often better.While taking powdered medicine is convenient, some people may dry swallow the powder, which is unhygienic and can burden the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, pharmacists may suggest that customers place a certain amount of powdered medicine in a porcelain bowl, mix it with water, and heat it in an electric kettle until boiling, then allow it to cool to a suitable temperature for consumption.4. The powdered medicine should be mixed evenly before consumption.Before grinding, the Chinese herbal pieces are generally not mixed thoroughly, so it is required to mix the powder evenly before taking it. Pharmacists may suggest customers spread the powder on packaging paper, ensuring uniform thickness, and divide it into several squares, mixing each square together to achieve a consistent color and texture.5. Finally, it is important to note: powdered Chinese medicine should not be stored for more than two years.It is unlikely that powdered Chinese medicine will be consumed quickly, so attention must be paid to daily storage. Pharmacists should remind customers to keep the powder dry, and it can be refrigerated or frozen, but not for too long, generally not exceeding two years. It is advisable not to grind too much at once to avoid moisture absorption and deterioration during storage, which may affect the efficacy.
Zhōu Tiān YīMaking Traditional Chinese Medicine simpler and more interesting.This article is for educational exchange and sharing purposes only. Please follow medical advice when using medicine!
