Decoctions and Infusions

Admin Posts : 1150 Join date : 2016-06-07

How to Make a Decoction

1. Herbal teas can be very pleasurable to drink, but can also, with regular use, tone, soothe, and balance the body. Use the decoction method of brewing tea when working with hard, woody substances (such as roots, bark, and stems) that have constituents that are water-soluble and non-volatile.

2. Understand what an herbal tea is. An herbal tea does not have tannin or caffeine, but does have varying amounts of antioxidants depending on how the herb is processed. Understand the purpose of the decoction method. In addition to the traditional recipe for brewing tea (1-cup boiling water poured over 1-t dried herb or 2-t fresh herb), you may also choose to make an infusion (which is stronger than a tea) or a decoction.

A) The decoction method is used for hard, woody substances (such as roots, bark, and stems) that have constituents that are water-soluble and non-volatile. (Red clover is an exception, because red clover flower decoction will extract more minerals that the infusion.)
B) Decoctions extract mainly mineral salts and bitter principles. Decoctions are intended for immediate use.
C) Store for a maximum of 72 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Make a decoction. The basic recipe for a decoction includes 1-pt water and 1-oz of herb or root.

Place the water into a pot made from non-reactive metal (such as stainless or enamel; do not use aluminum).

Cut or crush the herb or root and add it to the water in the pot. (Do not cut or crush the herb or root in advance, as vital constituents can be lost.)

Turn on the heat to medium. Simmer your decoction with the lid off until the volume of water is reduced by one-quarter (so, three-quarters of a pint remains).

Cool and strain. Store in the fridge for no more than 72 hours.

Take in divided doses according to use.

Use a decoction when an herb is better simmered than steeped to extract their specific nutrients.
For example, oatstraw contains silica, which requires simmering to be released into the water.

In addition, red clover blossoms must be simmered to extract their copper and iron, and dandelion roots should be simmered to prepare a pleasant, coffee-like beverage.

Admin Posts : 1150 Join date : 2016-06-07

Making Herbal Infusions

Infusions are made by steeping fresh and dried flowers or the leaves of herbs in hot water. These herbal teas are drunk without milk, although a little honey may be added to sweeten them. Infusions are most effective from the soft tops of herbaceous plants such as Chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves.

Decoctions are a type of infusion that are prepared by simmering roots, bark and seeds in boiling water. This more vigorous method of extraction is needed to soften the woody parts of the plant tissues to release valuable minerals and alkaloids. Decoctions can be made from roots such as ginger and ginseng, bark such as cinnamon, and seeds such as fennel.

Infusions and decoctions help to nourish the mind and body. Nettles make an excellent spring tonic and rosemary an invigorating tea, while nightly infusions of elderflower or chamomile are soothing and sedative.

Simple Steps to make an Infusion

A restorative infusion can be made in 5 simple steps:

1. Choose a glass, enamel or porcelain teapot with a tight-fitting lid.
Warm the teapot with hot water and then empty.

2. Add 70g finely chopped fresh herbs or 25g dried herbs into the teapot.

3. Pour over 500ml of hot (not boiling) water and cover with the lid. Leave for 5-10 minutes for the herbs to properly infuse.

4. Strain some of the liquid through a tea strainer into a cup, and the remaining fluid into a jug.

5. Sip slowly, adding a little honey to sweeten if desired.

This infusion is enough for 3 doses and can be stored in an airtight container, in a cool place, for up to 48 hours.