Decoction Method Introduction to Decoction Method

1, decoction method is the method of decocting herbs with water to obtain juice. This method is the earliest use of a simple leaching method, is still the most commonly used method of preparing leaching preparations. Because the leaching solvent is usually water, it is sometimes called "boiling method" or "water extraction method".

2, the general process: take the prescribed drugs, chopped or crushed into coarse powder, placed in a suitable decocting device, add water to submerge the herbs, soak for a suitable period of time, heat to boiling, keep boiling for a certain period of time, separation of the decoction, the dregs of the decoction according to the decoction for a number of times (generally 2-3 times), to the decoction of the taste of the water until the decoction is bland, and then combined with the decoction, concentrated to the prescribed concentration.

3, the commonly used water is purified or softened drinking water, if the decoction is directly for injection, distilled water or deionized water should be used.

4, the decoction method is applicable to the active ingredients can be dissolved in water, and moisture, heat are stable herbs. It is not only used for the preparation of soup, but also one of the basic methods for preparing some bulk, pills, tablets, granules and injections or extracting certain active ingredients. However, when decocted with water, the leached components are more complex, in addition to the active ingredients, some of the fat-soluble substances and other impurities are also more leached, not conducive to refining; in addition to containing starch, mucilage, sugar and other components of the herb, add water to the decoction, the leaching is also more viscous, filtration is more difficult.