What are the taboos of decocting Chinese medicine

As people in modern society are becoming more and more aware of Chinese medicine, many friends will think of using Chinese medicine to help us regulate and treat diseases when they are sick. They have completely given up on Western medicine treatment because long-term use of Western medicine will have some side effects on the body. However, there are some taboos in the process of decocting Chinese medicine. So what are the taboos of decocting Chinese medicine? Regarding this issue, please learn with me in the next period of time.

1. Soaking before decocting

Generally, add cold water to cover the surface of the medicine, soak it and then boil it, so that the effective ingredients can be easily extracted. Generally, it only takes about 30 minutes of soaking, but it should also be treated differently according to the texture of the medicinal material itself and the differences in season and temperature. Flowers, grasses, and leaves can be soaked for 20 minutes; rhizomes, seeds, fruits, minerals, and crustaceans should be soaked for 30 to 60 minutes. In short, it depends on the penetration of the medicinal materials.

2. Selection of decoction utensils

The decoction container is closely related to the quality of the medicine liquid. Historical records believe that "silver is the best, and magnet is the second best." It is not recommended to use tin, iron or other pots for decoction. Because some drugs will precipitate when they come into contact with metals such as tin and iron, reducing their solubility and even causing chemical changes and side effects. Currently, it is more advocated to use ceramic and earthenware jars instead of iron and copper pots. It is best not to use aluminum pots, stainless steel or enamel containers to decoct medicine in order to ensure the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Choice of water for decoction

Water is the most commonly used solvent for decocting Chinese herbal medicines. Generally, clean cold water should be used, such as tap water, well water, distilled water, etc. The amount of water used should be determined by factors such as the weight, volume, water absorption capacity, decoction time, heat and required amount of medicine. Generally, it is appropriate to use water that covers the medicine by about half an inch. The amount of water used for decocting medicine should be sufficient at one time. Do not add water several times in the middle. Do not boil the medicine until it is dry and then add water to boil it again. The boiled medicine should be discarded.

The above paragraphs have introduced some taboos of decocting Chinese medicine. I sincerely hope that all friends can read the above content carefully, so that these taboos can be better avoided in daily life. At the same time, the process of decocting Chinese medicine can be done more correctly, and the various therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine can be correctly exerted, so that our diseases can be better cured.