How to boil Chinese herbal medicine: a complete analysis of traditional methods and modern techniques
The preparation of Chinese herbal medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The correct method of preparation can maximize the efficacy of the medicine. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the steps, precautions and common problems of brewing Chinese herbal medicine.
1. Basic steps for brewing Chinese herbal medicine

| steps | How to operate | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Soak | Soak in cold water for 30-60 minutes | The amount of water should cover the medicinal materials by 2-3 cm |
| 2. Fry once | After boiling over high heat, turn to low heat for 30 minutes | Avoid frequent uncovering |
| 3. Second frying | Add water again and boil for 20 minutes | Mix the two liquids before taking them |
| 4. Special treatment | Fry first, then fry, wrap, etc. | Follow doctor’s instructions for special treatment |
2. Key points for brewing different types of Chinese herbal medicines
| Medicinal material type | Cooking method | Typical representative |
|---|---|---|
| Rhizome | Requires long time to cook | Astragalus, Angelica |
| Leaf flowers | Cook later or for a short time | chrysanthemum, mint |
| Minerals | Need to be fried for more than 30 minutes | Gypsum, keel |
| Glue | Redeem at closing time | Donkey-hide gelatin, deer antler gelatin |
3. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why do Chinese herbal medicines need to be boiled twice?Research shows that two decoctions can extract more than 90% of the active ingredients in medicinal materials, which is better than a single decoction.
2.What is the best pot for boiling medicine?Casserole is the best choice, followed by stainless steel pots. Avoid using iron or aluminum pots, as they may easily react with the medicine.
3.How to control the amount of water when boiling medicine?Generally, 500-800ml of water is added for the first decoction, and 300-500ml of water is added for the second decoction. The specific adjustment is based on the amount of medicinal materials and doctor's instructions.
4. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of modern medicine boiling equipment
| Device type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| traditional casserole | Heating evenly without destroying the medicinal properties | Time consuming and requires supervision |
| electric decoction kettle | Automatic control, convenient | Some medicinal effects may be affected |
| Decoction machine | High degree of standardization | High cost, suitable for medical institutions |
5. Precautions for preparing medicine for special groups of people
1.Medication for children:The dosage of the medicine should be halved, the decoction time can be shortened appropriately, and the medicine liquid needs to be concentrated to an appropriate amount.
2.Medication for pregnant women:Strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Some medicinal materials require special attention to the decoction method.
3.Medication for the Elderly:The soaking time can be appropriately extended, and the medicinal solution can be taken in multiple doses.
6. Storage and use suggestions
1. It is best to take the decoction liquid on the same day. If it needs to be stored, it should be refrigerated for no more than 3 days.
2. It is generally recommended to take it 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals, and follow the doctor’s advice.
3. Avoid eating cold, spicy, greasy and other foods while taking the medicine to avoid affecting the efficacy of the medicine.
Through the above introduction, I believe you have a more comprehensive understanding of the methods of brewing Chinese herbal medicine. The correct preparation of Chinese herbal medicine is the key to ensuring the curative effect. It is recommended to do it under the guidance of a professional physician. With the development of modern science and technology, the methods of brewing medicine are also constantly innovating, but the essence of traditional methods still needs to be passed down.
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