Downward-Draining Herbs (Intro)

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What special cooking instruction should be followed in order to emphasize Da Haung's (rhei radix et rhizoma's) purgative effect?

Cook 30-60 minutes longer than the rest of the decoction
Add during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking
Use only in food therapy
Crush before decocting

Prolonged cooking of Da Huang will reduce its purgative effect. For a strong purgative effect, add Da Huand during the last five minutes. For Da Huang's other functions (clearing heat, invigorating blood), cook Da Huang the normal amount of time.

Source: Bensky, D. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. pp. 236 [Q546]