Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoctions
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important component of TCM treatment, but some patients are not very familiar with the preparation of Chinese herbal decoctions. Today, let’s take a look at some precautions regarding the decoction of Chinese herbs.
What type of container is needed for decocting Chinese herbs?
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The decoction of Chinese herbs has certain requirements. During the decoction process, the interaction of the herbs occurs, so the choice of decoction container should be one that heats evenly and is chemically stable. Commonly chosen containers include clay pots, earthenware jars, and enamel pots. Generally, metal containers such as iron or copper pots are not recommended to avoid interactions with the herbs that could affect their efficacy.
Do Chinese herbs need to be washed?
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Some patients are concerned about the cleanliness of Chinese herbs and often wonder whether they need to be washed. In fact, Chinese herbal pieces are natural medicines that have been processed. They can be lightly washed before decoction to remove impurities, but they should not be soaked repeatedly to avoid losing the effective components of the herbs.
Special decoction methods for Chinese herbs
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In prescriptions, you often see Chinese herbs that are packaged separately. These herbs require special decoction methods. Common special decoction methods include: pre-decoction, late addition, separate decoction, bag decoction, melting, and direct consumption.
Pre-decoction: Decoct the herbs that require pre-decoction for about 30 minutes before adding them to the other herbs. This method is mainly suitable for mineral and shell-based herbs, as well as those with certain toxicity.
Late addition: Add the herbs during the last 5-10 minutes of decoction, mainly suitable for certain aromatic herbs and those with special effects.
Separate decoction: Decoct separately for 20-30 minutes, then mix the decocted liquid into the main decoction. This method is mainly suitable for precious herbs such as ginseng (Ren Shen) and American ginseng (Xi Yang Shen).
Bag decoction: Place the herbs in a gauze bag or special packaging and decoct with other herbs. This method is mainly suitable for certain granular herbs to avoid unpleasant tastes.
Melting: Place the herbs in a container and steam them, then mix the melted herbs into the decoction.
Direct consumption: Mix the herbs directly into the decoction for consumption.
Methods for decocting Chinese herbs
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Before decocting, soak the herbs in water for 20-30 minutes.
For the first decoction, add water to cover the herbs by 2-3 cm, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low heat to maintain a gentle boil for 20-30 minutes, and pour out the decocted liquid.
For the second decoction, add water to cover the herbs by 1-2 cm, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low heat to maintain a gentle boil for 15-20 minutes, and pour out the decocted liquid.
Each prescription of Chinese herbs is decocted twice, and the two decocted liquids are combined and taken in two doses.
Methods for taking Chinese herbs
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Chinese herbal decoctions are taken once daily, divided into two doses, taken about 1-2 hours after meals, with an interval of 4-6 hours between doses. In special circumstances, follow the doctor’s advice.
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Text by: Zhang Hui
Editor: Zhang Hui
Reviewed by: Jiang Jingwen