Exploration of the traditional fire-making method for Aconite

YU Dameng; WU Tong; JIANG Junjie; KONG Yanping

doi:10.13506/j.cnki.jpr.2025.10.007

Abstract：Objective To explore the standards and reasons for the changes in the fire-making method of Aconite under the guidance of the theory of detoxification and efficacy preservation.Methods A combination of literature authentication and restoration of ancient methods was employed.Results The core of Aconite's fire-making method lies in "detoxification and efficacy preservation".The ancients accumulated rich experience in the fire-making method,including the choice of firepower for fire-making(such as hot ash,fire-ash,and gentle and strong fire),the standard of preparation(such as"fire-making to slightly split" and "both inside and outside are yellow"),and remedial methods in practical operations(such as baking dry and re-stir-frying).Through the restoration of ancient methods,it was found that the effect of charcoal ash fire-making was the best,but too strong firepower could lead to excessive water loss of Aconite;The water-made fire-making method softens Aconite by water immersion,and then combines fire-making and stir-frying to more evenly change the internal color of Aco-nite,but the operation time is longer.The baking method includes face baking and wet paper baking,which delays the firepower through liquid immersion and allows the heat to slowly penetrate the inside of Aconite.The stir-frying method further detoxifies by stir-frying with liquid or solid adjuvants,but attention should be paid to temperature and time to avoid excessive prepara-tion leading to reduced efficacy.Conclusion The core standard of Aconite's fire-making method is"both inside and outside are yellow",and the temperature should not be too high and the time should not be too long.