The boiling process of Chinese medicine needs to follow certain steps, and the following are some basic guidelines:
Selection of suitable utensils: It is best to use casserole pots and pots because they can heat evenly and gently, which is conducive to the decoction of the active ingredients of the medicine. If conditions do not permit, enameled or stainless steel pots can also be used, but metal utensils such as iron and copper pots are not recommended as they may affect the efficacy of the medicine.
Soaking the herbs: Soak the herbs in cool water for 30 minutes to 1 hour, which will enable the active ingredients in the herbs to dissolve better.
Decoction: The amount of water added should be 2-5 centimeters above the surface of the herbs. First bring the herbs to a boil using high heat, then switch to low heat to continue decoction. For general herbs, the first decoction usually takes 20-30 minutes and the second one can be slightly shortened, usually 10-20 minutes. During the decoction process, the herbs need to be stirred 2-3 times to fully release the active ingredients in the herbs.
Mixing the liquid: Mix the liquid obtained from the two decoctions and shake well. If the amount of herbs is large, it may be necessary to decoct and mix the liquid three times.
Dosage: The mixed liquid can be taken in divided doses, usually in three doses or in the morning and evening. The exact method of taking should follow the doctor's instructions.
In addition, there are some special herbs whose decoction methods need attention:
Nourishing drugs: the decoction time should be longer, 30-35 minutes for the first decoction and 20-25 minutes for the second.
Antidepressants and heat-clearing medicines: a shorter decoction time is preferred, usually boiling over high heat and continuing to decoct for 3-5 minutes is sufficient.
Decoction first: for ores, shellfish or other firm-textured medicines, or poisonous Chinese medicines, they need to be boiled for about 60 minutes before decocting with other medicines.
Posterior Decoction: For certain herbs such as mint, sedum, hookah, etc., they need to be put in after the first decoction of other medicines for 15-25 minutes before decocting with other medicines.
Packed Decoction: For certain herbs such as Cymbopogon flexuosus, Plantago ovata, etc., they need to be packed in gauze bags and then decocted with other medicines.
Please note that the above is only a general guideline, and the specific method of decoction and method of administration should be carried out in accordance with the doctor's instructions. Safety should also be observed when boiling herbs to avoid accidents such as burns.