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Forms of Herbal Medicine
The most traditional form is the raw materials themselves, which
are given to the patient who takes home and boils them up to
decoction. The decocted form of herb is the most potent and
effective, but it requires time and effort to prepare for decoction.
Moreover, some patients do not like the smell of herb cooking.
For convenience, extracted powdered herbs are available. This
is basically same as decoction but is already processed. patients
can add certain amount of powder into water to drink two or
three times a day.
Herbal medicine is also available in pills, where the herbal
substances are compressed into small tablets. These are also
convenient and less costly than extracted powder. Pills are
usually mild and slow in action. Thus, patient can take pills for
longer period time for general maintenance or tonification.
Ground herb powders are another form of herbal medicine,
which was used quite often in the past. They are readily
absorbable, convenient and easily stored form of medicinal
preparation. The potency of their action is between that of
decoctions and pills.
Various herbs are also prepared for external application in
localized problem such as skin trouble, inflammation, swelling,
bleeding, pain, oozing of fluids. They can be applied as
powders, ointment, washes, steams, or soaks.
How to prepare a decoction
Earthenware, ceramic, glass, enamelware pots may be used to
decoct herbs. Metal pots such as iron, tin, and aluminum pots
should not be used for decoction because they may change the
chemical consistency of the herbs.
Step 1: Washing the raw herbs
Place the herbs in a large bowel and add clean water, stir to
wash, and pour away the unclean water. Repeat the process two
to three times or until the herbs are clean.
Step 2: Soaking the clean herbs
Place the clean herbs in the cooking pot and add enough water
to cover the herbs about 1 inch above the surface of the herbs.
Cover the pot with a lid and soak the ingredients for about 30
minutes to allow the water to permeate the herb tissue.
Step 3: Cooking the herbs
First use quick, strong heat to bring the water to a boil and then
reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmering time varies according to
the ingredients. In general, it is about 30 to 40 minutes, but
some formulas may require shorter or longer.
Step 4: Straining the solution through cheesecloth into a bowl or
jar.
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