Downward-Draining Herbs

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For a strong purgative effect, what special cooking instruction should be followed when using Da Huang (rhei radix et rhizoma) in decoction?

Place in teabag or wrap in gauze
Crush before cooking
Use only in food therapy; do not decoct
Add near the end of cooking

Prolonged cooking of Da Huang can moderate its purgative effect. So for a strong purgative effect, add during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. For a weaker purgative effect (or if you want to use Da Huang for its other actions), cook for the entire 30 minutes.

Source: Bensky, D. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. p. 236 [Q806]