煅制将药材（多为矿物或贝壳类）置无烟炉火中高温烧红。明煅直接敞口煅烧；焖煅则密闭容器中煅。煅后质地酥脆，便于粉碎，传统认为可改变药性或降低刺激性。牡蛎、龙骨、石膏、自然铜等常用煅法。
Calcining heats material (often minerals or shells) to red heat in a furnace. Open calcining is direct; sealed calcining uses a closed vessel. The product becomes brittle and easier to powder; tradition holds it may alter properties or reduce irritation. Common examples: oyster shell, fossil bone, gypsum, pyrite.
水飞是将药材与水共研，取悬浮细粉，倾去粗渣，干燥后得极细粉末。传统用于朱砂、雄黄、炉甘石等，目的是获得细腻粉末并减少杂质与刺激性。操作需在通风或防护条件下进行，尤其涉及含砷、汞矿物时须严格遵守安全规范。
Water-milling grinds material with water, collects the suspended fine powder, discards coarse residue, and dries it. Traditionally used for cinnabar, realgar and calamine to obtain a fine powder and reduce impurities. Work must be done with ventilation and protection, especially with arsenic- or mercury-containing minerals, under strict safety rules.