what is a decoction?

[Guest guest]

Sorry, I really did look in the files for this first.

 

How do I make a decoction of some herbs?

 

thanks much.

[Guest guest]

Decoctions are intended for immediate use , within 72 hours. A decoction

would be used for enemas , ointments , etc. It is made by pouring cold water

upon fresh or dried herbs. The usual preperation ( per Dr Christopher ) is

one ounce of the herb placed into 1 and 1/2 pints of cold water. The herb

and liquid is then brought slowly to a boil. He does not say how long to

boil . This would differ with each herb. What you would be looking for is

evidence that you have extracted the good stuff in the herb, like water

deepens in color dramatically , or some oils present in the water.This will

vary from herb to herb. If you are using dried roots you would have to pound

them into pieces and soak for 24 hours before the boiling process.

This is the data I have on it .We use this process when we make the liver

gall bladder and the kidney tea on the cleanse....Mary O

-

" hayfork51 " <hayfork51

<herbal remedies >

Friday, November 19, 2004 9:03 PM

Herbal Remedies - what is a decoction?

[Guest guest]

hi hayfork.

i looked in two of my favorite herbals (the way of herbs - michael tierra

and rosemary gladstar's family herbal). these are their definitions,

respectively:

 

decoction. to extract the deeper essences from coarser leaves, stems, barks

and roots, the herbs are simmered for about one hour. this method is called

a decoction. in many cases, the herbs are simmered uncovered and the volume of

water is decreased by about half through evaporation. however, some of these

coarser herbs contain important volatile oils, and these must be gently simmered

or steeped in a covered pot (valerian, cinnamon and burdock roots, for example.)

 

 

decoctions

decoctions are made from the more tenacious parts of the plant, such as the

roots,

bark, and seeds. it's a little harder to extract the constituents from the

parts,

so a slow simmer (or an overnight infusion) is often required.

to make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold

water.

heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes. the longer you simmer the

herbs, the stronger the tea will be.

 

i found an old copy of jeanne rose's Herbs and Things (quite a fun book). she

says

a decoction is simply: a liquid preparation made by boiling a medicinal plant

with water, usually one part plant to twenty parts water, boiled in a covered

container for about fifteen minutes.

 

so you see how the definition can vary depending upon where you get it. it's

always recommended to consult various resources when looking for information,

especially in this arena, since it is not an exact science.

 

try getting an herbal! they're fun and informative!

 

jamie lynn