Q : What is the most common form of Chinese medicine?
A
:
The most common form is liquid decoction. Chinese herbal decoctions are
characterized by their quick absorption, favorable therapeutic outcomes
and minimal toxic side effects. The ingredients in the decoctions can
be modified, increased or decreased on a daily basis, allowing
physicians to tailor to the patient's changing conditions and needs.
Flexibility is one of the main reasons why this method is still being
used after thousands of years.
Q : What is the proper way to make a herbal decoction?
A
:
Just like cooking, it is important to follow the proper steps.
Incorrect preparation may impact on the intended effects.
A
ceramic clay or crockery pot with a lid works best; however, an enamel
or glass pot can also be used. Iron, aluminium and copper pots should
be avoided because chemical interaction can occur and affect the
original nature of the ingredients.
Uncontaminated
cool water is best. Physicians may recommend using rice wine or a
combination of water and wine for certain types of decoctions.
Add
water until the herbs are lightly submerged; soak for 20-30 minutes so
the effective contents can be easily extracted when boiled. Bring to a
boil quickly and then turn the heat down as required for the time
given.
The
specific time and heat used in preparing your decoction are determined
by the properties and nature of the ingredients. Generally, cold and
flu or purgative decoctions are boiled on high heat for 20-30 minutes.
Tonic or other decoctions that contain rich sticky substances are
decocted for a longer time (approximately one hour) with mild heat and
more water. In order to achieve the best results, your physician should
clarify what type of decoction you are preparing, the appropriate
amount of water that should be used and how long it should be boiled.
The
herbal compounds and the liquids are commonly boiled down to one glass
or 250ml. Then it should be filtered into a container while straining
the dregs. If the decocted herbal ingredients are overheated or burnt,
the whole decoction should be discarded because damaged ingredients can
produce undesirable effects.
Certain
ingredients must be treated differently due to their special
properties. If they are in your prescription, the ingredients are
usually packed separately. For example, shells and minerals have to be
smashed and decocted first; volatile and aromatic substances like
peppermint and Amomum fruits are added near the end and are cooked for
5 minutes only. Substances like Biond Magnolia flower and Plantain seed
must be wrapped in gauze, because they make the decoction turbid or
irritate the throat. Expensive substances such as deer horn and ginseng
are sliced and boiled separately, so that their active ingredients are
not affected by other herbs. Their decoctions can either be taken
together with other decoctions or drunk separately. Some colloid
ingredients like honey or malt sugar should be melted into the warm
finished decoction directly. Some rare aromatic substances like musk
are ground into powder and taken with a decoction or lukewarm water.
If
preparing your own decoction seems like a daunting task, many herbal
shops and physicians can provide this service when asked.
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