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PROCESSING OF HERBS FOR USE
Chinese herbal
medicines are used internally and externally. For both types herbs can be
prepared by water or alcohol extraction, baking, boiling, frying, or
grinding.
Internal
formulas are prepared as powders, teas (AKA decoctions), extracts, and
pills. Powders are most often taken as drafts (stirring the powder into
water and drinking the mix) or large gummy pills (6-9g) made by mixing in
honey. Teas are boiled from 10 minutes to an hour. Extracts are made with
water or alcohol or oil. Pills are made with both traditional and modern
processes.
Traditional herb boiling pot made of
Clay. Note the vent spout on the left
External types
are liniments, powders, extracts, pastes or salves, and plasters. Often
herbs are ground and mixed with a binder, such as sesame oil, to make the
salve or paste andthen used in this form. Plasters were made by applying the
paste to leaves or other material suitable for use against the skin. Modern
commercially prepared plasters usually have adhesive to hold them in place.
External formulas are used for bruises, sprains, open wounds, burns and
swellings and other dermatological conditions.
A Brief History |
Guiding Theories
Analysis of Si Jun Zi Rx |
Examples of Formulas |
Single Herbs
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