Directions for Making a Chinese Herbal Decoction

Chinese Herbal Medicine Preparation

Chinese Herbal Decoctions are essentially medicinal herbal teas, in which various herbs such as leaves, roots, berries, or minerals, are soaked in water and then boiled to extract the therapeutic active constituents. Herbs are a very complicated and effective form of medicine, and many individual herbs call for specific cooking times and instructions. In this article, I have outlined how to make a Chinese Herbal Decoction. Still, please follow any instructions given to you by your healthcare practitioner or herbalist for more specific instructions.

The best type of pot to use while cooking herbs is ceramic, glass (pyrex), or porcelain, yet while not preferred stainless steel will work as well, make sure you have a lid that fits well too. It is best to avoid materials such as aluminum, cast iron, and Teflon, as these materials can interact and alter the properties of the formula.

Herbal teas and decoctions should be drank warm, or at room temperature, never straight out of the fridge or microwaved. Herbs are best taken a few hours before eating unless otherwise specified. Certain formulas, such as ones that help promote sleep or calm the Shen are best taken 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Basics of Herbal Decoction Preparation

• Preferred cooking pot materials for herbs:

  - Ceramic

  - Glass (pyrex)

  - Porcelain

  - Stainless steel (not preferred but acceptable

• Avoid using materials like:

  - Aluminum

  - Cast iron

  - Teflon

• Herbal decoction consumption guidelines:

  - Drink warm or at room temperature

  - Avoid consuming straight from the fridge or microwaving

• Best timing for herb consumption:

  - Generally, take herbs a few hours before eating

  - Special cases (e.g., formulas for sleep or calming the Shen) Best taken 1-2 hours before bedtime

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How to Make an Herbal Decoction

1. Soak- Place all content into your sauce pot, and cover with room temperature filtered water about 2 inches above herbs. Allow these herbs to soak for at least one hour, or as long as overnight.

2. Boil and Simmer- Bring the water to a boil, cover, and then turn down the heat to a low simmer. The cooking time is specific to the herbs/formula you are working with, but as a general guideline, the average time is about 30 minutes. Leave the lid closed while cooking to preserve the aromatic quality and volatile oils.

   *Tonifying herbs tend to be cooked longer, around 45 minutes, and aromatic herbs need a shorter cooking time like 5-10 minutes. If you are using herbs with varying properties within one decoction, make sure to follow instructions on when to add them.

3. Strain- This first batch of “tea” is then strained out from the herbs after they cool slightly and placed into a glass jar, mason jars work great for this. The decoction can be strained through a metal strainer or cheesecloth.

4. Reboil and Simmer- Refill the pot with water covering the herbs about 2 inches and repeat the above instructions. This allows to extract the full potency of the herbs. Combine these two batches after the decoction cools.

5. Drink- The flavor of the herbs is a very important part of its medicinal qualities, even though sometimes it may be quite strong or unusual. Decoctions can be watered down slightly to help, or honey may be added to certain formulas. Honey will change the flavor and might alter the properties of the formula so remember to check in with your herbalist or Chinese medicine practitioner about this change.

* Please note that some herbs may be labeled, as short/long cook. If certain herbs are labeled as long(pre) cooked, please follow these instructions for them first before adding in other herbs.

Please remember to listen to all instructions given by your healthcare practitioner when preparing herbs. This is just a guideline. Herbs are very powerful and need special attention. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions for me.

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