Learn How To Make A Herbal Decoction

What is the difference between a decoction and an infusion?

Most people are familiar with an infusion which is what people do when they put a tea bag or tea ball in a cup of hot water and allow it to steep a couple minutes before drinking.  Infusions are used to extract vitamins and volatile ingredients from soft ingredients like leaves, flowers, citrus peelings, etc. 

Green tea, black tea, peppermint tea and chamomile tea are examples of an infusion.  The short brewing time helps to retain the volatile ingredients while drinking.

A decoction is used to extract primarily the mineral salts and bitter principles of plants from hard materials such as roots, bark, seeds and wood.  These hard materials generally require boiling for at least 10 minutes and then are allowed to steep for a number of hours.  The tea is boiled down and concentrated so that water needs to be added before drinking.  The word “decoct” means to concentrate by boiling.  Essiac tea and taheebo bark tea are examples of a decoction. 

How to Make an Herbal Decoction

Basic directions for how to make an herbal decoction are as follows.

• Use one teaspoon to one tablespoon of herbs per cup of cold water.
• Add the herbs and cold water to a pot.
• Place that pot on the stove and bring up to a gentle boil.
• Put a lid on the pan and lightly simmer for twenty to forty minutes.
• Remove from the heat and let your decoction cool to drinking temperature.
• Finish up by straining out the herbs.
• You can often use these same herbs to brew up a new batch of decoction a couple more times as long as the decoction is still strong after brewing.
• Refrigerate leftovers and use within 48 hours.

Herbs to Use for Decoctions

Many herbs make wonderful decoctions. Here are a few for you to consider:

Burdock root for liver support.

Yellow dock root for anemia, and also as a mild laxative.

Dandelion root for cleansing the liver.

Licorice for irritable bowel syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and digestive issues (avoid while pregnant).

Ginseng root to support hormone balance, fatigue, and digestive weakness.

Cinnamon for digestion, colds, and generally warming the body.

Pau d’Arco bark to strengthen the immune system.

Slippery elm bark for soothing ulcers, coughs, and diarrhea.

Chicory root for improved skin health.

You can get all your herbs from Amazon, just scroll through.

Other Uses for Decoctions

Baths 

Decoctions can also be added to baths to create a soothing and therapeutic soak.

Simply prepare 2 to 3 quarts of decoction, strain out the herbs and add the remaining liquid to a tub full of warm water.

Soak for at least 20 minutes.

Baths are wonderfully simple way to utilize the healing properties of herbs. They are especially helpful to anybody who struggles to ingest the herbs under normal circumstances, such as one who is ill or too young).

Compresses 

Decoctions can also be used as a compress (also known as fomentation) to apply the herb directly to the skin.

To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in the warm (not hot) decoction. Squeeze out the excess liquid, apply the cloth to the affected area, and allow it to stay there until cooled.

Reapply as needed.

As you can see, it is so easy to make (and use) a decoction! I hope you will give it a try.