Infusions and Decoctions
The two ways to extract medicinal properties from herbs to make teas are
infusing and decoction. Which process youĂ‚.´ll want to try will be determined by
the part of the plant used to make the tea. When working with the delicate
parts of an herb-the leaves and flowers-youĂ‚.´ll want to make an infusion.
Making an infusion involves pouring hot water over the herbs and then steeping the
herb in the water. If you are using the tough parts of the plant-the roots,
bark, twigs, seeds or berries-youĂ‚.´ll want to make a decoction, simmer the
tough parts of the herbs in boiling water. The process can also be used to
reduce or boil own herbs to make a stronger preparation, for example, the base of
cough syrup. If a remedy combines leaves or flowers with bark or roots,
make a mixed decoction/infusion for best results.
Macerations:
Boiling diminishes the active ingredients of some herbs, such as valerian
root of dill. It is possible to process delicate herbs without heat by making
a cold maceration: Place 2 tsp. of dried herbs in a glass dish. Pour 2 cups
of cold water over the herb and let stand overnight. Strain. Add honey to
taste; drink 3 times daily.
Therapeutic Effect:
Infusions and decoctions allow you to release the healing properties of
herbs into water. The value of many medicinal herbs lies chiefly in their
volatile oils; in order to keep these valuable oils from being evaporated while
healing, keep the heat low and cover the pot when preparing.
For dosage and safety:
An average dose is about a teacup full, three times a day of an infusion or
decoction. Use smaller doses for children or the elderly. Some herbs, such
as feverfew, are so strong tasting that they are not always suitable for
infusions or decoctions. Note: Always verify the safety and check toxicity
warnings of the herbs you are planning to use, or check with an herbalist.
Utensils:
You can refrigerate infusions and decoctions for about 48 hours. Always use
glass or enamel containers or stainless steel and wooden spoons or steel
knives. Sieves should be plastic or nylon. Never use aluminum as this element
can be toxic and easily absorbed by the herbs.
Extra Tip:
When preparing a decoction or infusion from plants from the wild, make sure
they are correctly identified. If there is any doubt, do not use the herb.
Types of Infusions:
The process to extract the medicinal virtues of an herb need not be
complicated. Just make sure you are familiar with the many different preparations.
Pot infusion:
For a pot infusion, add the herbs to a teapot and pour in boiling water.
Cover and let it set for 10 min. Strain..
Solar infusion:
Try a solar infusion for very delicate herbs, such as chamomile or mint, to
keep in essential oils. Place the herbs in a glass container and add water
that is room temperature; cover. Let it stand in direct sunlight for several
hours..
Cold extract:
Add 2 tsp. of the herb to 2 cup of cold water. Let the mixture stand for
8-12 hr.; strain. Take it as you would an infusion.
Cold compress:
Soak a cloth in an infusion of decoction that has been cooled. Wring out
the cloth and apply it directly to injuries, swollen joints and inflammations.
Fomentation:
Soak a cloth or towel in an infusion or decoction. Wring it out and apply
hot if you need to bring heat to an area.
Techniques:
Infusion:
Herb leaves or flowers
Purified water
Warm the pot, then add 1 tsp. of herbs per cup. Pour boiling water into
the pot, cover and let steep for 10 min.; strain. Sweeten the tea with honey,
if desired.
Decoction:
Roots, bark, twigs, and berries
Cold purified water
Break herb material into small pieces and put 1 tsp. of herbs per cup into a
saucepan. Cover with water ad bring to a boil. Simmer gently for about
10-20 min. or until the water is slightly reduced; strain through a sieve.
Mixed decoction/infusion:
Fresh or dried herbs
Cold purified water
Mix the bark, berries or roots in a saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil
and gently simmer 10-20 min. Place the flowers and leaves in a teapot.
Strain the hot decoction into the teapot and infuse for 15 min. Strain the
mixture into a glass container.
Before undertaking the advice contained here, you should consult with a
health care professional, who can better assess your individual needs, symptoms
and treatments.
~The Complete Guide to Natural Healing~
Ă‚.©MCMXCIX International Masters Publishing AB
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