The quality of decoction is directly related to the clinical treatment effect. Therefore, we must master the correct decoction method of herbal soup so as to maximize its therapeutic effect. The quality of decoction is closely related to the chosen decoction apparatus. Nowadays, it is still better to use casserole, but you can also choose enamel pot (not able to leak bottom) or glass decoction apparatus, but not iron pot or copper pot. Second, the decoction of water Chinese herbs due to its different texture, its water absorption also varies greatly. Therefore, if you decoct flowers, leaves, or whole herbs, you should add more water. If you decoct mineral and shell drugs, add less water. According to the traditional method of adding water, the first decoction is made by adding water 3-5 cm above the surface of the drug, and the second decoction is made by adding water 3 cm above the surface of the drug. If there is too much liquid after cooking according to the above method, the amount of water added can be reduced, but it should still be submerged. If the decoction is more, you can also finish the decoction and pour out the liquid, then decoct the liquid alone on the fire to collect and dry the water to the right amount of liquid. This method can be implemented when decocting herbal medicines that are mainly for tonic and tonifying purposes, but is not recommended when decocting herbal medicines that are used for relieving cough, relieving symptoms and resolving phlegm. Third, the amount of cough herbal medicine to be taken Generally for regular dosing, adults should take a small bowl of large half bowl, about 150 ml, for each meal. For children, depending on their physical size, a small bowl of small half a bowl, about 80 ml, for each meal for preschoolers and a small bowl of half a bowl, about 120 ml, for each meal for school-age children. Temporary herbs that act as a cough suppressant should generally be drunk in 20 ml and taken immediately after a coughing episode. Chinese herbal medicine used to relieve fever should be taken hot, about 50 ml each time, with frequent sips. 4. Decoction problems 1. Soaking before decoction Drugs must be soaked before decoction, so that the active ingredients can be easily leached out during decoction. Generally, for drugs with flowers, leaves and stems, the soaking time is 0.5 hours. Roots, seeds, rhizomes, fruits-based drugs soaking time is 1 hour. The relative soaking time in summer should be relatively shortened, and the relative soaking time in winter can be relatively extended. 2. The number of decoctions The number of decoctions should be twice. It is recommended to mix the first and second decoction together, and then divide them into two equal doses orally. Decoction temperature The temperature of decoction is called “fire” in Chinese medicine. Generally, there is a difference between “Wenhuo” or “Wuhuo”. The “wu hua” is usually boiled and then opened to “medium-high heat” for 15 to 20 minutes, while the “wen hua” is usually boiled and then opened to “medium-low heat” for 30 to 60 minutes. Decoction for cold, cough and phlegm treatment should be done with wu hua, while decoction for tonifying medicine should be done with wen hua. 4, the time of taking medicine General medicine twice a day, each time a small bowl of half a bowl, half an hour after meals is appropriate, once in the morning and once in the evening. The treatment of spleen and stomach diseases can be put half an hour before meals in consultation with a doctor, and the treatment of insomnia can be taken half an hour before bedtime. For the treatment of cough, it can be added 6 more times a day at 30-50 ml each time. If it is specially necessary to take it between meals, it is recommended to eat some food such as cookies before taking it to avoid hurting the stomach. If there is a manifestation of injury to the stomach, you can take Daxil to adjust, and the patient asks the doctor to modify the prescription. 5, the decoction of cold drugs, the special method of taking Chinese medicine for the treatment of cold, fever, cough, because some of the active ingredients are volatile substances, it is recommended to take with the decoction, twice a day according to the regular drug dose, time, usually you can take a small amount of 30-50 ml every 2-3 hours apart, and then increase 4-6 times a day. Or take one more dose when coughing is intense with reference to cough drops to temporarily stop coughing.