Chinese Medicine Cooking Methods
1) Video: Herbal Cooking Pots
2) Video: Internal Use Herbal Medicine – Traditional Clay Pot Cooking
3) Video: Internal Use Herbal Medicine – Electrical Cooking Pot
4) Video: How to Prepare External Use Herbal Medicine
5) Video: Cooking Aroma
6) Video: Internal Use Herbal Medicine – Cooking in Advance
7) Video: External Use Herbal Medicine with Wine and Vinegar
8) Video: External Use Herbal Medicine with Special Herbs
9) Video: Heat Bag
It is best to use clay (ceramic or porcelain), glass, or enamel pots. Metal pots, such as iron, copper, and tin can change the chemical consistency of the herbs and therefore should not be used.
Traditional Herbal clay or enamel cooking pot: This is the cheaper option, at about $5 each sale price in a regular store. However, cooking over flame makes it more prone to burning or overcooking the herbs.
Electric Herbal clay or enamel cooking pot: There are several different kinds in stores, ranging from about $50 to $70 each. It is definitely more convenient and safer than the non-electric options. It can automatically reduce the contents down to one cup of herbal liquid and continue to keep it warm for you.
1. Empty contents of the package into a pot.
2. Usually, you should add 4 to 5 cups of cold water and bring to a boil.
Q: Exactly how many cups of water should I use?
A: It is best to ask the Chinese Medicine doctor you are seeing. If you would like to estimate, try pressing the herbs down with a wooden spoon until the water is about half an inch above the packed surface.
3. Use a quick, strong heat to initiate a boil.
4. Reduce to a slow heat, and simmer for about 30-60 minutes until you have one cup (about 6-7 oz) of liquid remaining.
5. Drink one cup of concentrate each time, when it is warm and usually two hours after a meal. However, some cases require consumption before a meal, so please ask your Chinese Medicine doctor to know exactly when the best time is.
Note:
-Herbal formulas for healing a cold should be cooked for approximately 30 minutes.
-Moistening and tonifying formulas require a longer period of 60-90 minutes.
-It is usually better to leave the herbs in the water to soak for about 10-30 minutes before bringing to a boil, but not required.
1. Put the whole package of herbs into the empty electric pot.
2. Add 5-6 cups of water
3. Put the lid on the pot.
4. Turn on the pot by plugging in the power.
5. It will automatically cook the herbs for about 2 hours and leave one cup of herbal liquid kept warm for you.
1. Using any clay or metal big pot, put the whole package of herbs into the empty pot.
2. Add about 15-20 cups of water.
3. After boiling begins, cook for 20-30 more minutes.
4. Pour the herbal liquid into a basin or other large container.
5. Wait until the temperature of the liquid cools down, then soak the area to be treated.