Decoctions: A Comprehensive Guide to Herbal Boiling for Remedies

A decoction is an herbal remedy brewed from the roots, seeds and bark of herbs by boiling. It is similar to an herbal tea infusion in that both involve the extraction of the water-soluble, medicinal compounds from herbs. In "The Home Herbal Remedy Book," Joyce A. Wardwell notes that boiling, rather than merely steeping, is needed to brew a decoction, because roots and bark are tougher herbal material than flowers and leaves, and do not readily give up their active compounds.

Things You'll Need

• 1 ounce dried herb
• 2 cups water
• Non-aluminum pan
• Tea strainer
• Honey or stevia (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure one ounce (25 grams) of herb material--root, bark or seeds--into your pan. Ideally, you should use a non-aluminum pan such as glass or porcelain.

• 2

  Add two cups of cool water to the pan and cover. Bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.

• 3

  Strain the decoction into a mug or other container. Sweeten it with stevia or honey, if desired.

• 4

  Drink one cup of the decoction three times a day. Like herbal infusions, decoctions do not have a long shelf life, so you should brew as needed or refrigerate any leftover amount.