A circulating decocting machine and a circulating decocting method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to medicinal material processing equipment, and discloses a circulating decocting machine and a circulating decocting method thereof, which are used for obtaining traditional Chinese medicine water agent by quantitatively water extracting traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces and include a tank body with a double-layer or multi-layer structure, a medicinal liquid area and a medicinal material area, liquid in the medicinal liquid area is evaporated by a heating device, and the evaporated liquid enters the medicinal material area after being heated; a condensing reflux device is in communication with the tank body, and steam discharged from the tank body is liquefied by being cooled and then refluxed into the medicinal material area in the tank body; a reflux pipe is arranged at the medicinal material area, and the medicinal liquid in the medicinal material area is refluxed into the medicinal liquid area through the reflux pipe. The multi-layer tank body structure and the condensing reflux device are combined to form a closed water extraction environment, the effective components in the decoction pieces can be extracted as much as possible under the premise of a certain amount of water, compared with the existing steaming and boiling equipment, the water amount is not too much after multiple steaming and boiling, and the patient's taking is not affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medicinal material processing technology, specifically relating to a circulating decoction machine and its circulating decoction method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) reflects the Chinese nation's understanding of life, health, and disease, boasting a long history, unique theories, and techniques. Even today, the vast majority of TCM applications still involve decocting prepared herbal medicines according to a TCM prescription, followed by the patient taking the aqueous extract, commonly known as "decoction" or "water-based medicine," to achieve therapeutic effects. The renowned Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen pointed out, "Even if the ingredients are carefully selected and the preparation is done correctly, if the person decocting the medicine carelessly, using improper water or fire, or failing to control the heat, the medicine will be ineffective," fully illustrating the importance of decoction. Generally, ordinary utensils such as earthenware pots or stainless steel pots can be used for decoction, or professional decoction machines can be used. However, regardless of the method used, it is essential to follow the prescribed procedures to ensure the full therapeutic effect.

[0003] To ensure thorough extraction during decoction, regulations such as the "Management Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Rooms in Medical Institutions" stipulate that traditional Chinese medicine should be decocted at least twice, with the decoctions combined and taken in divided doses for optimal effect. This has led to modern decoction practices requiring multiple additions of water and resulting in large quantities of decoction. Patients often consume large amounts of this decoction at a time, sometimes as much as 200mL. Combined with the distinctive aroma and predominantly bitter taste of traditional Chinese medicine, patient compliance is extremely poor, causing many who believe in traditional Chinese medicine to abandon its use altogether due to fear of drinking it.

[0004] Meanwhile, regardless of the form of modern Chinese medicine decoction, the water evaporates due to heat during the decoction process and is then boiled again, resulting in a large volume of liquid that is difficult to control precisely, which has become a major pain point in the processing of Chinese medicine decoction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a circulating decoction machine and its circulating decoction method, which aims to quantitatively extract Chinese medicinal herbs using a completely enclosed device, thereby ensuring that as many effective components as possible are dissolved in a certain amount of water.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a circulating decoction machine for quantitatively extracting Chinese herbal medicine slices into a Chinese herbal aqueous solution, comprising:

[0008] The tank has a double or multi-layer structure, with a liquid medicine zone and a herbal medicine zone. The liquid in the liquid medicine zone is evaporated by the heating equipment and then enters the herbal medicine zone after heating the herbal medicine zone.

[0009] The condenser reflux device is connected to the tank and cools and liquefies the steam discharged from the tank, then returns it to the medicinal material area inside the tank.

[0010] One of the features is a return pipe in the medicinal herb area, through which the medicinal liquid in the medicinal herb area is returned to the medicinal liquid area.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a first embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the tank body includes a main tank body and an inner tank body inside the main tank body, the inner tank body being suspended inside the main tank body;

[0012] The inner tank has an opening at the top, and the liquid medicine area is located at the bottom of the inner tank. The vapor evaporated from the liquid medicine area comes into contact with the bottom of the outer side of the inner tank and flows upward along the gap between the inner tank and the inner wall of the main tank, and enters the inner tank through the opening at the top of the inner tank.

[0013] In conjunction with the first embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a second embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the outer wall of the inner tank has a plurality of connecting members, which are suspended in the main tank body.

[0014] In conjunction with the first embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a third embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the top of the main tank body has a drainage structure that introduces steam evaporating from the liquid medicine area into the opening of the inner tank.

[0015] In conjunction with the third embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a fourth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the diversion structure is a columnar structure disposed at the top center of the main tank and extending downward, the end of the diversion structure extends into the opening of the inner tank, and an exhaust pipe communicating with the outside of the main tank is provided in the diversion structure, through which the steam in the inner tank is discharged to the outside.

[0016] In conjunction with the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a fifth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the exhaust pipe is connected to the condenser reflux device.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect and the first to fifth embodiments of the first aspect, the present invention provides a sixth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the liquid medicine zone is located at the inner bottom of the main tank and the heating device is disposed within the liquid medicine zone.

[0018] In conjunction with the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a seventh embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the main tank is provided with a filling port communicating with the inner tank.

[0019] In conjunction with the sixth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides an eighth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the inner tank is also provided with a device for heating the liquid in the medicinal material area.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention provides a circulating decoction method, which uses the above-mentioned circulating decoction machine for decoction, specifically:

[0021] First, place the medicinal materials into the medicinal material area of ​​the inner tank, and then pour water into the medicinal material area and the liquid area. The water level in the medicinal material area should cover the medicinal materials, while the total amount of water in the medicinal material area and the liquid area should be fixed.

[0022] Then, the heating equipment is started to heat the water in the medicine liquid area and generate steam. The steam first contacts and heats the medicinal material area, and the contact steam flows into the inner tank and partially liquefies and enters the medicinal material area.

[0023] At the same time, the condenser reflux device is activated, and the steam from the medicinal material area enters the condenser reflux device, is cooled and liquefied, and flows back to the medicinal material area;

[0024] Once the water level in the medicinal herb area exceeds a set threshold, the return pipe is opened to allow the medicinal liquid to flow back to the medicinal liquid area.

[0025] Then, after continuous heating and multiple reflux cycles, the heating equipment is turned off and the reflux pipe is fully opened. The water extraction is completed after the liquid from the herb area has completely flowed into the liquid area.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] (1) The present invention forms a closed water extraction environment by setting up a multi-layer tank structure and combining it with a condensation reflux device. It can extract as many effective components as possible from a certain amount of medicinal slices under the premise of a fixed amount of water. Compared with the existing cooking equipment, it can avoid excessive water volume affecting the patient's intake after multiple cooking.

[0028] (2) The present invention uses an indirect heating device to avoid the direct heating that would cause the temperature to be too high and affect the extraction of effective components of the medicinal slices. At the same time, after the steam heats the inner tank, it also forms droplets that enter the inner tank, thereby continuously replacing the water in the inner tank, transferring the medicinal liquid to the main tank, and continuously increasing the concentration of the medicinal liquid in the main tank until it meets the requirements.

[0029] (3) The present invention, through the condenser reflux device, can not only ensure that the water volume in the tank remains constant, but also prevent the loss of some volatile oils and return them to the tank, thereby further increasing the content of effective ingredients and increasing the water extraction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a front view of the external structure of the entire decoction machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a top view of the external structure of the entire decoction machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the external structure of the entire decoction machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the decoction machine after it has been cut open, as well as the position and direction of the solution, solute, and gas in this embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the internal structure of the decoction machine after it has been cut open in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the diagram: 1-Main tank, 2-Condenser reflux device, 3-Base frame, 4-Reagent pipeline, 5-Addition port, 6-Reflux pipe, 7-Heater, 8-Inner tank;

[0036] c - Liquid medicine zone, d - Herbal medicine zone, e - Evaporation zone, f - Gas channel. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationships commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in the description of this application is only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this application does not imply that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it may be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it may be slightly tilted.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] This embodiment discloses a circulating decoction machine, which is mainly used to extract medicinal liquid from Chinese herbal medicine slices. Unlike existing decoction equipment, the fully enclosed tank structure can extract the effective components from the medicinal slices as much as possible without adding extra water during the process.

[0046] Specifically, the system includes a tank with several openings through which medicinal herbs can be added or removed after cooking. The openings also allow for inspection of the tank's interior; if necessary, the top cover located at each opening can be removed for internal maintenance.

[0047] The tank is also equipped with several pipes connecting to an external system, primarily for water supply and drainage of the internal pharmaceutical solution. The external water supply system includes pipes and a pumping mechanism. All inner surfaces of the piping equipment have anti-corrosion coatings, and the materials used are food-grade and have undergone sterilization treatment to meet relevant industry and national standards. Through the external pipes and pumping system, the system can be controlled by external control equipment to automatically fill the tank and drain the pharmaceutical solution at set times. Depending on production needs, the pharmaceutical solution can be directly sent to the next processing step or stored in a corresponding storage tank; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0048] Furthermore, the tank has a liquid medicine area c and a medicinal material area d. The so-called liquid medicine area c and medicinal material area d are used to refer to the areas filled with the corresponding materials. They are not limited to a single space and can also be set up as several independent functional areas.

[0049] In the simplest implementation, the herb area d is the liquid medicine area c. First, a certain amount of Chinese herbal medicine slices are put into the herb area d, then an excessive amount of water is added to submerge them, and the herbs are continuously boiled until the effective components in the slices are extracted and dissolved in the water, thus forming a liquid medicine.

[0050] Furthermore, to ensure the liquid level in the tank, a condenser 2 is installed on the tank. This condenser 2 has a steam channel and a liquid channel, and a highly efficient heat exchange insulating material is used between the steam channel and the liquid channel to ensure that the fluids in the two channels can continuously maintain rapid heat exchange. The tank is connected to the steam channel of the condenser 2. When the liquid inside the tank is continuously heated, causing rapid evaporation, steam can only enter the steam channel of the condenser 2 connected to one side.

[0051] The condenser reflux 2 continuously supplies a low-temperature working fluid into its liquid channel, causing the steam in the steam channel to liquefy rapidly into droplets. These droplets then converge into a water flow that returns to the tank. By setting an appropriate gas channel length (f) and a suitable flow rate and volume of liquid working fluid, all the steam in the tank can be liquefied and returned to the tank. No gas or liquid is lost during the entire heating process, ensuring that the liquid level in the tank is maintained within a certain range.

[0052] However, this continuous boiling water extraction method is inefficient, and the extraction rate of the effective components of the medicinal materials decreases as the concentration of substances in the liquid increases. To improve the water extraction efficiency, this embodiment also provides an implementation method.

[0053] like Figure 1-5As shown, it also features an integrated tank structure design. The top of the tank has two openings: one is an exhaust port connected to the vertically placed condenser reflux device 2, and the other is an opening connected to the inside of the tank for adding medicinal materials or checking the internal condition. The bottom of the tank has a support frame 3, and also has a medicine drain pipe 4 connected to the inside of the tank for discharging the medicine. The top of the tank has a filling port 5 for adding medicinal materials or performing other operations.

[0054] The tank body is divided into an outer main tank 1 and an inner inner tank 8. Figure 4 As can be seen, its structure is similar to the double-layer structure of a thermos, but the gap between the two layers is larger and is used to set the corresponding materials.

[0055] The cross-section of inner tank 8 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the inner tank 8 has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a concave surface at the bottom, allowing for a larger contact area between the external steam and the bottom surface of the inner tank 8. Simultaneously, due to this top-widening-bottom-narrowing design, the outer surface of the inner tank 8 is sloped, while the inner wall of the main tank 1 is vertical, enabling the rising steam to contact the wall of the inner tank 8, increasing heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the gap between the top of the inner tank 8 and the inner wall of the main tank 1 is minimal, and the top of the inner tank 8 has an opening for easy steam entry.

[0056] The inner tank 8 is an independent tank structure. For fixation, several connectors are provided on its outer wall. The connectors shown in the figure are integrally formed with the inner tank 8 and the main tank 1. The connectors ensure a stable connection while also ensuring sufficient annular space between the inner tank 8 and the main tank 1, allowing steam to flow smoothly upward through the gaps.

[0057] Because the inner tank 8 is shorter than the main tank 1, the bottom of the main tank 1 has a larger chamber for housing heating equipment. As shown in the diagram, the bottom of the main tank 1 is the liquid medicine zone c, which is equipped with an electrically heated heater 7. The water level in the liquid medicine zone c is not higher than the bottom of the inner tank 8, and there is a certain space between them. This space is the evaporation zone e. A large amount of steam evaporated from the liquid medicine zone c exists in this zone and rises to contact the bottom of the inner tank 8, thus heating the inner tank 8.

[0058] The gap between the inner tank 8 and the main tank 1 forms a gas passage f, used to guide the steam upward. At the bottom inner part of the main tank 1, there is a downward-extending columnar structure, the end of which extends into the opening of the inner tank 8, and an exhaust pipe is located at its center. The rising steam is guided by the curved surface of the outer wall of the columnar structure into the inner tank 8 first. Because the top of the main tank 1 is in contact with the external space and its temperature is lower, the steam passing through this area cools down and forms droplets. These droplets fall into the inner tank 8, replenishing the water in the inner tank 8 and raising the water level inside.

[0059] A return pipe 6 is provided at the bottom of one side of the inner tank 8. The return pipe 6 is equipped with a solenoid valve connected to the external control system. The return pipe 6 can be set to a siphon or negative pressure extraction mode as needed, so that the liquid in the inner tank 8 can be completely discharged when fully open and finally flow back into the medicine liquid area c at the bottom of the main tank 1.

[0060] This embodiment also discloses a circulating decoction method, in which the Chinese herbal medicine slices are placed in the inner tank 8, and water is added to cover the slices by more than 1 cm for soaking. The tank body and the condenser reflux device 2 are connected from bottom to top. After soaking for 30 minutes, the valve of the external pipeline system is opened, and the water flows into the medicine liquid area c at the bottom of the main tank body 1. Then the valve is closed and the heating device is turned on.

[0061] The water gradually boils and generates a large amount of steam. Some of the hot steam directly heats the bottom of the inner tank 8, achieving the effect of decocting the Chinese medicine. Simultaneously, another portion of the hot steam enters the condenser 2, liquefies into hot water, and flows back into the inner tank 8, causing the water level in the inner tank 8 to rise continuously. When the water level in the inner tank 8 covers the Chinese medicine, the valve is opened again, allowing the decoction in the inner tank 8 to flow back into the decoction zone c. By repeating this decoction and reflux process, the Chinese medicine can be decocted and extracted multiple times with only one addition of water, ultimately obtaining a high-concentration decoction, thus improving decoction efficiency and reducing the dosage.

[0062] Meanwhile, because the circulating decoction machine of this invention is equipped with a condenser reflux device 2, there is no evaporation loss of water during the decoction process, which can effectively control the final volume of medicine. For traditional Chinese medicines containing volatile components, the condenser can also play a good role in recycling, strictly ensuring that the medicinal substances of traditional Chinese medicine are not lost due to the decoction process.

[0063] To verify the advantages of this device and method compared to existing technologies, this embodiment is illustrated with certain experimental data.

[0064] First, the classic prescription Xiao Chai Hu Tang was selected: Bupleurum 24g, Scutellaria baicalensis 9g, Ginseng 9g, Pinellia ternata 9g, Prepared licorice root 6g, Ginger 9g, Jujube 20g, for a total of 6 doses. The extraction rate and volume of decoction were compared between the circulating decoction machine (2kW) of this invention and a commercially available ten-function decoction machine (2kW). The decoction time was set to 60 minutes. During this time, the ten-function decoction machine was used for two decoctions (40 minutes + 20 minutes), while the circulating decoction machine was used for three cycles. After decoction, the total volume of each decoction was measured. 25mL of each decoction was transferred to a constant-weight evaporating dish, evaporated to dryness in a water bath, placed in an oven, and dried at 105℃ for 3 hours. The dried product was then placed in a desiccator, cooled for 30 minutes, and quickly weighed to determine the weight of the extract. The extraction rate of the two decoction methods was calculated, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0065] Table 1 Comparison of decoction yield and liquid volume between circulating decoction machine and ten-function decoction machine

[0066]

[0067] The results showed that when decocting the same prescription using a circulating decoction machine and a ten-function decoction machine, within the same decoction time, the circulating decoction machine decocted the prescription three times, one more time than the commercially available ten-function decoction machine which required two water additions. The decoction yield of the circulating decoction machine was 24.7%, significantly higher than the 15.6% of the commercially available ten-function decoction machine. Furthermore, the circulating decoction machine, without requiring two water additions, produced a final liquid volume of 950 mL, excluding water absorption by the herbs themselves. The ten-function decoction machine, requiring two water additions, produced a final liquid volume of 2700 mL. The experimental prescription consisted of six doses, taken three times a day. The liquid volume per dose using the circulating decoction machine was approximately 53 mL, while that using the ten-function decoction machine was approximately 150 mL. Therefore, using a circulating decoction machine not only significantly improves decoction efficiency but also reduces the amount of liquid required for consumption.

[0068] Two portions of 100g each of peppermint decoction pieces from the same source were selected. The extraction rate of volatile components (menthol) was compared between the circulating decoction machine (2kW) of this invention and a commercially available ten-function decoction machine (2kW). 500mL of water was added to each machine. The decoction time was set to 20min after boiling, according to the "Management Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Rooms in Medical Institutions" (Guo Zhongyi Yaofa

[2009] No. 3). After decoction, the total volume of each decoction was measured. 10mL of each decoction was precisely added, mixed, filtered, and the filtrate was collected. The menthol content was determined by gas chromatography (General Rule 0521) under the "Peppermint" section of the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The extraction rate of volatile components was calculated using menthol as a representative of the two decoction methods. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0069] Table 2 Comparison of volatile component extraction rates between circulating decoction machine and ten-function decoction machine

[0070]

[0071] The results showed that, when decocting peppermint using a circulating decoction machine and a ten-function decoction machine, the extraction rate of volatile components, represented by menthol content, was significantly higher at 3.0% for the circulating decoction machine within the same decoction time. This was 3.0%, significantly higher than the 0.14% of the commercially available ten-function decoction machine. Therefore, using a circulating decoction machine effectively recovers the volatile components of traditional Chinese medicine, ensuring the quality of the decoction.

[0072] This invention is not limited to the optional embodiments described above, and anyone can derive other various forms of products based on the inspiration of this invention. The specific embodiments described above should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention; the scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the claims, and the specification can be used to interpret the claims.

Claims

1. A circulating decoction machine for quantitatively extracting Chinese herbal medicine decoction pieces into a Chinese herbal medicine aqueous solution, characterized in that: include: The tank has a double or multi-layer structure, with a liquid medicine zone (c) and a herbal medicine zone (d). The liquid in the liquid medicine zone (c) is evaporated by the heating equipment and then enters the herbal medicine zone (d) after heating. The condenser (2) is connected to the tank and cools and liquefies the steam discharged from the tank and returns it to the medicinal material area (d) inside the tank. Among them, a return pipe (6) is provided at the medicinal material area (d) to return the medicinal liquid in the medicinal material area (d) to the medicinal liquid area (c). The tank body includes a main tank body (1) and an inner tank (8) inside the main tank body (1), the inner tank (8) being suspended inside the main tank body (1); The inner tank (8) has an opening at the top, and the liquid medicine area (c) is located at the bottom of the inner tank (8). The vapor evaporated from the liquid medicine area (c) comes into contact with the bottom of the outer side of the inner tank (8) and flows upward along the gap between the inner tank (8) and the inner wall of the main tank (1) and enters the inner tank (8) through the opening at the top of the inner tank (8).

2. The circulating decoction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the inner tank (8) has several connectors, which are suspended inside the main tank (1) by the connectors.

3. The circulating decoction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main tank (1) has a drainage structure at the top inside that introduces the steam evaporating from the liquid medicine area (c) into the opening of the inner tank (8).

4. A circulating decoction machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diversion structure is a columnar structure located at the top center of the main tank (1) and extending downwards. The end of the diversion structure extends into the opening of the inner tank (8), and an exhaust pipe is provided in the diversion structure to connect to the outside of the main tank (1). The steam in the inner tank (8) is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe.

5. A circulating decoction machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exhaust pipe is connected to the condenser reflux device (2).

6. A circulating decoction machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The liquid medicine zone (c) is located at the bottom of the main tank (1), and the heating device is installed in the liquid medicine zone (c).

7. A circulating decoction machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main tank (1) is provided with a filling port (5) that communicates with the inner tank (8).

8. A circulating decoction machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner tank (8) is also equipped with a device for heating the liquid in the medicinal material area (d).

9. A method for decocting medicine in a cyclical manner, characterized in that: The decoction is performed using the circulating decoction machine described in claim 7 above, specifically: First, put the medicinal materials into the medicinal material area (d) of the inner tank (8), and inject water into the inner medicinal material area (d) and the liquid medicine area (c). The water level in the medicinal material area (d) is above the medicinal materials, while the total amount of water in the medicinal material area (d) and the liquid medicine area (c) is fixed. Then the heating equipment is started to heat the water in the liquid medicine area (c) and generate steam. The steam first heats the medicinal material area (d) by contact, and the steam flows into the inner tank (8) and partially liquefies and enters the medicinal material area (d). At the same time, the condenser reflux device (2) is started, and the steam from the medicinal material area (d) enters the condenser reflux device (2), is cooled and liquefied, and flows back to the medicinal material area (d). Once the water level in the medicinal material area (d) is higher than the set threshold, the return pipe (6) is opened to allow the medicinal liquid to flow back to the medicinal liquid area (c). Then, after continuous heating and multiple refluxes, the heating equipment is turned off and the reflux pipe (6) is fully opened. Water extraction is completed after the liquid in the medicinal material area (d) has completely flowed into the liquid in the medicinal liquid area (c).

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