How to prepare traditional Chinese medicine
The efficacy of TCM herbs is dependent on both the herbs selected by the TCM practitioner and how the patients prepare the herbs at home. Below are the steps to ensure proper preparation of TCM: (1)
Unless otherwise stated by the TCM practitioner, with 2 brewing process for each sachet, 4 servings of medicinal soup is produced. 2 serving of medicinal soup are usually ingested every day preferable on an empty stomach 1 hour prior to mealtime. This will enable maximal absorption of the medicinal soup. If western medications are used in conjunction, separate the medicinal soup with the western medication by at least 1 hour. (1)
- Visit a local TCM pharmacy with the prescription from the TCM practitioner. Most pharmacy will mix all the herbs together and then divide them into smaller portions/sachets as this is more convenience for the patient during the brewing process that usually takes place at home
- Place 1 sachet of herbs in lukewarm water. The amount of water used should be sufficient to submerge all the herbs and have approximately 5 cm of water left over on top of the herbs. By soaking the herbs for approximately 30 minutes, extraction of the active ingredient is initiated. This step will minimize the brew time necessary. After soaking the herbs, discard the water.
- In a clay pot, put the soaked herbs and about 500ml of water. A clay pot is essential in the brewing process as it minimize the possibility of the herbs interacting with the metal component of the cooking equipment. Once the herbal medication reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the medication is reduced to about 2/3 the amount of water initially added. During the boiling and simmering process, it is important to not open clay pot lid as it will release the volatile oil produced by the herbs. Furthermore, avoid stirring the herbs as this will cause some herbs to break apart into small pieces or disintegrate into the medicinal soup, thus making it less palatable. Once the simmering process is completed and the medicinal soup has cooled down slightly, separate the medicinal soup from the herb by straining it preferably using a cheese cloth. A metal strainer can be used but it will increase the possibility of the medicinal soup interacting with the metal component of the strainer. Once the medicinal has been strained and set aside, add 500ml of water to the just brewed herb and repeat the whole boiling and simmering process.
Unless otherwise stated by the TCM practitioner, with 2 brewing process for each sachet, 4 servings of medicinal soup is produced. 2 serving of medicinal soup are usually ingested every day preferable on an empty stomach 1 hour prior to mealtime. This will enable maximal absorption of the medicinal soup. If western medications are used in conjunction, separate the medicinal soup with the western medication by at least 1 hour. (1)
Tips on how to improve medicinal soup compliance
Most of the time, medicinal soup is not very palatable. To improve compliance, below are some tips to improve compliance (1)
- Drink smaller portion of medicinal soup by dividing it to three times a day
- Add a sweetener agent such as honey or syrup into the medicinal soup
- Drink the medicinal soup at a lower temperature
- Mask the taste by eating jam, peanut butter or chocolate before and after the medicinal soup
- Chew gum or eat strong food such as cheese, spicy food after ingestion of the medicinal soup
Reference:
1) Acupuncture referral service. Updated 2013. https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/How+to+Prepare+Chinese+Herbs. Accessed July 3, 2013
1) Acupuncture referral service. Updated 2013. https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/How+to+Prepare+Chinese+Herbs. Accessed July 3, 2013