Category: About TCM

The preferred utensils for decocting herbal medicine are earthenware pots, enamel-coated pots, or stainless steel pots. Iron pots should be avoided.

Before decoction, soak the herbs in cold water for 30 to 60 minutes. The amount of water added should generally be slightly above the surface of the herbs.

For general herbs, simmer for 20 to 30 minutes after boiling. For herbs used to relieve external symptoms, simmer for 15 minutes after boiling. For tonic herbs, switch to low heat after boiling and simmer slowly for 30 to 60 minutes. Stir the herbs in the pot 2 to 3 times during the decoction process. Typically, one dose of herbal medicine is decocted twice. For the second decoction, add hot water and simmer appropriately, with the decoction time slightly shortened.

Decoction Liquid Volume:

• For children: 50–150 ml per decoction.
• For adults: 50–200 ml per decoction.

Special Decoction Methods for Specific Herbs:
Follow the doctor’s instructions if provided. If no specific instructions are given, proceed as follows:

1. Herbs to Be Decocted First: Boil these herbs for 20 to 30 minutes before adding the other herbs to decoct together.
2. Herbs to Be Added Later: Add these herbs when the other herbs have been decocted as required, then simmer together for about 5 minutes.
3. Herbs to Be Melted or Taken with Decoction: Add these herbs to the finished decoction and stir continuously until fully dissolved before administration.

For medications such as pills, powders, ointments, pellets, or syrups, please follow the instructions on the packaging or adhere to the doctor’s guidance.

The preparation method for Chinese herbal medicine involves selecting appropriate decoction utensils, soaking the herbs first, decocting them twice, mixing the decoctions from both rounds, and consuming the mixture in divided doses.

1. Selection of Decoction Utensils: Use an earthenware pot or a clay pot. Avoid copper or iron pots, as the metallic elements in these utensils may chemically react with the herbal ingredients, reducing their efficacy or even producing toxic side effects.
2. Soaking: Spread the herbs evenly at the bottom of the pot and add water until it rises about 2 centimeters above the herbs. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the active ingredients to infuse, which also helps shorten the decoction time.
3. Decoction: First, bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat for simmering. The decoction time depends on the function of the herbs. For herbs that relieve external symptoms or clear heat, which often contain volatile components, the heating time should be short. Use high heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then continue decocting for 3 to 5 minutes. For tonic herbs, a longer heating time is required. Simmer over low heat after boiling and continue decocting for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Straining the Decoction: Generally, a batch of herbs should be decocted two to three times. Due to water absorption by the herbs, add only one-third to half the amount of water used in the first round for the second and third rounds. Mix the decoctions from all rounds and consume the mixture in divided doses.

The decoction of Chinese herbal medicine should be carried out under the guidance of a medical professional. Do not prepare the herbs arbitrarily on your own to avoid compromising their efficacy.

Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese patent medicine differ in their definitions, administration methods, and efficacy characteristics.

1. Definition: Chinese herbal medicine broadly refers to natural substances—such as plants, animals, and minerals—used under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory to prevent and treat diseases. Chinese patent medicine, on the other hand, refers to processed TCM products made from Chinese herbal ingredients. These are prepared according to specific prescriptions and manufacturing techniques into convenient dosage forms, such as capsules, tablets, and injections, for direct use or oral administration.
2. Administration Method: Chinese herbal medicine usually requires preparation methods such as brewing or decoction before it can be taken. In contrast, Chinese patent medicine is generally ready for direct oral consumption.
3. Efficacy Characteristics: Chinese herbal medicine offers greater flexibility and comprehensiveness in its effects, as it can be formulated based on the clinical experience of a professional practitioner to suit individual needs. Chinese patent medicine, however, is typically based on fixed prescriptions or specific herbal combinations, resulting in relatively stable and less adaptable therapeutic effects.

If you experience any discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment with either Chinese herbal medicine or Chinese patent medicine should be chosen under the guidance of a doctor. Do not self-medicate, as inappropriate use may delay recovery or worsen the condition.

Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses several distinctive advantages:

1. Holistic Approach: TCM emphasizes the human body as an integrated whole and recognizes the close relationship between individuals and their natural environment. When treating diseases, TCM not only addresses localized symptoms but also focuses on regulating the body’s overall state to enhance its self-healing capacity.
2. Personalized Treatment: TCM tailors medication plans based on the patient’s constitution, age, gender, and other factors, ensuring the treatment aligns with the individual’s specific condition and improving therapeutic outcomes.
3. Wide Range of Medicinal Sources: TCM primarily uses natural materials from plants, animals, and minerals, offering a diverse and abundant resource pool. This expands clinical options and reduces the potential side effects often associated with chemically synthesized drugs.
4. Synergistic Multi-Component Effects: A TCM formula typically contains multiple herbs that work in synergy to produce therapeutic effects. In contrast, Western drugs usually consist of one or a few primary active ingredients.
5. Long-Term Regulative Effects: For chronic conditions or suboptimal health states requiring prolonged care, TCM can fundamentally improve the patient’s constitution and address the root cause of the illness.
6. Lower Toxicity and Side Effects: Compared to some chemically synthesized drugs, most TCM herbs have relatively low toxicity and are considered safe when used appropriately. However, it is important to note that not all TCM herbs are entirely risk-free, and careful selection and scientific application are essential.
7. Rich Cultural Heritage: With its long history, TCM embodies profound philosophical ideas and cultural significance, playing a vital role in preserving and advancing China’s outstanding traditional culture.

In summary, while both TCM and Western medicine have their own strengths and limitations, the choice of treatment should be made based on specific circumstances and needs.

Shao Ziqiang
Chief Physician

Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital

Health-Related Disorders

Insomnia: Prefer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Insomnia is often a functional disorder, and TCM can provide effective treatment by differentiating patterns based on concepts like Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang. Western sedative and hypnotic drugs are prone to causing dependency and should only be used short-term.

Other Suboptimal Health Conditions: For symptoms such as general weakness, irritability, and poor appetite—conditions where Western medical tests show no abnormalities—TCM can offer effective holistic regulation.

Migraine: Prefer TCM. After confirming the diagnosis and ruling out organic issues, TCM regulation is advisable. Most migraines lack a clear organic cause and are functional disorders, for which Western medicine offers limited solutions.

Common Illnesses

Common Cold: Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable. Most colds are viral, though bacterial infections may coexist. TCM has advantages in antiviral treatment, while Western medicine offers more targeted antibacterial therapy.

For severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, cough, or headache, it is advisable to first undergo tests like a complete blood count or chest X-ray to clarify the cause and guide treatment.

Cervical Spondylosis: Prefer TCM. TCM massage and physical therapy are distinctive and effective, especially when combined with herbal medicine. However, it is crucial to seek treatment at a reputable TCM hospital, as improper massage techniques can be risky.

Lumbar Disc Herniation: Both TCM and Western medicine are suitable. TCM combined with physical therapy often yields good results, while Western medicine excels in surgical interventions.

Facial Paralysis Recovery: Prefer TCM. Western medicine has limited options for this condition, whereas acupuncture combined with physical therapy in TCM is reliable.

Nosebleeds: Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable. After ruling out organic causes (e.g., trauma, tumors, deformities, or blood disorders), TCM can be used for regulation.

Ophthalmic Diseases: Prefer Western medicine. Western medicine excels in diagnostics, surgical corrections, and ophthalmic formulations. TCM can provide auxiliary relief for symptoms like dryness, swelling, or pain.

Oral Diseases: Prefer Western medicine. Western dentistry offers advanced medical instruments and excels in surgical orthodontics and treatment. For non-organic issues like oral ulcers or gum swelling, TCM may be considered.

Indigestion: Prefer TCM. Holistic regulation of the spleen and stomach through TCM often yields more lasting results.

Constipation: Prefer TCM. Western laxatives are short-term solutions and should only be used as emergency measures. Overuse may lead to dependency.

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases (Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke, Cerebral Infarction): Prefer Western medicine. Western medicine has reliable evidence for controlling blood pressure and improving vascular obstruction.

TCM can help alleviate specific symptoms and be used as complementary therapy.

Skin Diseases

Acne: Combine TCM and Western medicine. Western medicine acts quickly to reduce inflammation and control oil but has significant side effects and is unsuitable for long-term use. TCM offers holistic, gentle, and lasting regulation.

Vitiligo: Both TCM and Western medicine have their merits. As a difficult-to-treat condition requiring long-term management, Western medicine focuses on topical treatments and laser therapy, while TCM emphasizes holistic regulation based on pattern differentiation.

Herpes Zoster: Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable. This viral infection has no specific antiviral treatment in Western medicine. Both approaches offer similar efficacy, with a focus on preventing complications and sequelae.

Athlete’s Foot: Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable. Topical treatments are generally effective, but Western antifungal drugs are more targeted. For stubborn cases, combining both approaches yields better results.

Idiopathic Hair Loss and Alopecia Areata: Prefer TCM. These conditions often lack clear causes and are challenging to treat with Western medicine. TCM approaches, focusing on Qi and blood deficiency, organ weakness, or damp-heat stasis, can be effective.

Eczema, Dermatitis, and Other Allergic Skin Conditions: Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable, depending on the diagnosis. For conditions with clear allergens (e.g., contact dermatitis or drug-induced dermatitis), Western medicine quickly controls symptoms and avoids triggers.

For complex, recurrent conditions like eczema or chronic urticaria, TCM can provide long-term regulation alongside Western treatment.

Gynecological Diseases

Infectious Diseases (e.g., Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Vaginitis): Both TCM and Western medicine are applicable. Western medicine works faster for acute infections with identified pathogens, while TCM is more effective for chronic, recurrent inflammation.

Infertility: Identify the cause before choosing TCM or Western medicine. Western medicine is better for organic issues like fallopian tube blockage, while TCM excels in regulating functional disorders.

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Prefer TCM. Western medicine offers limited symptomatic relief, whereas TCM pattern differentiation provides more effective treatment.

Menstrual Disorders: Prefer TCM. Most are functional disorders, and TCM regulation is often more effective.

Menopausal Syndrome: Combine TCM and Western medicine. Western medicine may work faster for some, but TCM offers safer long-term regulation.

Pediatric Diseases

Both TCM and Western medicine have their strengths. Pediatric diseases often progress rapidly, so Western medicine is preferred for acute conditions to clarify the diagnosis and control symptoms promptly. For chronic conditions, TCM can be used during the recovery phase.

TCM massage is also effective for certain pediatric issues.

Major Illnesses (e.g., Tumors)

Prefer Western medicine. Early detection and treatment are critical. Western medicine excels in diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, especially in early-stage tumors. However, the side effects of surgery and drugs correlate with their efficacy (greater efficacy often means more side effects). Weigh the pros and cons under professional guidance.

TCM can help alleviate symptoms, reduce drug side effects, and improve quality of life. However, avoid blindly believing advertisements or unverified claims to prevent delaying treatment.

Although TCM and Western medicine can achieve similar results in treating diseases and aim to restore the body’s natural state of health, their approaches to pathology are fundamentally different.

When treating an illness, it is essential to first identify the cause and then determine the most suitable approach—TCM or Western medicine—based on the condition’s progression.