Demystifying TCM Granules: A Modern Take on Ancient Medicine
What are TCM Granules?
Traditional Chinese Medicine granules, as known as TCM granules, are a modern, standardized, and convenient form of herbal medicine. They are produced by extracting active components from raw herbs through water decoction and other fine and advanced techniques. The resulting liquid extract is then dried into a concentrated powder. Unlike traditional herbs that require lengthy boiling, TCM granules are simply dissolved in hot water to create an instant herbal tea, offering precise dosing, consistency, and ease of use.
What is Dry Granulation?
Dry granulation is a key manufacturing process used to form these concentrated powder extracts into dense, free-flowing TCM granules. Crucially, this method does not involve adding any liquid binders or applying heat during the agglomeration stage. This makes it ideal for moisture-sensitive or heat-labile ingredients, preserving the stability and efficacy of the volatile compounds in TCM herbs.
In-Depth Look at the Manufacturing Process and Workflow
The entire production of TCM granules is a sophisticated blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology, with dry granulation being a critical stage.
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Extraction and Concentration
Raw herbs are meticulously cleaned and then boiled in large, computer-controlled extractors. The resulting liquid is filtered and evaporated under vacuum and low temperature to form a thick, syrupy extract with a high solid content.
Spray Drying
This dense paste is then fed into a spray dryer. It is atomized into a fine mist inside a hot chamber, where the water instantly evaporates. This yields a fine, dry powder that encapsulates the active constituents of the herb.
Dry Granulation (The Core Process)
This is where the dry powder is transformed into granules.
Compaction
The hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) powder is fed into a roller compactor. Two counter-rotating rollers exert immense pressure, compacting the powder into thin, solid sheets or flakes, known as a "ribbon" or "briquettes."
Milling and Sizing
These compacted flakes are then mechanically milled through a low-shear granulator. The machine breaks them down into uniform-sized granules through a controlled sieving action. This step is carefully calibrated to achieve the desired particle size distribution, ensuring consistent flow and solubility.
Packaging
The final granules are swiftly packaged in airtight, light-resistant containers with desiccants to protect them from moisture and oxidation, ensuring long-term stability.
By leveraging the dry granulation process, TCM granules successfully bridge the gap between ancient herbal wisdom and the demands of modern life, making traditional medicine more accessible globally without compromising its therapeutic integrity.
