Char-frying

A medicinal processing method similar to scorch-frying, but using an even higher flame. The aim of char-frying is to make the materials charred and black on the outside, brown on the inside, and brittle. Although a large proportion of the material is charred, the original properties are still present. This is known as nature-preservative burning. To ensure that the nature is partially preserved in this way, it is important that the material should not be completely carbonized. Because of the high temperature used in char-frying, materials easily catch fire. In this event, water should be sprinkled over the material until no sparks are seen. Some materials, such as typha pollen (Typhae Pollen, 蒲黄 pú huáng) require particularly vigorous stirring to clear the smoke they produce. Char-frying moderates the properties of a medicinal, and increases its ability to promote contraction and check bleeding. Some modern experiments show that blood-stanching properties may in some cases be destroyed through the process.