HOW TO PREPARE
DECOCTION
"A decoction is a method of extraction by boiling of dissolved chemicals, or
herbal or plant material, which may include stems, roots, bark or leaf. In
herbalism, decoctions are usually made to extract fluids from hard plant
materials such as roots and bark. To achieve this, the plant material is
usually boiled for 08 -12 minutes in water. It is then strained. Whenever the
herb to be used is hard and woody, it is better to make a decoction rather
than an infusion to ensure that the soluble contents of the herbs actually
reach the water.
Roots, rhizomes, wood, bark, nuts and some seeds are hard and their cell
walls are very strong, so to ensure that the active constituents are
transferred to the water, more heat is needed than for infusions and the
herb has to be boiled in the water.
When preparing a mixture containing soft and woody herbs, it is best to
prepare an infusion and a decoction separately to ensure that the more
sensitive herbs are treated accordingly.
When using a woody herb which contains a lot of volatile oils, it is best to
make sure that it is powdered as finely as possible and then used in an
infusion rather than a decoction, to ensure that the oils do not boil away.
A decoction can be used in the same way as an infusion. Women of
childbearing age should always make sure the herbs they are using are safe
during pregnancy.
Here's how to make a decoction:
1. Use a glass, ceramic or earthenware container. If metal it should be
enameled. Never use aluminum.
2. Put one teaspoonful of herb for each cup of water into the pot.
3. Add the water to the herbs in the pot.
4. Bring to the boil and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.
5. The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day.
If the herb is very bitter or strong, use 4 teaspoons three times a day.
Prepare no more than 24 hours in advance."
INFUSION
A standard infusion is prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb (or
2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10
minutes before straining. If the herb is left too long, the infusion will
become bitter. It's best to use a ceramic pot with a lid.
TINCTURE
A tincture is an alcoholic extraction of herb. Alcohol dissolves the active
constituents out of the plant matter and acts as a preservative, allowing
the tincture to retain its effectiveness for up to 2 years. In Brazilian
traditional herbal medicine tinctures are usually made with aguardente,
cachaca (Brazilian rum) or vodka. Any part of the
plant may be used.
HERBAL WINE
Use a sweet red wine with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Cover four
ounces of herb with three cups of wine. Leave for a week before
straining. Take four teaspoons one or two times daily. Herbal wine is best
used within a month.
SYRUP
Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for cough mixtures, especially
since some herbs for cough are very bitter. Prepare two cups of an infusion
or decoction of the required herb. Strain and add 1¾ cup brown sugar or a
honey and sugar mixture. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a
clean glass bottle and seal. Store in the refrigerator. The Standard dosage
is one teaspoon three times a day.
COMPRESS
Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze most of the liquid out and
apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat the
process. Tinctures of other herbs and essential oils can be added to the
liquid.
POULTICE
Poultices are effective for boils, abscesses, chest infections and sprains.
Mix chopped herb or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place
the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. It
should be replaced when cool. A thin layer of calendula cream will protect
the skin and prevent the poultice from sticking.
MACERATION
Maceration, in chemistry, the preparation of an extract by
soaking material (such as parts of fibrous plants) in water, alcohol,
vegetable oil or some organic solvent. The word may also refer to the same
process when used to produce perfume stock.
HERBS AND PREGNANCY
Many herbs are unsafe for women who are pregnant. Therefore, many other
herbs are known to be helpful during pregnancy and after delivery. Some are
also good for the baby, such as calendula cream for diaper rash and fennel
for colic. Parsley, Celery, Land Cress, Rocket Taken for vitamins and
minerals. Do not use the seeds.
Raspberry Leaf Used to tone the uterus.
Chamomile (infusion 1 cup before rising)
Ginger (tincture-up to 1ml/day, 2-3 drops at a time)
Peppermint (tincture-2 ml in hot water 3x daily)
Black Horehound (tincture-2 ml in hot water 3x daily) Taken for morning
sickness.
Goldenseal Taken during labor to assist the uterus. Never take during
pregnancy.
St. John's Wort (apply an oil infusion to the area, or add a strong infusion
to a hip bath)
Use the oil with added lavender to heal the perineum after birth.
Oats Prepare a tincture to use for postpartum depression.
Fenugreek, Fennel, Caraway, Milk Thistle - After delivery, these herbs can
be used to promote milk production.
Sage Used to reduce milk production when weaning.
Fennel For baby's colic.
Cabbage Leaves, Echinacea Bruise and apply externally for relief of
mastitis.
Borage An infusion will aid in mild production in breastfeeding mothers.
Calendula Cream Prepare a cream to use for diaper rash and cracked nipples.
Caraway As a tincture or infusion, can help ease labor pains and stimulate
the flow of breast milk."
IMPORTANT
The information contained on these pages is continuously revised and updated
and each entry is verified by several sources, however it is not intended as
a substitute for professional medical care. If irritations result from the
use of herbal remedies, discontinue.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has not evaluated any of the statements or contents of
this website.
The information contained herein is NOT intended, nor should it be used to
diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate any disease or condition.
This site is under constant update.
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