Herbs that Warm the Interior

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What special instruction should be followed when preparing Zhi Fu Zi (aconiti radix lateralis preparata) in decoction?

Crush before decocting
Add during the last five minutes of cooking
Boil 30-60 before adding the rest of the herbs
Use only as food therapy

Even after being prepared, Zhi Fu Zi is still toxic. Boiling it an extra amount of time will further reduce the toxic alkaloids. If you taste the decoction and your tongue goes numb, that means you haven't cooked it long enough.

Source: Bensky, D. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. p. 674 [Q56]