Do you have many questions about decoction of traditional Chinese medicine? This article will take you to understand the correct way to take decocted traditional Chinese medicine from multiple aspects such as storage methods, heating techniques, and administration time, helping you eliminate concerns. How to properly store decocted traditional Chinese medicine? Although vacuum packaging is used to extend the shelf life to a certain extent, decocted traditional Chinese medicine is still a perishable product. Improper storage methods can easily affect the efficacy of the medicine and even cause adverse reactions. Therefore, mastering the correct preservation methods is particularly crucial. Ideal storage condition temperature: Refrigeration (2-8 degrees Celsius) is the best storage method, which can generally be stored for 7-14 days. The specific duration should be based on the expiration date indicated on the pharmacy or packaging. Storage requirements: After cooling the decocted Chinese medicine, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Refrigerating it in a warm state will accelerate the deterioration of the medicine. Taboo: Avoid freezing storage. Low temperature freezing can cause the precipitation or denaturation of certain active ingredients such as glycosides and volatile oils, affecting the efficacy of the drug. If the medicine bag is found to be swollen or inflated, the medicine emits an odor or bubbles, it indicates that the medicine has deteriorated and should be stopped immediately. Avoiding Three Common Heating Misconceptions: Many patients use improper heating methods when decocting traditional Chinese medicine, resulting in uneven heating of the medicine, causing gastrointestinal discomfort, and even affecting its efficacy. Misconception 1: Put the bag together in the microwave for heating. Packaging bags are mostly made of plastic material, and direct heating may release harmful substances. At the same time, microwave heating can easily cause uneven heating of the medicinal solution, resulting in some overheating and some still cooling, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort for patients after drinking. Correct practice: The best method is to heat the medicine bowl separately by placing it in hot water. If it is necessary to use a microwave oven, the medicine should be poured into a ceramic or glass bowl and heated at low to medium heat for a short period of time, but the traditional water separation heating method can better preserve the medicinal effect. Misconception 2: Prolonged overheating. Long term excessive heating can damage some volatile active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (such as peppermint, catnip, etc.), thereby weakening their efficacy. Correct method: Heat the medicine until it feels warm to the touch before taking it, and do not overheat it. Misconception 3: Sediments at the bottom of the bag are useless and can be discarded directly. Some people mistakenly believe that the sediment at the bottom of the bag is an ineffective ingredient and choose to take only the supernatant after settling. In fact, precipitates are usually fine drug residues or condensates of active ingredients, which is a normal phenomenon. Correct practice: Gently shake the medicine before taking to avoid loss of efficacy. Why do some people drink before meals and others after meals when it comes to traditional Chinese medicine? ”The choice of medication time directly affects drug absorption and efficacy, and everyone should flexibly adjust the medication time according to the nature of the drug and personal constitution. Take it before meals (30~60 minutes before meals). It is suitable for tonic drugs such as ginseng, astragalus, ass hide glue, dendrobium, etc. Fasting is more conducive to drug absorption. In addition, medication for treating lower burner diseases such as kidney tonifying and bone strengthening, and regulating gynecological diseases can also be taken before meals. After meals (30-60 minutes after meals), it is suitable for highly stimulating drugs such as Huanglian, Dahuang, Huangqin, etc. Taking this type of medication after meals can reduce its irritation to the gastric mucosa. Take before bedtime (1 hour before bedtime) is suitable for sedative drugs such as sour jujube kernels, cypress kernels, and yuanzhi. Fasting administration (when not eating in the morning) is suitable for laxative drugs such as saltpeter and senna, which can quickly enter the intestine to exert their effects and shorten the onset time of the drug. General principle: Generally, traditional Chinese medicine decoctions should be taken twice a day, in the morning and evening; It should be avoided to take it in the same way as tea or coffee to avoid affecting the efficacy of the medicine. (New Society)