It is necessary to soak Chinese herbal medicines before decocting. Soaking the herbs before decoction can make the active ingredients in the herbs enter the water better, so that the active ingredients of individual herbs can be fully analyzed when decocting. If the decoction is made directly without soaking, the therapeutic effect will be reduced, so the Chinese medicine needs to be soaked before decoction. The amount of water used to soak the herbs is usually about one cross finger above the herbs, and the soaking time needs to be slightly adjusted depending on the composition of the medicines in the formula. If the formula contains more loose and frivolous botanicals such as flowers, leaves, etc., it is necessary to soak them for 20-30 min; if there are more plant tubers, roots, seeds, fruits, etc., it is recommended that the soaking time should be 60 min. If there are also minerals, animals, mealybugs and other herbs, it is recommended that the soaking time be slightly extended, so that the herbs can be moistened, softened and easy to decoct. However, the longer the soaking time, the better, and the seasonal factors should also be taken into account. If you need to decoct Chinese herbal medicines, you should go to the hospital for a clear diagnosis, and then decoct and take the medicines under the guidance of the doctor, rather than using the medicines blindly on your own, in order to avoid any adverse effects on your body.