Can Heishunpian be soaked for three hours?

Generally speaking, under a doctor's guidance, Heishunpian (processed Aconite root) can be soaked for three hours. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Heishunpian, which is processed Aconite root, is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb known for its functions of dispersing cold, relieving pain, and warming the kidneys to enhance yang energy. When used for decocting or soaking in medicinal wine, longer soaking time can better release its active ingredients. Under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner, considering the herb's properties and the desired dissolution of active components, soaking Heishunpian for three hours is acceptable and may help enhance the therapeutic effect.

However, the specific soaking time might vary depending on the particular prescription, herb quality, and dosage. Prolonged soaking may lead to loss of active ingredients, thus weakening the effectiveness of the final decoction. Therefore, without professional guidance, it is not recommended to soak Heishunpian for as long as three hours. During the decoction process, attention should be paid to controlling the heat and time to ensure full release of medicinal effects and effective removal of toxicity.

While taking Heishunpian, it is also important to maintain a light diet and avoid overly greasy or spicy foods, which may interfere with the herb's effectiveness.