Must a clay pot be used for decocting Chinese herbs?

Generally speaking, it is not necessary to use a clay pot when decocting traditional Chinese herbs. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Traditional clay pots are chemically stable and do not react with herbal ingredients. They heat evenly and have good heat retention, which helps better extract medicinal components. However, with the advancement of cookware, other stable materials such as enameled or stainless steel pots can also be used for decocting herbs. These containers likewise do not cause adverse reactions with the herbs. As long as you avoid using metal pots made of copper, iron, or aluminum—metals prone to oxidation—the effectiveness of the decoction can still be ensured.

Before decocting, soak the herbs in clean water for about half an hour to facilitate the release of active ingredients. Control the heat properly during decoction: start with high heat to bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to low heat for slow simmering. Once done, filter the decoction promptly and consume it immediately—do not leave it in the pot for extended periods. Different herbs require different cooking times; follow medical instructions to adjust the duration and ensure optimal therapeutic effects.