Essential Knowledge on the Preparation and Consumption of Chinese Herbal Decoctions

Essential Knowledge on the Preparation and Consumption of Chinese Herbal Decoctions

Decoctions are the most commonly used form in clinical practice. Factors such as the choice of decoction utensils, the amount of water, the heat level, the method of decoction, the timing of consumption, the dosage, and contraindications can all affect the efficacy and safety of the medication. As stated in the Compendium of Materia Medica: … Read more

How to Properly Prepare Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

How to Properly Prepare Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) decoctions refer to liquid preparations obtained by boiling Chinese medicinal herbs in water to extract their active components. They are one of the traditional forms of TCM and are central to TCM treatment of diseases. The term “tang” (汤) means to wash away, indicating that decoctions are quickly absorbed, easily exert … Read more

Timing for the Use of Decoctions, Powders, and Pills in TCM

Timing for the Use of Decoctions, Powders, and Pills in TCM

In daily practice, I, Dr. Hu Liangpu, most frequently prescribe decoctions and pills for patients, while powders are currently used less often. Here, I will discuss the appropriate timing for using decoctions, powders, and pills. In the texts of “Shang Han” and “Jin Kui”, we encounter the three forms: decoctions, powders, and pills. When reading … Read more

Choosing Between Decoctions, Water Pills, and Honey Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Choosing Between Decoctions, Water Pills, and Honey Pills in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In daily life, many people are most familiar with decoctions (tāngjì) as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparation, but it is only one of many types of TCM formulations. The Huangdi Neijing records various forms such as decoctions, pills (wán), powders (sǎn), pastes (gāo), and medicinal wines, along with their preparation methods. The … Read more

Top Ten Famous TCM Formulas

Top Ten Famous TCM Formulas

【Encyclopedia of Chinese Herbal Medicine】 Here we have selected the top ten famous TCM formulas, organized into two parts for your reading and collection. The top ten formulas include Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) from “Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage)”, Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) from … Read more

Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has various forms such as pills, powders, pastes, and elixirs. With advancements in science and technology, the forms of Chinese herbal medicine are also changing. In addition to decoctions, modern Chinese patent medicines, ready-to-use granules, and powdered herbs are increasingly accepted by many.However, many patients may wonder which form of the … Read more

Methods and Precautions for Preparing and Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Methods and Precautions for Preparing and Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions refer to liquid preparations made by boiling Chinese herbal pieces in water to extract their active components. This is one of the most commonly used forms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Decoctions are characterized by rapid absorption, effective therapeutic action, and flexibility in adjusting the composition, allowing them to comprehensively and … Read more

Comprehensive Remedies for Constipation and Stomach Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Comprehensive Remedies for Constipation and Stomach Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

12. Constipation 1. San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction): Song Zi Ren (Pine Nut) 25g, Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed) 20g, Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Fruit) 25g. Decoction in water, take 1 dose daily. Effect: Moistens the intestines and relieves constipation. Indication: Constipation due to Yin deficiency and dryness of the intestines. 2. Pi Pa … Read more

Correct Methods and Precautions for Preparing Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Correct Methods and Precautions for Preparing Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) decoctions are one of the traditional forms of TCM and are the most commonly used method for TCM treatment. The Compendium of Materia Medica states: “When taking decoctions, even if the herbs are specialized and properly processed, if the decoction is made carelessly, with improper water and fire, and the timing … Read more

The Diverse Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Beyond Just Bitter Decoctions

The Diverse Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Beyond Just Bitter Decoctions

Click the blue text above to follow「Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine」 Research Institute of Chinese Herbal Formulas, Guo Dingding When it comes to taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), most people immediately think of drinking bitter decoctions. Decoctions are the most commonly encountered and familiar form of TCM. In fact, there are many forms … Read more