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The method of decocting herbs is worthy of deep discussion; the efficacy of medicines depends entirely on this. If poultry, fish, mutton, and pork are not cooked properly, they can still harm the human body, let alone medicinal herbs which are specifically used to treat diseases—how can we fail to study them? The methods recorded at the end of ancient prescriptions vary greatly. For instance, in Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) is boiled first, and the foam is removed before adding the remaining herbs for joint decoction; this is the method where the principal herb is decocted first. In contrast, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) does not require boiling Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) first; after taking the medicine, one must drink hot congee to assist the medicinal power; this is another method. For example, in Fuling Guizhi Gancao Dazao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, and Jujube Decoction), Poria (Fuling) is decocted first using Ganyan Shui (Gentle Wave Water). Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is taken mixed with Bai Yin (Rice Drink), and after ingestion, one should drink plenty of warm water. Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction) requires decocting the five flavors (Wuwei) first, removing the dregs, and then adding Yitang (Malt Sugar). Daxiehu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) involves decocting the five ingredients first, removing the dregs, and then adding Dahuang (Rhubarb). [Note: The original text repeats Daxiehu Tang but describes a different process or contains an error regarding Yitang; translating as per source] Daxiehu Tang is also described as being decocted until reduced by half, dregs removed, and then decocted again. Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction) involves adding Dahuang only after the other herbs are fully decocted. The amount of water and duration of decoction varies: some are decocted until the water is halved, some reduce by two or three-tenths, and some are boiled only for ten to twenty boils. There are countless methods of decocting, each with its own significance. Generally, dispersing herbs and aromatic herbs should not be decocted for too long, to preserve their raw nature for dispersion and purging; tonifying and cloying herbs should be decocted longer, to achieve a cooked nature that stays and accumulates. This is the general principle. Therefore, even if the prescription matches the disease, if the decoction method is improper, the medicine will certainly be ineffective. Usually, patients who take medicine frequently may follow these rules; but rough or poor households cannot adhere to such standards, which is why diseases are difficult to cure. Moreover, contemporary physicians often do not know these details, let alone the patients.

Whether a disease is cured depends not only on whether the prescription matches the disease, but also on the method of administration. Even if the prescription is correct, if taken improperly, it will not only be ineffective but also harmful. This must be understood. For dispersing agents intended to expel Wind-Cold from the exterior, they must be taken hot, and the body covered warmly to allow the medicinal qi to circulate through Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive levels), spreading heat throughout the body to carry Wind-Cold out via sweating. If taken lukewarm while sitting in drafts or standing, or lying quietly without movement, the medicinal qi remains in the stomach and intestines, failing to induce sweat; Wind-Cold will not dissipate secretly, and the Ying Qi will instead be damaged by the dispersing herbs. For purgative herbs intended to resolve stagnation and guide it downward, they must be taken on an empty stomach in one dose to stimulate the medicinal action and push turbid matter out through the large intestine. If taken mixed with food, old and new contents mix, and the medicinal qi interferes with food, causing the medicinal nature to lose focus and the food stagnation to become more stubborn. Thus, in books like Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), methods of taking medicine include preferences for hot, warm, cool, or cold temperatures; slow or rapid intake; large or small doses; early or late timing; full or empty stomachs; and preferences for decoctions over powders, powders over pills, or pastes over pills. Their heaviness, lightness, size, upper/lower, and interior/exterior applications each have appropriate indications. These are fixed truths; by deeply contemplating their meaning, one will surely understand them internally.