Microwave processing technology has been under investigation for nearly 40 years, with research conducted for over 30 types of herbs. This technology offers advantages such as concentrated energy, efficient heating, energy savings, and cleanliness, gradually emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fire-processing and combined water-fire processing methods. With the widespread adoption and intelligent development of industrial microwave equipment, the conditions for industrializing microwave processing technology in traditional Chinese medicine have become increasingly favorable. However, its large-scale application still faces several bottlenecks. This paper systematically elaborates on the basic principles of microwave processing, analyzes factors affecting heating uniformity, and examines key challenges in the industrialization process. Based on these, it proposes solutions including deepening research into the interaction mechanisms between microwaves and medicinal materials, developing specialized microwave processing equipment and intelligent control systems, establishing process scale-up methods based on multi-physical field simulations, and constructing quality evaluation systems tailored to the characteristics of microwave processing. Furthermore, from the perspective of regulatory science for Chinese medicinal decoction pieces and aligned with national policy directions, it offers regulatory recommendations to improve relevant standards and normative systems. The aim is to promote the scientific and standardized application of microwave processing technology in traditional Chinese medicine processing, thereby facilitating the inheritance, innovation, and industrial transformation of this field.

traditional Chinese medicine processing  /  principle of microwave processing  /  processing technology  /  safety  /  regulatory science