Prescriptions for Fifty-Two Diseases and Early Internal Medicine Dosage Forms

During the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), there was a significant transition in Chinese internal medicine dosage forms, from grinding and swallowing the medicine powder to drinking the herbal soup after decoction. Before this shift, the decoction-drinking method was mainly used for food-based medicines. At that time, these two methods did not signify a difference in dosage forms. The decoction-drinking method had its unique guiding theory and formed a special category of medicine, hence the term “decoction” (汤液) originated. Since this type of medicine has been abandoned since the Han Dynasty, the meaning of the term “decoction” is no longer widely known, and it is generally interpreted as “preparation” (汤剂). Jia Dedao said: “It is a liquid made by cooking grains, which was used as medicinal in ancient times, and can be considered the early form of the decoction as known today”. This description provides a fairly accurate understanding. Another explanation is from Mr. Zhao Pushan, who said: “In particular, the interrelationship between heat and taste. The correct combination of these two elements will achieve the best effect of the ‘taste’ produced by the decoction”.