There is no fixed value for the proportion of water to be put in the correct way of boiling Chinese herbal medicines, and it is generally appropriate to immerse the water over the surface of the herbs by 2~3 centimeters.
The amount of water added is usually estimated according to the sparseness of the texture of the tablets, the strength of the water-absorbent properties, and the length of time required for decoction. Generally speaking, after the tablets are properly pressurized, it is appropriate to have the water surface 2~3cm above the surface of the herbs.
Before decocting Chinese medicine, the tablets need to be soaked first, which is conducive to the dissolution of the active ingredients of the drug, generally soaked in cold water at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before decoction. The number of decoctions is usually two, the first decoction is suitable for 20 to 30 minutes after boiling, and the second decoction can be slightly shorter.
Use high heat before boiling, change to mild heat after boiling, and keep it at a slight boiling state. Stir the decoction diligently to prevent the liquid from boiling and overflowing. The liquid of the first and second decoctions totals about 400 ml. The amount of medicine for each dose is usually 50 to 150 ml for children and 200 to 300 ml for adults.
The specific decoction should also be made according to the requirements of the doctor’s prescription.