Decoctions are generally used for twigs, bark, roots and some berries.
Making a decoction is similar to making a tea, but slightly more vigorous than an infusion as bark, roots, twigs and some berries are not as ready to give us their active constituents.
Place your herbs into a covered pan of cold water and heat to boiling. Preferably this should be a glass or porcelain pan as metal pans can leach things into your decoction, including the non-stick kind. Then simmer for up to 1 hour (basically until the volume has been reduced by 1/3).
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General Info ~ 1 oz (30 g) dried herb or 2 oz (60 g) fresh herb ~ 3 Cups (750 ml) Water Take 1/2 cup 3 times daily Measurements make approximately 1.5 cups. |
Leave in the pan covered for a while until the steam is gone. Some of the volatile oils will be in the steam so if you take the cover off right away you will lose them. Allow them to cool back down into the pan.
Pour through a strainer or sieve into a pitcher or teacup. Store in a cool place.
TIP: Placing your herbs into a large tea ball or tying them into a piece of cheesecloth will help with the straining later on.
Do you have a favorite Decoction Recipe? Share it here and try someone else’s favorite too!
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