The correct decoction of Chinese medicine directly affects the efficacy of the drug, so how to properly decoct Chinese medicine? Decoction utensils: Generally, ceramic pots and casseroles are better, stainless steel pots are fine, but do not use pig iron, aluminum or copper pots, which are prone to chemical reactions with drugs. Chinese medicine soaking: add water 2 cm above the surface of the medicine and soak for 1 hour, be careful not to soak in boiling water and the soaking time should not be too long. Heating fire: use high fire before boiling, use low fire after boiling. Decoction time: for medicines for cold, boil for 7-8 minutes for the first decoction and 15 minutes for the second decoction, because medicines for cold are mostly leaves and stems of plants, which are lighter in nature and contain some volatile oils, so a long decoction will lead to volatilization of some active ingredients and reduce the efficacy of the medicine; for medicines for external coughs, boil for 15 minutes for the first decoction and 20 minutes for the second decoction; for medicines for internal coughs, boil for 20 minutes for the first decoction and 30 minutes for the second decoction. For tonic drugs, boil the first and second decoction for 30 minutes, and mix the two decoctions. Dosing time: twice a day, before or half an hour after breakfast and dinner respectively. Patients with poor stomach are advised to take it after meals, preferably half an hour apart from other drugs.