First using stainless steel ,ceramic or pyrex cookware to prepare decoctions, and then place the herbs in the pot with fresh water over the herbs 1inch, soak for about 15-30 minutes.
Cook over high heat until it boils. Turn down and simmer 30 to 45 minutes.
Keep the pot covered. There should be roughly 2 cups (coffee cup) of liquid left after cooking.
Note: Tonic herbs and Tonic formulas may have to be cooked longer.
Herbs to relieve Exterior Syndromes will be ineffective if overcooked.