Methods of Processing Chinese Herbs

Traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing includes processing medicinal ingredients at their place of origin, preparing medicinal materials, and formulating finished medicines. Together, these constitute the pharmaceutical science of traditional Chinese medicine.

Our business was established in the year of the Rooster during the Kangxi reign, 290 years ago. We have accumulated some experience in technical operations, but it was not valued in the old society. For years, the masters passed it down orally and by demonstration, and no complete documentation existed.

Since the Great Leap Forward in 1958, under the guidance of the Party Central Committee and the policies of systematically studying, mastering the subject in full, and organizing and improving our knowledge, workers have formed a traditional Chinese medicine research group. To preserve the cultural heritage of our motherland, we have compiled and organized the methods for processing medicinal materials that our factory has used over many years, creating a study guide for workers. In total, we have documented 290 kinds of medicinal materials, describing in detail the specific conditions involved in processing them, including quality, temperature, color, smell, and degree of processing.

The book is arranged by broad categories, with materials within each category further classified according to processing method. This classification may not be entirely appropriate, and we hope to improve it in the future. The content focuses on processing methods, changes before and after processing, and points requiring special attention. Less space is devoted to the medicinal effects. In compiling the book, we also consulted historical sources, but our main approach was to hold discussions among workers, especially those with technical expertise, encourage debate and reach a shared understanding, and observe the work firsthand before organizing our findings.

We had little time to compile this book, and the workers lacked writing skills and experience, so it may have many shortcomings. We hope you will share your valuable comments after reading it, so that we can revise and improve it.