Let's talk about the health things of Lichun
Fan Letter] Dear Doctor, Hello! I am a Chinese medicine enthusiast and usually like to decoction Chinese medicine by myself. Recently, I was reading an ancient book about Chinese medicine, which recorded many classic prescriptions, but I found that some of the terms were different from the current usage, which confused me a little. I would like to ask you, what are the basic common senses that I must not know when decocting Chinese medicine? Also, could you please explain the "Four Gentlemen's Soup" and "Eight Treasures Soup" in the ancient recipe?
Popular science answers] Dear Chinese medicine lovers, hello! Glad you are interested in TCM and willing to get hands-on. I will answer all the questions you mentioned.
First of all, there are some basic common sense about decoction of Chinese medicine, which you really can't ignore.
1.Decoction method of traditional Chinese medicine: Normally, put the decoction pieces of traditional Chinese medicine into a frying pan, add an appropriate amount of water, first boil over high heat, and then turn to low heat and fry slowly. The decoction time depends on the texture of the medicine and the needs of the condition, generally 20-30 minutes.
2.Compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine: The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to the "seven feelings", that is, single-line, mutual beard, mutual envoy, mutual killing, mutual fear, opposite and evil behavior. During the decoction process, it is necessary to pay attention to the interaction between the drugs so as not to affect the efficacy of the drug.
3.Decoction utensils for traditional Chinese medicine: It is best to use casserole, ceramic pot or stainless steel pot, and avoid using metal utensils such as iron pots and aluminum pots to avoid affecting the ingredients of the medicine.
4.Water for decoction: Generally speaking, purified water is preferable for decoction, but well water or mineral water can also be used. The amount of water should be determined according to the texture of the drug and the time it needs to be decocted, and the amount of water added to the general drug is about 5-10 times the weight of the drug.
5.Precautions during decoction: During the decoction process, pay attention to the heat and stirring to avoid the bottom of the drug or burning. In addition, some medicines need to be soaked before decoction, such as botanicals need to be soaked for more than 30 minutes, and mineral medicines need to be soaked for more than 2 hours.
6.Treatment after decoction: After the decoction is completed, the liquid is filtered out to remove the residue. You can pour the liquid medicine into a thermos cup and drink it in divided doses. The remaining residue can be decocted again with water, but remember to change the water.
7.Preservation of the liquid medicine: If you can't finish the decoction at one time, you can put the remaining liquid medicine in the refrigerator for refrigeration, but it is best to drink it within 2 days.
8.Precautions for taking Chinese medicine: During the period of taking Chinese medicine, it is necessary to pay attention to dietary regulation and avoid eating foods that are in conflict with the medicine. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a good work and rest and mentality, so as to facilitate the absorption of drugs and the exertion of efficacy.
Next, I will explain to you the ancient recipes "Four Gentlemen's Soup" and "Eight Treasures Soup" that you mentioned.
"Four Gentlemen's Soup" is composed of ginseng, atractylodes, poria cocos, and boiled licorice, which has the effect of nourishing the spleen, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and is mainly used for symptoms such as spleen and stomach qi deficiency, yellowish complexion, and loss of appetite. Among them, ginseng is the king's medicine, atractylodes and poria cocos are the subordinate medicines, and boiled licorice is the medicine, and the four medicines are used together to strengthen the spleen and invigorate qi.
"Bazhen Soup" is composed of four gentlemen's soup plus angelica, Chuanxiong, white peony, and rehmannia rehmannia, which has the effect of replenishing qi and blood, and is mainly used for symptoms such as qi and blood deficiency, paleness, and fatigue. In the Bazhen soup, the four gentlemen's soup nourishes qi and strengthens the spleen, angelica, Chuanxiong, white peony, and rehmannia nourish blood and regulate menstruation, and the eight medicines are used together to play the function of qi and blood.
Hope you find the above answers helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. I wish you good health and a happy life!
References] 1Li Shizhen. Compendium of Materia Medica[M].Beijing: Health Press, 2008
2.Zhang Zhongjing. Treatise on Typhoid Fever and Miscellaneous Diseases[M].Beijing: Health Press, 2010
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