Click the blue text above to follow for more exciting content
1. General Preparation Methods for Decoctions
1. Process: Soaking → Boiling → Filtering → Consuming
2. Cooking Utensils: It is advisable to use a clay pot, ceramic products, or stainless steel pots; avoid using iron pots or other metal products for boiling.
3. Soaking Time and Water Amount: Use drinking water that meets national standards (tap water, mineral water, purified water) to prepare the decoction. Soak according to the properties, size, and thickness of the herbs for 20-30 minutes or 1 hour. Water amount: Generally, the water level should be 2-3 cm above the soaked herbs or about 100-200 mL of decoction per session. For nourishing herbs or herbs for releasing the exterior (to treat colds), adjust the water amount as needed; for children’s decoctions, the water amount can be reduced appropriately.
4. Boiling Time, Heat Level, and Decoction Volume: Generally, start with high heat (boiling) and then switch to low heat (simmering) to maintain a gentle boil. Each batch of herbs should be boiled twice.
(1) General herbs: For the first boil, after boiling, simmer for 20-30 minutes, then filter about 100-200 mL of the hot decoction. For the second boil, add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, then filter about 100-200 mL of the hot decoction. Note that after the second boil, the herb residue should be squeezed to avoid loss of decoction. Combine and mix the two decoctions, generally divided into two doses (unless otherwise instructed by a physician).
(2) Special herbs: For herbs that release the exterior (for treating colds) or purgative herbs (for treating constipation), the boiling time should be shorter: first boil for about 15 minutes, and second boil for 10 minutes. Nourishing herbs should be boiled longer: first boil for 30-35 minutes, and second boil for 15-20 minutes.
2. Special Processing Methods for Decoction Preparation
1. Pre-boiling: For herbs that need to be pre-boiled, bring to a boil with high heat, then switch to low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes before adding other herbs (hereinafter referred to as group herbs), and then follow the general boiling method.
2. Late Addition: After simmering the group herbs for 15-20 minutes, add the herbs that need to be added later and boil for 5-10 minutes.
3. Separate Boiling: For herbs that need to be boiled separately, boil them alone for 30-40 minutes, then combine the residue with the group herbs for boiling, and filter the decoction to mix with the group herbs’ decoction for consumption. Animal horn and toxic herbs are generally boiled for 2-3 hours.
4. Melting: For herbs that need to be melted (e.g., Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gel), Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), Gui Jiao (Tortoise Shell Glue)), place them in a pot with an appropriate amount of water, heat to melt or steam, then mix into the group herbs’ decoction for consumption.
5. Powdering: Fine powder of the herbs can be taken with warm water or the decoction of the group herbs.
6. Mixing: Liquid herbal juice can be mixed into the group herbs’ decoction for consumption.
END
Written by: Hu Yangliang Reviewed by: Tan Huilin, Wu Boqi Edited by: Jiang Qiuyi