Steeping

Also soaking. Allow medicinal materials to stand in clear water or other fluid for a certain time. Steeping facilitates slicing, as in the case of areca (Arecae Semen, 槟榔 bīng láng) and lindera (Linderae Radix, 乌药 wū yào). It can also reduce toxicity, as in the case of arisaema (Arisaematis Rhizoma, 天南星 tiān nán xīng) and pinellia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 半夏 bàn xià).

See processing of medicinals.