At a heartwarming family gathering, I met Grandma Lee, a wise elder who shared her troubles with me. Every time I brought home a decoction of Chinese medicine from the hospital, it always lost its original effect due to improper storage. This seemingly simple question is a common challenge faced by many people who rely on traditional Chinese medicine**. As the essence of traditional medicine, the decoction and preservation method of traditional Chinese medicine decoction is directly related to the exertion of the best effect. But what exactly is the right thing to do? How long can a decoction last after decoction? These questions are not only about health, but also about our respect for conventional wisdom. 
The decoction of Chinese herbal decoction is not only a science, but also an art. The correct decoction method can maximize the effectiveness of Chinese medicine and ensure the exertion of efficacy. The purpose of this section is to teach you the correct decoction techniques to help you make a high-quality decoction at home. 1.Precise control of water volumeWhen decocting Chinese medicine, water volume is one of the key factors affecting the efficacy of the medicine. Generally speaking, the initial decoction should ensure that the herbs are completely submerged in water and that the water surface is about 2-3 cm above the herbs. This can not only ensure that the active ingredients in the medicinal materials are fully extracted, but also avoid the dilution of the medicinal effect due to excessive water. 2.The fine control of the heat to decoction of Chinese medicine requires boiling the water over high heat first, and then turning to low heat and frying slowly after the water boils. Rapid boiling over high heat allows the herbs to release active ingredients quickly, while slow decoction over low heat ensures that these ingredients are not destroyed by high temperatures and reduces the rapid evaporation of water. 3.The grasp of decoction time: The time of each decoction is also an important factor affecting the effect of traditional Chinese medicine decoction. It is generally recommended that the first decoction should last for 30 to 40 minutes, so that the active ingredients in the herbs can be fully extracted. If you need a second frying, the time can be appropriately shortened to 20 to 30 minutes. 4.Understand the characteristics of medicinal herbsDifferent medicinal materials have their own unique properties and decoction requirements. For example, some aromatic herbs should be lowered to avoid the volatilization of aromas; Some hard herbs, such as broken bones, need to be soaked in water to soften them first. Knowing the characteristics of each herb allows you to more accurately grasp the heat and time of decoction to maximize its efficacy. 5.It is advisable to use casserole, clay pot or stainless steel pot when decocting Chinese medicine in metal containers, and avoid using aluminium or iron pots and pans, as some herbs may react with metal, affecting the efficacy of the medicine and even producing harmful substances. 
The decoction of traditional Chinese medicine, after careful decoction, is rich in various active ingredients required for ** diseases. However, these precious ingredients are highly susceptible to improper storage conditions, which can lead to diminished or even ineffective efficacy. Therefore, it is essential to understand and implement the correct preservation method to maximize the efficacy of TCM decoction. First of all, the decoction of traditional Chinese medicine should be stored in a dry and cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment, because the fluctuation of temperature and humidity will accelerate the degradation of the active ingredients in the liquid medicine and increase the risk of microbial contamination. In addition, the liquid medicine should not be co-existed with items with strong odors to avoid changes in the properties of the medicine. The importance of containers: The use of proper containers is also very crucial for the preservation of Chinese herbal decoctions. It is advisable to use glass bottles or ceramic jars with lids, which not only effectively block external contamination, but also reduce the possibility of active ingredients reacting with the container material. It is important to ensure that the container is thoroughly cleaned and dried before use to avoid the introduction of bacteria or other contaminants. Guidelines for shelf lifeAlthough herbal decoctions can be stored for a period of time under ideal conditions, what is less well known is that even under optimal conditions, the optimal consumption period of herbal decoctions is relatively short. Generally speaking, even if it is refrigerated, the shelf life of the medicinal decoction should not exceed 24 hours. This is because beyond this period of time, even at low temperatures, microorganisms in the liquid medicine may multiply to the extent that they can affect the efficacy of the medicine and even endanger health. In traditional Chinese medicine**, a decoction of Chinese medicine is a common form of administration, and its efficacy is directly affected by the method of preservation. Proper storage not only guarantees the efficacy of the medicine, but also avoids the health risks caused by spoilage. 1.Temperature: Refrigerated, non-frozen Chinese herbal decoction should be kept in the refrigerator compartment and kept in the temperature range of 2-8. Refrigeration can delay the degradation of the active ingredients in the decoction and the growth of microorganisms. Avoid freezing as low temperatures may destroy the active ingredients in the broth. 2.Container: Sealed, protected from lightUse a clean, airtight container to preserve the decoction of traditional Chinese medicine, preferably in a dark glass bottle, to prevent chemical changes caused by light. Ensure containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use to avoid cross-contamination. 3.Duration: Fresh, even if stored under ideal conditions, the best shelf life of TCM decoction is usually not more than 48 hours. When using, you should pay attention to the color, smell and taste of the medicinal soup, and discard it immediately if there is any abnormality. 4.If you need to decoction for multiple days at a time, you should store the amount of each dose separately, and only take out the required amount of heating each time to avoid repeated heating of the entire soup and reduce the loss of active ingredients. 
5.Heating method: When gently warming and reheating the medicinal soup, it should be simmered in a water bath or over low heat, and avoid directly heating over high heat, so as not to destroy the drug ingredients. The decoction taken out of the refrigerator should be left at room temperature for a little reheating before heating.