The correct method of washing medicine externally

Chinese herbal external washes are medicines for cleaning the skin or wounds. These medicines are targeted at the affected area, and then a suitable container is selected to decoct the medicines. The medicines are then extracted and used to clean the affected area. This can reduce inflammation, disinfect, and treat diseases. Chinese herbal medicine for external washing needs to go through the process of decoction and cleaning. Cleaning is done twice a day, and then one dose of medicine can be used for washing 4 times.

Amount of water added: According to different external washing parts, choose the appropriate amount of water to add. Generally, the amount of water added for external washing should be large, which may be 5 to 10 kilograms of water.

Utensils: It is best to choose a stainless steel pot or basin because it has a large capacity and is easy to operate.

Decoction method: First place the medicine in a container, add cold water and soak it for 30 minutes, then cover it and put it on the fire to heat and decoct. First boil it with high heat, then boil it with low heat. During the decoction process, pay attention to moderate stirring to avoid sticking to the pot, which can also increase the decoction rate of the active ingredients of the medicine. However, it is not advisable to open the lid too frequently to minimize the loss of volatile components. After boiling, simmer for 10 minutes, filter out the first medicinal liquid; then add appropriate amount of hot water, simmer as above, and get the second medicinal liquid. Mix the two solutions.

Washing method: Generally, one dose of external washing medicine is used for two days, and washing is done twice a day, that is: one dose of medicine can be used for washing 4 times. The first time, let the boiled medicine liquid cool down (hot washing is not recommended), then immerse the hands, feet or body in the medicine liquid, wash for 15 to 20 minutes each time. After washing, you can rinse off the medicine liquid with warm water, and then save the medicine liquid for next time. When washing for the second, third and fourth time, boil the solution for 5 minutes and let it cool before washing again.

Liquid temperature: Generally speaking, the liquid temperature should not be too high during washing, and should be within tolerance, about 35-40 degrees. If it is like chapped eczema, thick skin, flat warts or common warts, the higher the temperature when washing, the better, but do not burn. You can fumigate with liquid medicine first, and then wash when the temperature is appropriate.