What is Gao Fang?
Gao Fang, also known as medicinal paste, is named after its form and is a high-grade tonic enjoyed by the ancient royal families. It is one of the eight forms of traditional Chinese medicine, which include pills, powders, pastes, elixirs, wines, tinctures, soups, and tablets.
Gao Fang, also referred to as Gao Zi, is a semi-fluid preparation made by decocting traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in water, concentrating the decoction, and then adding honey or sugar (or invert sugar).
The renowned TCM expert, Mr. Qin Bowei, stated: “What is Gao? It is the essence and nourishment. Gao Fang is broad and nourishing. It is made by decocting medicinal juices or fatty liquids to nourish the dryness and weakness of the five organs and six bowels, hence it is commonly referred to as Gao Zi medicine.” Gao Fang is established based on large compound decoctions tailored to individual constitutions and clinical presentations, and is made into a thick, semi-fluid or gel-like preparation by adding certain auxiliary materials after concentrated decoction. The prescription should ideally use authentic medicinal materials, and the entire production process is strictly controlled; only finely processed Gao Fang can become a premium product.
Functions of Gao Fang
Replenishing Deficiency and Supporting Weakness
For those with insufficient qi and blood, organ deficiency, weak constitution, or various symptoms of weakness during recovery from surgery, postpartum, or serious chronic diseases, taking Gao Fang in winter can effectively promote recovery, enhance constitution, and improve quality of life.
Extending Life and Enhancing Longevity
For the elderly with declining qi and blood, insufficient energy, and weakened organ function, taking Gao Fang in winter can help combat aging. Middle-aged individuals may experience dizziness, lower back pain, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, and memory decline due to the gradual decline of organ functions with age; taking Gao Fang can enhance constitution and prevent premature aging.
Correcting Sub-Health States
Gao Fang has significant effects in regulating yin-yang balance and correcting sub-health states, helping the body return to optimal condition. In fast-paced and high-pressure work environments, many young people experience sub-health states such as dizziness, lower back pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and premature graying due to energy depletion; taking Gao Fang can significantly correct these imbalances and sub-health conditions.
Preventing and Treating Diseases
Gao Fang tailored for different patient conditions can effectively prevent and treat diseases, especially for patients with chronic illnesses or those with low immunity who frequently catch colds. Taking Gao Zi medicine in winter not only enhances immune function but also stores rich nutrients in the body, helping to prevent recurrence, colds, and enhance resistance.
Gao Fang Production Process
For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated rich theoretical knowledge and processing experience in the preparation of Gao Fang. The process is complex and not as simple as it seems. The production of Gao Fang involves several steps: formulation, soaking, extraction, concentration, collection of the paste, and packaging. Let us break down these steps in detail and unveil the mystery of Gao Fang.
How to Store Gao Fang?
To ensure that Gao Fang maintains its quality and fully exerts its medicinal properties during use, proper storage methods are crucial.
First, after the production of Gao Fang, allow it to cool completely before covering. It can be stored in a ceramic jar (pot, bowl) or an enamel pot, but aluminum or iron pots should not be used as containers.
Since Gao Fang is used over a long period, even in winter, care should be taken to prevent mold growth during warm winters. Generally, it should be kept in a cool place, and refrigeration is preferable. If stored in a cool place during a warm winter with rising temperatures, it should be steamed at high temperature in a water bath; however, direct heating of the pot is to be avoided as it can cause cracking and burning at the bottom. After steaming, the lid should be opened until completely cooled before covering again. Care should be taken to prevent water from the lid dripping onto the surface of the paste, as this can lead to mold growth in a few days. When taking Gao Fang daily, a fixed spoon should be used to avoid introducing moisture into the jar, which can cause spoilage.
If the climate is humid or the weather warms up, and mold spots appear on the surface of Gao Fang, it is advisable to scrape off the moldy layer with a clean fruit knife and then steam it at high temperature in a water bath. Of course, if there are many mold spots and they are deep within the paste, it should not be consumed.
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Are There Any Contraindications for Taking Gao Fang?
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that certain dietary restrictions must be observed when taking Gao Fang, as they can affect its efficacy. Generally, one should avoid raw, cold, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods. While taking Gao Fang, it is advisable to avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, strong tea, and cola, which are highly stimulating beverages. Avoid foods with detoxifying properties such as radishes and mung beans.
