Health & Life

Master the Art of Decoction in Traditional Oriental Medicine: A Step-by-Step Guide

The art of brewing herbal medicines in Traditional Oriental Medicine is of utmost importance, greatly impacting the treatment's effectiveness. Delve into the intricate techniques of brewing oriental herbal medicines and get it right with our comprehensive guide.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

The effectiveness of herbal medicine depends on various factors, including the amount of water, temperature, and brewing time. To optimize the effects of the medicine, it is essential to follow the proper brewing procedure. Let’s explore some key considerations when brewing herbal medicine through the following article!

1Amount of Water for Brewing

The water used for brewing plays a crucial role and directly impacts the quality of the herbal decoction. It is essential to use pure, uncontaminated water to ensure the safety of the consumer.

The amount of water used for brewing should also be appropriate and neither excessive nor insufficient. Using too much water will prolong the brewing time, leading to the loss or destruction of certain active ingredients in the herbs. On the other hand, using too little water will make it difficult for the active compounds to dissolve, affecting the treatment’s effectiveness.

Amount of Water for Brewing

The appropriate amount of water depends on various factors, such as the weight, volume, and water absorption capacity of the herbs in the decoction.

For herbs with soft and spongy textures and high water absorption (such as leaves and flowers): Increase the amount of water to ensure complete extraction of active ingredients.
For herbs with hard and dense textures and low water absorption (such as roots and tubers): Reduce the amount of water to prevent the loss of active ingredients due to prolonged brewing time.
For decoctions containing various herbs: Adjust the amount of water based on the ratio of soft and spongy herbs to hard and dense herbs.

Note:

The amount of water is only a guideline and may vary depending on the specific decoction.
Always brew under the supervision of a traditional medicine practitioner to ensure effectiveness and safety.

2Temperature for Brewing

Temperature plays a crucial role in the brewing process and directly affects the quality of the medicine. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the temperature accordingly to ensure effective brewing.

High temperature: The decoction boils vigorously, easily overflowing and burning the medicine at the bottom of the pot. The quality of the medicine is compromised, and it should be discarded without re-brewing.
Low temperature: The decoction does not boil, and the active ingredients in the herbs are not fully dissolved, leading to reduced treatment effectiveness.

Note: When brewing, keep the lid closed. If using a low flame with the lid open, the water will struggle to boil, causing the top layer of herbs to dry out and swell while the bottom layer burns.

Temperature for Brewing

The brewing method can vary depending on the type of medicine and its intended use:

For regular medicines: Boil the medicine over a high flame, then reduce to a low flame.
For medicines that relieve symptoms, clear heat, or contain aromatic ingredients (with essential oils): Brew quickly over a high flame to prevent the loss of essential oils.
For tonic medicines with strong flavors and dense textures: Boil the medicine over a high flame, then reduce to a low flame and brew for a longer time, approximately 30-60 minutes, to ensure complete extraction of active ingredients.

Note: Always consult a physician or traditional medicine practitioner before using any type of medicine.

3Brewing Time

The brewing time depends on the type of medicine and its intended use:

Tonics: Usually contain herbs derived from roots, tubers, animal horns, shells, and bones. Therefore, it is necessary to brew them thoroughly to extract all active ingredients. Brew tonics at high temperatures, boiling them first and then reducing to a low flame. Brew the first batch for 45 minutes and subsequent batches for 30 minutes.
Medicines for relieving symptoms (treating exterior conditions): Typically contain herbs such as , , peppermint, honeysuckle flowers, forsythia, ephedra, and onion. As they contain volatile essential oils, only cover the herbs with 1-2 cm of water, brew quickly over a high flame for 10-12 minutes, and consume immediately.
Other medicines: Medicines for treating internal conditions, such as those that promote blood flow, clear the liver, or strengthen the spleen, should be brewed at high temperatures, boiling first and then reducing to a low flame. Brew the first batch for 30 minutes and subsequent batches for 20 minutes.

Brewing Time

Notes on Brewing:

Initial amount of water: Sufficient to cover the herbs by approximately 5 cm (except for symptom-relieving medicines, which require only 1-2 cm of water).
Brewing temperature and time: Varies depending on the type of medicine.
After brewing: If there is too much decoction, it can be concentrated. If there is too little, additional boiled water can be added, and the decoction can be divided for consumption throughout the day.

The above information provides some insights into the art of brewing herbal medicine. For accuracy, it is always advisable to consult a traditional medicine practitioner.

Source: Sức khỏe và Đời sống Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

Decoction is a method of extracting the essential properties of herbs and plants by boiling them in water to create a concentrated liquid. This technique is an important part of traditional oriental medicine and is used to treat a variety of ailments and improve overall health.

The process involves three main steps: preparation, boiling, and filtration. First, the herbs are cleaned and prepared, sometimes requiring roasting or frying to enhance their medicinal properties. They are then boiled, usually for a prolonged period, to extract the active compounds. Finally, the liquid is filtered to create a decoction.

Decoctions are believed to be more effective than simply infusing herbs in water as the boiling process releases and concentrates the medicinal compounds. This method is particularly useful for extracting properties from harder plant materials like roots, barks, and seeds. Decoctions are often used to treat col, flu, digestive issues, and skin problems.

You can create a basic decoction by following these steps: clean and prepare the required herbs, roast or fry them if needed, boil them in water for an extended period (the time varies depending on the herbs), and finally, strain the liquid to separate the decoction from the plant material.

It is important to use the correct dosage and not exceed recommended amounts. As decoctions are concentrated, they can be potent, and side effects may occur if taken in excess. Always seek advice from a qualified practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.