1.decocting utensils: casserole, stainless steel, glass, enamel, etc. should be used as much as possible when decocting, and iron, aluminum and copper pots should not be used. Because the physical and chemical properties of the former are relatively stable, it is not easy to react with the ingredients in the drug to ensure the curative effect of the drug. However, iron and copper components are more active and easy to react with the components in drugs, which affects the curative effect.

2. Soaking method: Before decocting, put the medicine into the medicine pot, add clean cold water to soak the medicine, add water to submerge the medicine surface for 3-5cm, and soak for 20-60 minutes (if it is too long, the medicine will be moldy and deteriorated), which is beneficial to decocting the effective components of the medicine.

3. Decocting method: each dose of medicine is boiled twice. In the first decoction, the soaked medicine is boiled with strong fire, and then the medicine is boiled with medium and small fire to keep the medicine boiling; The second decoction needs less water (to submerge the medicated surface), and the heat is the same as that of the first decoction. It is best to cover it when frying. Under normal circumstances, it is not advisable to open the lid frequently when frying, otherwise the smell will be lost and the efficacy will be reduced.

4. Boiling time: the time is counted after the medicine is boiled. General drugs are decocted for 20-30 minutes for the first time and 15-25 minutes for the second time; Nourishing and solid drugs are decocted for 40-60 minutes for the first time and for about 30 minutes for the second time; Drugs for relieving exterior syndrome, regulating qi, and relaxing and fragrant texture are decocted for 6-15min for the first time and 5-10min for the second time.

5. Filtration of liquid medicine: The amount of liquid medicine to be decocted should be determined according to the patient's condition, age and other specific conditions. The amount for adults is about 200-300ml, and that for children is about 1/4- 1/2, that is, 50- 150 ml.

6. Administration time: one dose per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Take the liquid medicine of the first decoction in the morning and the liquid medicine of the second decoction in the afternoon, so that the concentration and function of the two decoctions in the body can be uniform and reliable. You can also mix the two decoctions and take them twice in the morning and afternoon, with an interval of about 6 hours between them. It's better to take the medicine decocted on the same day, and it's not advisable to keep it. Tonics should be taken half an hour before meals; Heat-clearing drugs and drugs that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken half an hour after meals; Please follow the doctor's advice for other medicines.

7. How to take it: There are three ways to take it: hot, warm and cold. Generally speaking, antiperspirant and warming tonic should be taken warm; Cold-dispelling drugs and drugs for treating joint pain and ulcer should be taken hot, while heat-clearing and antidote should be taken cold.

8. Precautions: Traditional Chinese medicines wrapped in paper or gauze are often seen in traditional Chinese medicine bags, which are marked with the words "fry first, then lower, pack and fry, and take orally". Be sure to do as required, otherwise it will affect the effect of the drug. In the process of decocting, water can be added according to the situation, but it should be stirred constantly to prevent overflow and paste.

(Note: Do not take the liquid medicine of the burnt or paste medicine to avoid poisoning. )