Usually one dose is decocted 2-3 times and the combined decoction is to be taken 2 - 3 times daily. In an emergency case, it is advisable either to take a dose at one draught so as to muster the potency or to take it several times daily as tea in order to achieve lasting effect if necessary, or even to take 2 doses daily to enhance the therapeutic effect. In case of chronic diseases, it is advisable to take 2 - 3 times daily in the form of pill, bolus, extract or medicinal liquor.

Generally, decoction is mostly to be taken when it is still warm, but there are exceptions. Decoction for heat syndrome should be taken cool while decoction for cold syndrome taken hot, which is meant to enhance the potency. In case of serious diseases, cold-natured decoction should be taken hot and hot natured decoction taken cool to prevent patients from vomiting after taking the decoction. When drastic or toxic drugs are applied, they should be taken in a small amount at the beginning and with the amount increased gradually.

It must be noted that these drugs should be suspended immediately after they have efficacy, and that they must not be overused to avoid toxin or prevent them from damaging body resistance. What's more, proper amount of ginger juice may be added to the decoction for patients apt to vomit after taking the decoction. Likewise the patient may rub the tongue with fresh ginger or chew a little dried tangerine before taking the decoction, or take it cool in small dosage at frequent intervals. For unconscious patients or patients who have difficulty in swallowing, nasal feeding is recommended.