Methods of Decocting Drugs
Of all the forms mentioned above, decoction is most commonly used. It should be prepared with suitable method in accordance with the drug properties and condition of illness. Otherwise, it will affect the therapeutic effect.

Utensil for Decocting Drugs
It is preferable to use an earthen jug or pot, and then comes the enamelware or aluminum product. But iron or copper wares are forbidden because some drugs, when
heated together with iron or copper, may generate sediment, lower solubility or even lead to chemical reaction and side effect. It is also advisable to use a pot with large capacity so as to provide a favorable condition for boiling up drugs without boiling over, accelerating the extraction of active constituents. Besides a lid is necessary to prevent water from evaporating too fast, which is not good for the complete extraction of active constituents.

Water for Decocting Drugs
The water used must be pure and clean except some special need. Tap water, well water or distilled water can be used. Our forefathers used to take running water, spring water, wild cabbage-washing water and rice-washing water. Sometimes it is necessary to use liquor or watery wine according to the characteristic of drugs as well as the illness condition. The amount of water used de pends on the amount and quality of drugs and time needed. As prepared herbal pieces are dry and able to absorb large amount of water once put in it, adequate amount of water must be put in the pot for boiling drugs. Usually a dose of drugs is decocted twice, some three times. For the first decocting, water is added until the drugs are 3 -5cm underwater, and less water may be used for the second and third decocting, each with 100 - 200 ml decoction

Fire for Decocting Drugs
It includes mild fire and strong fire, by the latter is meant quick decocting and by the former slow decocting. Usually strong fire is used until the water boils, followed by mild fire for certain duration. Besides the choice of fire base on the drug property and time needed. Strong fire is preferable for drugs with the function of relieving exterior syn
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