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"Scientific Chinese medicinals" are powdered concentrates of the decoction of Chinese medicinal materials. Due to their convenience in preparation, long shelf life, and the fact that they do not require further decoction, they have been widely adopted by the public.

The Chinese medicinal materials used in scientific Chinese medicinals must undergo processes such as decoction, residue removal, and concentration of the medicinal liquid. Particularly, the "decoction" step is crucial for ensuring the safety of the medication. After prolonged decoction, the number of surviving bacteria and molds in the Chinese medicinals is extremely low. Additionally, some inherent toxicities of the drugs (such as Aconite Lateral Root) and certain pesticides can be decomposed or evaporated during the decoction process. Most heavy metals in Chinese medicinals are distributed within plant cells and are not easily extracted, thus mainly remaining in the residue. Therefore, the decoction obtained from Chinese medicinals generally meets strict international standards for bacteria, pesticides, and heavy metals.

However, some manufacturers, for cost and technical considerations, incorporate raw medicinal powders into the process, and there are even instances of additional coloring or almost entirely substituting with raw medicinal powders (refer to this article). Raw medicinal powders are made by drying and grinding medicinal materials, which still contain a large amount of bacteria, molds, residual pesticides, and heavy metals. Some drugs also contain inherent toxic substances that need to be detoxified through decoction and processing of materia medica. Therefore, raw medicinal powders are generally not suitable for long-term or frequent use. Moreover, raw medicinal powders are not concentrated and are less effective. Although such products barely meet the scientific Chinese medicinal standards set by Taiwan's health authorities, these standards are the most lenient in the world (refer to Regulatory Standards for Chinese Medicinal Preparations in Major Countries Worldwide).

Currently, there are a few scientific Chinese medicinal manufacturers in Taiwan that strictly follow the decoction and concentration processes without incorporating raw medicinal powders. Their products have extremely low levels of bacteria, pesticides, and heavy metals, complying with international standards. Before taking the prescription powders prescribed by a TCM physician, it is necessary to inquire and understand whether the medicinal powder you are taking is a scientific Chinese medicinal that does not incorporate raw medicinal powders.

Here are a few simple identification points: